Park or nature areaUsable guide

Izapa

Lost City of the Izapa Civilization

Photo: Noche de la pena, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Izapa is one of the oldest Mayan sites in Mexico. It is located northeast of Tapachula in Chiapas, Mexico, near the Guatemala border.

Where to eat, drink and stay

Eat2 places

El GallineroM$200
Regional cuisine in a pleasant outdoor dining area. Grilled meats and regional specialties. Recommend the mixiote and the pina coladas.
Hours
08:00-18:00
Price
M$200
Address
Carr. Tapachula-Talismán, Km 11.5
Phone
+52 962 132 1302
Rincon de Hadas
Nicely casual family friendly place with regional cuisine and quiet gardens. Cabins for rent.
Hours
08:00 - 17:00
Address
Carr. Tapachula-Talismán, Km 13
Phone
+52 962 121 1423
Website
facebook.com

Getting there and around

Getting there

The site is very easy to reach and explore. The site entrance is located 10 minutes by taxi northeast of Tapachula on federal highway MEX 200.

Read in the guide

Getting around

The archaeological site straddles the federal highway. As you approach the site from Tapachula, the main entrance (Group A and B) is on the right, about 1 km before the Rio de Izapa.

Read in the guide

Airports and nearby hotels

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Tapachula International Airport

Tapachula · Regional · TAP

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Read before you go to Izapa

Articles and travel topics about Izapa and Mexico.

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Full travel guide

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UnderstandIzapa was first settled around 1500 BC and was at its height from 800 BC to 100 BC, making it the oldest of the major Maya sites in Mexico. It started as a small village with an agrarian economy.

Get inThe site is very easy to reach and explore. The site entrance is located 10 minutes by taxi northeast of Tapachula on federal highway MEX 200.

Fees and permitsDaily admission to the site is M$85, paid at the site entrance gate. There are also local site guardians who can be hired for a few hours to guide you around the site.

Get aroundThe archaeological site straddles the federal highway. As you approach the site from Tapachula, the main entrance (Group A and B) is on the right, about 1 km before the Rio de Izapa.

SeeRelics from the site are in museums in Tapachula, Tuxtla Gutierrez, and in the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City.

EatA wide range of restaurants is available in Tapachula. There are a couple of restaurants adjacent to the archaeological zone.

SleepThere is a large selection of lodging in the city of Tapachula with hotels, hostels, and rooms. Cabins are available within walking distance of the archaeological site at the Rincon de Hadas.

Stay safeBring your own bottled water, 2 liters is probably enough for the few hours you'll spend at the site. Also bring mosquito repellant containing DEET. Wear sturdy shoes and long pants.

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Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Izapa" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Izapa", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Noche de la pena, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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