Berriozábal and Coita

Berriozábal and Coita are two Chiapas municipalities located west of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, just 15-25 minutes by car from the airport and the state capital's center. Neither appears in conventional travel guides — and that, precisely, is their greatest appeal.

Staying here means waking up to birdsong instead of traffic, browsing markets visited only by locals, and experiencing the daily rhythm of Chiapas life in a way no chain hotel can offer. Prices are noticeably lower than in Tuxtla, and the tranquility is genuine.

At the same time, you have immediate access to everything Chiapas has to offer: Sumidero Canyon 30 minutes away, Chiapa de Corzo at 25 minutes, San Cristóbal de las Casas in under 2 hours. It's the ideal combination of real rest and limitless exploration.

Berriozábal is a medium-sized municipality with all essential services: supermarkets, pharmacies, ATMs, restaurants, and good connectivity. Life revolves around its main square and local market, which become especially lively on weekends.

What to do and see:

• Central plaza and municipal market — The heart of town. On Sundays especially, the market fills with local producers selling tropical fruits, vegetables, crafts, and homemade Chiapas food. An authentic experience far from the tourist circuit.
• Parish of San Jerónimo — The colonial church that presides over the square, with its baroque-style architecture and a history dating back to the colonial era. Step inside at your own pace, with no queues or tourist groups.
• Walking the town center — Berriozábal has a small but characterful historic center. Cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and the absence of mass tourism make it perfect for unhurried walking.
• Local food at the market — Seek out the breakfast stalls to try tamales de chipilín, pozol, and Chiapas-style tlayudas at village prices. It's one of the best breakfasts you can have in the region.

Ocozocoautla de Espinosa — known locally as Coita — is one of the most complete and surprising municipalities in Chiapas. A Pueblo Mágico since 2022, it is neither a rancho nor a small village: it is a city with a millennial Zoque history, extraordinary nature, and natural secrets that most tourists have yet to discover. Its name comes from the Nahuatl "place of the ocozol" — the liquidambar resin that once grew abundantly here — and the Zoques built one of their most important cultural centers on this land.

Coita has everything you need as a base for exploring western Chiapas: good services, authentic Zoque cuisine, a market with real local life — and just 14 km away, one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena in the country.

What you'll find:

• Nature at your doorstep — The surroundings of Coita offer walks along rural paths, views of hills and tropical vegetation. No marked trails or tourist guides, just direct nature.
• Homemade Chiapas cuisine — Small local diners serve daily meals at very affordable prices. Expect traditional stews, handmade tortillas, and the authentic taste of Chiapas home cooking.
• Unhurried pace of life — There's no agenda here. Coita is the perfect place to read, rest, and recharge before diving back into sightseeing.

Berriozábal and Coita's location is strategic: you're far from the noise but close to everything important in Chiapas. Here are the most recommended day trips:

• Sumidero Canyon (30–40 min) — The region's absolute must-see. Take the boat tour from Chiapa de Corzo and navigate one of Mexico's most spectacular canyons. Rock walls up to 1,000 meters rising above the Grijalva River.
• Chiapa de Corzo (25–30 min) — Magical Town with artisan market, the 16th-century colonial Pila fountain, and highly regarded gastronomy (pepita con tasajo is a must). Also the departure point for Canyon tours.
• Tuxtla Gutiérrez (15–20 min) — The state capital has ZooMAT (endemic wildlife zoo, free admission), Marimba Park, shopping centers, and the region's best food scene.
• San Cristóbal de las Casas (1.5–2 hours) — Chiapas' most visited city. Cobblestone streets, indigenous markets, charming cafés, and a unique colonial energy. Worth staying overnight or doing as a full day trip.
• Cascadas El Aguacero (approx. 45 min) — Natural pools and waterfalls in a jungle setting. Ideal for a nature day and swimming in crystal-clear waters.

Getting there: From Ángel Albino Corzo International Airport (TGZ) it's 15-25 minutes by car. If you're flying into Tuxtla, renting a car or booking a private transfer is the best option. Uber also operates in Tuxtla and can take you to Berriozábal.

Local transport: To move between Berriozábal, Coita, and Tuxtla, colectivos (shared combis or minibuses) are the local option. You can also use taxis or Uber from Tuxtla. Having your own car makes day trips much easier.

Climate: Warm, tropical climate. Temperatures between 24-33°C during the day. Nights can be cooler. Rainy season runs May to October — bring a light raincoat.

Services in Berriozábal: There are supermarkets, pharmacies, ATMs, and restaurants. In Coita services are more limited, so it's a good idea to stock up before arriving.

Connectivity: Berriozábal has good mobile coverage (Telcel/AT&T). In Coita, signal may vary by area. WiFi is available in all Marimbas properties.

Safety: These are peaceful residential areas. Apply common sense as always: don't display valuables, check with your hosts about recommended areas, and enjoy at a relaxed pace.