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City guide

Tapachula, México

Tapachula de Córdova y Ordóñez, simply known as Tapachula, is a municipality located in the far south of the state of Chiapas, Mexico, near the Guatemalan border and the Pacific Ocean. Economically, it is one of the most important cities in Chiapas; as capital of the agriculturally-rich Soconusco region, Tapachula also serves as a key port for trade between Mexico and Central America.

Type City

Why go

  • City and municipality in Chiapas, Mexico.
  • Served by Tapachula International Airport (TAP).

History

Tapachula de Córdova y Ordóñez, simply known as Tapachula, is a municipality located in the far south of the state of Chiapas, Mexico, near the Guatemalan border and the Pacific Ocean. Economically, it is one of the most important cities in Chiapas; as capital of the agriculturally-rich Soconusco region, Tapachula also serves as a key port for trade between Mexico and Central America. The area was originally inhabited by the Mam, as a region under the control of the Mam state of Xelaju, but was first established as a city by the Aztecs in the 13th century. Most of its economic importance has come since the late 19th century, with the establishment of coffee plantations. This practice initiated a steady stream of migration and immigration into the area, which continues to this day, and has left the city with a significant Asian and German cultural presence. There is a large Mayan and Nahua population.

Airports

Tapachula International Airport (TAP) 16 km to the centre
Tapachula, CHP, MX — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day. ✈ 1 airline (AeroMéxico) · direct flights to 2 destinations incl. Guatemala City, Mexico City (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 1 airline, 2 direct destinations
  • AeroMéxico AM (ERJ, Embraer 170, EMJ, Embraer 175) · 2 routes: Guatemala City*, Mexico City

Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.

Indoor | Outdoor
Retalhuleu Airport (RER) 75 km to the centre
Retalhuleu, RE, GT — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Coatepeque Airport (CTF) 48 km to the centre
Coatepeque, QZ, GT — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Quezaltenango Airport (AAZ) 83 km to the centre
Quezaltenango, QZ, GT — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Huehuetenango Airport (HUG) 95 km to the centre
Huehuetenango, HU, GT — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Malacatán Airport 20 km to the centre
San Marcos, SM, GT
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Tapachula International Airport (TAP); 24 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: TAP has direct flights to 2 destinations on 1 airline (incl. Guatemala City, Mexico City).

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Tapachula, México. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach