PUERTO CHIAPAS, MEXICO

View through our window as we approach Puerto Chiapas, Mexico

Arriving via cruise ship into Puerto Chiapas affords one a feeling of peace and tranquility.  Palm trees swaying in a gentle breeze, fountains, lush green and perfectly manicured grounds, a dozen national flags standing at attention in stark white place holders and a sparkling blue swimming pool makes Puerto Chiapas my pick for the most scenic of all the ports on this itinerary.  Even though this port was built in 1975 and has undergone 2 name changes, one would think that construction was completed just before your arrival.   

View from Deck 7

Swimming pool available for cruise passengers

Although beautiful to look at as glide gently into port  via cruise ship, the town of Puerto Chiapas holds little in the way of touristic interest.  There is a craft market as one leaves the dock but you will want to leave the port to find any points of interest in the area.   If you have not pre-arranged your shore excursion, either from the ship or through a private company, you are going to find the port small, crowded and ‘total chaos’ as you attempt to arrange your transportation.  With only one taxi kiosk available you will first stand in a very long line, then reserve and pay for your transportation and then WAIT for your number to be called announcing the arrival of your transportation.  Kinda reminded me of a day at your typical Motor Vehicles Department.   

Originally I had thought our shore excursion to the Izapa Ruins and Mayan Calendar Observatory had been pre-scheduled and reserved by Elaine and Allen Child, a couple we connected with thru the Cruise Critics board.  Unfortunately this proved to be a misunderstanding which resulting in a wait time of over an hour and a half to secure local transportation.  After much confusion and frustration our van finally arrived.  We had contracted for 3 hours at a cost of $20 per person.  Finally our party of 6 loaded into our white van and pulled away from the port.  I glanced down at my cellphone.  It was now 12:30pm and we were finally headed out to the ruins.

Travel time from the pier to Izapa ruins takes about 45 minutes.  To our delight no entrance fees were collected.   The grounds are a large pre-Columbian archeological site whose beginnings can be traced back to around 1500 BC.  Originally just a very small village, 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 BC and AD 100. Once foremost in the region for the production of highly valued cacao, Izapa brought together many of Mesoamerica’s ancient cultures and many believe it to be the original site of the sacred Mayan Calendar.  You will want to spend a minimum of 30 minutes here and then consider driving another 5 minutes to the lesser known Group A and Group B sites.  The group A location is where you will find Stela 5, known as the “Tree of Life” stone.  Though not as grand as some of the other Mayan ruins, I think you will be pleasantly surprised with your visit. 

Panoramic photo taken from one of the many mounds at Izapa Ruins

Enjoyed the day with some of our new cruise friends Rick and Darla

Stela 5 "Tree of Life" Stone

Stela located at Group A location

From the Izapa ruins we headed to the Tapachula Planetarium.  Here we were introduced to Mayan Cosmology and also enjoyed a Mayan folkloric performance.  As we sat in preparation for the viewing, we reclined our seats to a near flat position, affording a full view of the domed planatarium ceiling.  The lights slowly dim and finally you find yourself sitting in total darkness.  Next you will enjoy the 15 minute audio-visual presentation on the stars and how they were used by the Mayans in building their cities and temples.   At the conclusion of the presentation, after allowing ample time for your eyes to adjust to the light,  you can head outside the building to watch a traditional Mayan Leopard Warrior dance.   

Inviting the crowds to watch the performance

Mayan Leopard Warrior

At the conclusion of the folkloric performance we again loaded into our van and headed back to our ship.  We pulled dockside just as our 3 hours was concluding.  Another beautiful and informative day comes to a conclusion.