Mexico's southernmost cruise port sits steps from Guatemala and centuries of Mayan history. Expect marimba bands on the pier, cacao plantations, ancient stone carvings, and some of the best fresh shrimp on the Pacific coast.
Ships dock at Puerto Chiapas' modern cruise terminal — a palapa-style village with a pool, shops, and live marimba performances.
💡 Pro move: English is limited outside the cruise terminal. Download a Spanish translation app before going ashore.
Puerto Chiapas has a dedicated cruise pier — all ships dock directly with no tendering required.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Princess Cruises, Holland America Line | Puerto Chiapas Cruise Terminal📍 | Docked |
| Most cruise lines | Puerto Chiapas Cruise Terminal📍 | Docked |
From 3,000-year-old Mayan ruins to mountaintop coffee fincas, Puerto Chiapas punches well above its size for serious excursions.
One of Mesoamerica's most significant pre-Classic sites, dating to 1500 BC. See Stele 5 — the famous 'Tree of Life' carving — and monuments that may be the birthplace of the Mayan Long Count calendar.
Find Izapa ruins tours →Visit the town of Tuxtla Chico to watch traditional chocolate made by hand on stone metates — the same technique used for millennia in the Soconusco, historically one of the world's first cacao-growing regions.
Find chocolate tour experiences →High-altitude estates like Finca Hamburgo offer guided tours through shaded coffee rows, a look at processing, and tastings of some of Mexico's finest organic arabica.
Find coffee plantation tours →Dark volcanic sand and powerful Pacific surf, lined with open-air restaurants serving fresh garlic shrimp and whole fried snapper. Not a swimming beach — come for the food and the sound of the waves.
Book a beach day excursion →Take a lancha through the mangrove channels near Playa Linda to spot herons, pelicans, and the occasional crocodile in their natural habitat.
Find mangrove boat tours →Explore the region's main city: walk the Parque Central, admire the historic San Agustín Cathedral, and browse the Soconusco Archaeological Museum for context on the Olmec and Mayan heritage of the coast.
Find Tapachula city tours →The cruise terminal itself is the best walkable area; the city of Tapachula requires a taxi or shuttle.
Wander the palapa-roofed shopping and cultural village inside the terminal. Browse handmade amber jewelry, lacquerware, and Chiapan textiles, watch the marimba and dance performances, and take a dip in the free pool.
📍 Open in MapsFrom the taxi drop-off near Parque Miguel Hidalgo, walk to the San Agustín Cathedral, then browse the market stalls surrounding the plaza. The Soconusco Archaeological Museum is one block away.
Climate normals for Puerto Chiapas, Chiapas, Mexico (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 67°F / 19°C | 54°F / 12°C | 17 | 6:39 AM | 5:54 PM |
| Feb | 69°F / 21°C | 55°F / 13°C | 13 | 6:32 AM | 6:09 PM |
| Mar | 73°F / 23°C | 57°F / 14°C | 12 | 6:14 AM | 6:16 PM |
| Apr | 78°F / 26°C | 60°F / 16°C | 11 | 5:51 AM | 6:22 PM |
| May | 78°F / 26°C | 62°F / 17°C | 17 | 5:36 AM | 6:30 PM |
| Jun | 75°F / 24°C | 62°F / 17°C | 25 | 5:34 AM | 6:40 PM |
| Jul | 73°F / 23°C | 61°F / 16°C | 22 | 5:42 AM | 6:43 PM |
| Aug | 75°F / 24°C | 61°F / 16°C | 21 | 5:51 AM | 6:31 PM |
| Sep | 74°F / 23°C | 62°F / 17°C | 27 | 5:55 AM | 6:08 PM |
| Oct | 72°F / 22°C | 61°F / 16°C | 23 | 5:59 AM | 5:45 PM |
| Nov | 69°F / 21°C | 58°F / 14°C | 20 | 6:11 AM | 5:32 PM |
| Dec | 68°F / 20°C | 56°F / 13°C | 16 | 6:27 AM | 5:36 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Official shuttle runs from the cruise terminal to Tapachula city center, about 30–45 minutes each way. Tickets are sold inside the terminal building.
Taxis are available at a dedicated desk inside the cruise terminal. Negotiate the fare before departing; port taxis may charge per person at a higher rate.
Uber is confirmed available in Tapachula; DiDi also operates in Mexico. These apps are most practical once you arrive in the city rather than at the remote port.
The cruise terminal has shops, restaurants, bars, and sometimes a pool. The port is in an isolated coastal area — staying in is a relaxed option on lighter port days.
Cruise line and independent tours cover Izapa ruins, coffee/cacao plantations, and mangrove wildlife safaris, all with included transport from the terminal.
Upcoming cruises that call at Puerto Chiapas, Chiapas, Mexico. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.