Tapijulapa

Tapijulapa is a scenic small town in Mexico's southern state of Tabasco. Buildings are all painted white with red trim and have red roofs. Surrounded by jungle, abundant natural scenery invites hiking and exploration. Don't miss the Villa Luz waterfalls. Tapijulapa is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Mágicos.

Get in
The best way to get to Tapijulapa from Villahermosa is by taxi. Even though the ride is almost an hour long, the fare is unlikely to be more than about M$80, but always discuss the fare with the driver before setting out. It's possible to do the trip by bus, but generally more expensive and less convenient.

By bus
From Villahermosa, you will probably not find a direct bus to Tapijulapa, in which case you can take a bus to either Jalapa or Teapa. Both of those towns are served by daily buses on Autobuses TRT. From Jalapa or Teapa, you can take a taxi or combi to Tapijulapa.

Get around
The town is compact and delightfully walkable with numerous narrow alleys (callejon). Boats leave from the town jetty to take you to Villa Luz.

Do
The jungles, mountains and rivers around Tapijulapa offers a rich menu of activities for the adventure traveler or ecotourist. Activities include:
 * Hiking
 * Rapelling
 * Climbing
 * Ziplining
 * Soaking in mineral waters
 * Nature watching

Festivals

 * Sardine Fishing Ceremony, (Danza de la Pesca Sardinas), Palm Sunday - Music and dance ceremony commemorating the Zoque tradition of fishing for sardines in the Cueva de Villa Luz. Twelve shamen and three musicians dressed in traditional Zoque garb, carry baskets with wildflowers, candles, and a net laced with a natural narcotic used to catch the fish.
 * Fiesta de Santiago Apóstol, July 25 - Celebration of the patron saint of Tapijulapa, festivities downtown and in front of the church with food, music and games.

Sleep






Connect
This is a remote area where cell service can be unreliable outside of town. As of 2023, the best you will get is 3G in the town of Tapijulapa itself and along the road to Teapa.

Go next

 * Villahermosa
 * Tuxtla Gutierrez
 * San Cristobal de las Casas