Chiapas Through the Ages

Experience Mexico’s past and present as you explore the ancient Mayan archeological site of Izapa, then visit the Planetarium and learn about Mayan cosmology, and stroll through the Tapachula town square on a sightseeing adventure that will both educate and delight you.

From the pier, you board an air-conditioned bus to the ancient ruins of Izapa. From its beginnings as a small village sometime around 1500 BCE, Izapa grew into the region’s most influential cultural and commercial center with a population of possibly up to 10,000 people at the height of its influence, sometime between 60 BCE and 100 ACE.

Once the foremost community in the region for producing highly valued cacao, Izapa brought together many of Mesoamerica’s ancient cultures. Many believe it to be the site where the sacred Mayan calendar originated, although much study remains in order to unlock these secrets. From here, travel by bus to the culturally diverse city of Tapachula, whose influences include Mayans, mestizos and Spanish, and also German, Chinese, Japanese, and French immigrants. From here, your tour guide will introduce you to some the city’s highlights on a short walking tour around the town square. Enjoy free time to shop in local artisan shops for leather goods, ceramics, and more. You then return by bus to the ship’s pier.

Practical information:

• Language: English and Spanish

• Remarks/requirements: Comfortable clothing and walking shoes, extra money

• Walking distance: 0.6 miles, mostly even terrain

• Wheelchair accessible: No