Chiapa de Corzo

A zocalo is a town square, and in Chiapa de Corzo, locals boast that their zocalo is bigger than the famous square in downtown Mexico City. A water fountain called La Pila is the centerpiece of the Fuente.

Moorish design church built in the late 16th century. The church includes three naves and an altar of gilded cedar. A tour of the monastery includes climbing up into the bell tower (supposedly the largest bell in Chiapas) and enjoying spectacular views of the historic centro. The former monastery also houses the Museo de Laca (described separately).

Small site, generally unknown to tourists so you are likely to have the place to yourself. Relics found here date to 1400 BC and are associated with the Olmec culture, which thrived here until about 100 AD, after which it was later occupied by the Zoque indigenous people. The oldest tomb ever discovered in Mesoamerica was found at this site.

Cultural museum established in 1952, a former monastery now houses a museum with five galleries showcasing lacquerware. Lacquer items are a form of artesanias characterized by smooth, brilliantly polished black surfaces. Commonly serving platters and similar tableware, Mexican artisans are also known for their black lacquer furniture.

Small cultural museum with five galleries explaining the history, manufacture, and cultural traditions surrounding the marimba. You'll also be able to hear the marimba side-by-side with a xylophone and will never again think they're the same thing! Marimbas are a fascinating instrument, popular throughout central and southern Mexico, where Mayan musicians have adapted their own versions of the instrument since 1680. A must for any seriously curious musicians!

The ruins of a 17th-century church nearly destroyed by an earthquake in 1911. The church has undergone some renovation to stabilize it and is open for public visits (though it's still a ruins, not an active church). Set atop a hill known as San Gregorio.

Docks where you can take a tour boat on the Rio Grijalve through the Sumidero Canyon.

Main docks for town, short walk from town square. You can take a tour boat from here through the Sumidero Canyon. Boats leave when full, with no need for reservations or to buy a tour from local touts. Departures may only be until about 14:30.