Chiapas Through the Ages

Experience Mexico’s past and present as you explore the ancient Mayan archaeological site of Izapa, visit the planetarium and learn about Mayan cosmology, watch Maya dancers perform and then wander through Tapachula’s town square on a tour that will both educate and delight you.

You’ll take an approximately 45-minute bus ride to the ancient ruins of Izapa. From its beginnings as a small village around 1500 B.C., Izapa grew into the region’s most influential cultural and commercial center with an estimated population of about 10,000 at its peak. It was believed to be site where the sacred Mayan calendar originated and the leader in the region’s production of the highly valued cacao. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the main buildings and learn about the history and enjoy some free time to explore on your own.

From here, you’ll travel by bus to the culturally diverse city of Tapachula whose history and heritage has been influenced not only by the Mayans, Mestizo and Spanish but by German, Chinese, Japanese and French immigrants as well. Your tour guide will introduce you to some the city’s highlights during a short walking tour around the town square. You’ll have free time for shopping in local artisan shops for leather goods, ceramics and more. Continue to Tapachula’s Planetarium for a presentation inside the dome about Mayan astronomy and cosmology and watch Mayan dancers perform, before returning by bus to your ship.