Tapachula, Chiapas
“Between the Waters”
Tapachula
Written by Dorothy Bell
Photography by Bill Bell
Tapachula is the most southerly city in
Mexico. It is an economically blessed city with much of its
wealth derived from coffee plantations and processing. For the
traveler, Tapachula is somewhat plain and merely the jumping
point for a trek to Central America, however with a little time
and curiosity, this no-frill city can delight with small
pleasures.
Fast Facts
Official Name - Tapachula de Córdova
y Ordóñezin to honor a Brother Matías de Córdova y Ordóñez
Population - 190,000
Elevation – 170 meters above Sea
Level
Climate: Hot and Humid throughout
the year. The annual rainfall of about 3,900mm makes it one of
the world’s most rainy cities.
Money – Abundant ATMs and Banks
Airport – Tapachula International
Airport (TAP) Mexico's southernmost airport. National and
International air traffic.
Medical – At present there is one
government hospital, IMSS hospitals private hospitals and one
Mexican Red Cross Hospital. Hospital services have concentrated
on labor and delivery, infectious diseases, malnutrition and
accidents.
History
It appears that the area was continually
invaded and settled by a number of different cultures. Likely
the Central American Indian groups that settles in the area
were what is now collectively called the Mames. They were
conquered by the Olmecs, who were then attacked by the Toltecs.
Tapachula was eventually in 1486 established by the Aztecs as a
collection point for the taxes and tributes to be paid to Mexico
City.
After the Spanish Conquest Tapachula became
the center of the region for the development of cacao. In 1774
the city became the capital for the region.
Before the War of Independence, Tapachula
protested long and hard about taxation imposed by the Spanish
and during the conflict was declared both a town and a parish.
Flexing its muscle and prominence as the regional capital,
Tapachula declared itself independent from Spain, Guatamala and
Mexico.(1821-24). In 1888 the region was declared Mexican.
In the early 1900’s many Chinese came to
work the coffee plantations. The descendants of these original
workers have spread throughout the state and are evident in the
number of restaurants and supply stores particularly in
Tapachula.
Today
Tapachula is a border city and has grown
rich and prosperous with international trade and the flow of
goods between the two countries. It is also the principal city,
the center for an agriculturally rich region area that produces
internationally acclaimed coffee. It has the highest per capital
income in the state of Chiapas.
Tapachula is a modern city and has
developed suburban malls with big box retailers. The central
city core needs revitalization and a plan to develop as a vital
historical and cultural center of the city. The Parque Miguel
Hidalgo is a plaza lined with trees and a central octagon
kiosk. To one side is the old and new municipal palace, Soconusco
Archeological Museum and theatre.
Things to Do
Visit
the Soconusco Archeological Museum in part of the old city hall.
Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00 hrs. Phone:
(961) 67 64 173
Displays important pieces from local
archeological sites of the area. See a gold scull with
turquoise.
The
Casa De Cultura is and art deco styled building erected in
1929. The façade however, is Oaxacan with Aztec warriors and
serpents.
Casa De Cultura
The
San Augustíne parish church built in the 18th century honors San
Augustine the patron saint of the city. It was once the central
cathedral of the city.
San Agustíne
Festivals
(Tapachula celebrates the many Mexican
festivals featured in
our calendar.
The ones listed below are particular to Tapachula)
February - Chinese New Year. Lion
and Dragon dances are performed
February 28 to March 6 –
International Fair of Tapachula Cultural, Commercial and
Agricultural Exhibitions including livestock, crafts, art,
rides, rodeos, dances, bullfights and cock fighting.
November (Variable Dates)
Festival of Culture and Arts
Art in various forms plus an, academic
component including a forum where intellectuals give lectures
and presentations on social, cultural, political and economic
topics
Accommodation
There is a wide variety of Hotels, Posadas
and no-tell motels.
Holiday Inn Express Tapachula
Road to Puerto Madero km 3.5 CP30700 Tapachula de Córdova y
Ordóñez, Chiapas.
Tel: (962) 620 1600 Reservations:
01-800-0099900
http://www.hiexpress.com/tapachula Services: 102 Rooms,
including American buffet breakfast, Fitness Center Business,
Wireless Internet, free local calls, alarm clock and free
transportation Executive Airport - Hotel - Airport.
Hotel
Baccarat
4a Av.
Norte No. 97.
Tapachula
Mexico
Tel: (962)
6266787
www.suitesbaccarat.com
baccarathotel_suites@hotmail.com
Hotel rooms with
double bed and
sparsely equipped
"kitchen." Microwave
oven, sink and
fridge. Good Value
centrally located.
10 minutes walk to
the plaza. 25
minutes drive to the
airport.
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