Ocosingo, Chiapas

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Ocosingo, Chiapas

"Place of Pine"

Ocosingo is a small city located in the highlands of Chiapas. It is primarily an agricultural center populated with Mayans. Ocosingo played a major role in the Zapatista uprising in 1994.

Fast Facts

Population - 52.358

Elevation – 1000 kms (3428 ft) above sea level

Climate: Climate ranges from hot and humid in summer and mild wet winters with abundant summer rains

Money – numerous banks and ATMs

Industry – Agriculture and cheese making

Airport – The nearest international airport is in Tuxtla Gutierrez 107 kms away (66 miles). The nearest regional airport in in San Christobal 53.6 km (33.3 miles) or Palenque at 66.4 (41,4 miles).

Medical – Hospitals and clinics

History

The area was inhabited by Mayans and around 100 AD they built a medium sized city called Toniná 13 kms away from present day Ocosingo. Toniná was in constant war with Palenque and other Mayan cities until it was abandoned around 1,000 AD.

In 1564 people moved to Ocosingo and established the village, The town grew quickly and on July 27 of 1829 was granted the rank of villa. July 1979 Ocosingo was granted city status.

In 1994 Ocosingo was occupied by EZLN (The Zapatistas) with many other towns and cities in central Chiapas. The rebels retreated in most places but were caught unexpectedly by the army in Ocosingo. The city was the center battlefield between the army soldiers and the rebels and civilians. Dozens died. It is now known as the Battle of Ocosingo.

Things to see and do

Toniná, only 13km away, is definitely worth exploring. The museum at the site is also very well constructed. See Toniná here.