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Explore Puerto Chiapas, Mexico
Puerto Chiapas, formerly known as Puerto Madero is a relatively new port, approximately 30 minutes outside of the city of Tapachula, Mexico. The port is situated only a few miles from the Guatemalan border and offers a humid tropical climate year round.
The area around Puerto Chiapas and Tapachula is interestingly
cosmopolitan, with a German and Asian influence in the area. You’ll notice this
influence in the architecture, cuisine, art and textiles as you visit the shops
and stop for lunch.
Although not many cruise lines stop in the area, Holland America Line and Regent Seven Seas are quite known for stopping at this port. Although the city of Tapachula is not itself a large tourist draw, however, the local area is rich in culture, history, and discovery. For example, there are quite a few shore excursions that will interest people with a penchant for ancient tribes. It is very possible to visit the Mayan Ruins of Palenque, an important archaeological complex dating back to 100 BC or the Izapa ruins.
With lush tropical forests, you can spend the day exploring mangroves and bird watching. Feel like learning a bit? Visit a coffee of banana plantation to see the effort that goes into that delicious cup of java you crave every morning or that banana you love to cut up over your cereal in the morning.
Other points of interest in the area include the Sonocnusco Archaeological Museum and the Temple of San Agustìn. If you’re looking for a lazy beach day, head to the beaches of San Benito and Playa Linda where you can listen to waves of the Pacific crash into the shores while catching some sun. You’ll also find a few shops and restaurants along the beach should you feel the need to nibble or spend some peso.
For a touch of the unexpected, visit the German houses and hacienda villages installed by German settlers who came to the area back when the coffee boom first hit.
If you are unable to partake in the many shore excursions, don’t worry, there is still some activity at the pier. There, you will find a market where you can shop for souvenirs. You’ll also find musical performers, restaurants and bars, all just steps away from the ship.
I this port city has got you feeling the wanderlust of traveling central and southern America, Holland America Line’s ms Rotterdam Feb 2 & April 17, 2011, 30 Night sailing will be stopping in Puerto Chiapas as well as other fabulous ports like Fuerte Amador (Panama Canal), Lima, Peru and Puerto Caldera…to name a few.
