Tapijulapa
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◈Amongst the thick vegetation that the Tabasco mountains are known for, you will find Tapijulapa; a town of Zoque origin, with cobbled streets that twist and turn until disappearing into the mountain range. As well as a tranquil appearance, there are also houses painted white and red, tile rooftops, and balconies covered in flowers.
Protected by the generosity of nature, its surroundings allow you to breathe deeply, explore the plant life of its nature parks and see them from a bird’s eye perspective while gliding over the canopy, or get to know them from deep inside its caves.
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◆Visit the Santo Domingo Church, on one side of the town’s main square.
◆Swim in the natural pools within the parks.
◆Try mone and pishul.
Taking place during lent, this is one of the most important rituals carried out in honor of the gods of the rain, water, earth and moon, and seeks the fertility of the earth and an abundance of fish. In the sulfurous water pools of the Cueva de las Sardinas, they scrape barbasco (a plant that contains natural toxins), used for fishing.
❖ Jardín Botánico de Dios
The work Don Isidro Cruz Martínez has done with the land has materialized into a 35-acre treasure chest of botanical knowledge, which he named “God’s Botanic Garden”. Don Isidro is a well-known local herbal doctor, and he and his family care for more than 300 medicinal plants in this beautiful garden. You will find endemic and tropical species here, almost all of them for culinary use as well as having medicinal properties. Take the opportunity to ask for a massage and a consultation with one of the herbal experts; you will emerge feeling energetic and clear-headed.
❖ Templo de Santiago Apóstol
The Templo de Santiago Apóstol is one of the few churches from the time of the Viceroyalty that still exist in Tabasco. It’s a very subdued Dominican structure dating back to the 17th century. The church’s steps mark the town’s highest point and offer excellent views. Climb them to admire the landscape and appreciate the subtle beauty of its streets, framed by the mountain range and its elegant fig, ceiba and sapodilla trees.
❖Swim in the Villa Luz Waterfalls
The Villa Luz Nature Park covers more than 148 acres. It boasts a small archeological museum, an enormous zip-line, and trails that lead to the main waterfall. The falling water forms streams and pools of sulfurous water, perfect for a therapeutic dive.
❖ Kolem Jaá Ecological Reserve
Kolem Jaá is located around 2 miles from the center of Tapijulapa. We recommend you travel there by boat along the Río Oxolotán. This 67-acre reserve is a kind of natural water park; it has multiple pools of sulfurous water and a group of lovely waterfalls. All of this exists in its natural state, surrounded by rainforest, with some marked trails.
Here you can test your physical skills on the “commando track”, a route of activities and obstacles that include descending a waterfall on rappel, plowing through the tops of the trees on a zip line, and visiting the original labyrinth/butterfly zoo. You can also go horseback riding, ride a bicycle, go rafting, or stay the night in one of the cabins (there is also a restaurant).
❖Swim in the Villa Luz Waterfalls
The Villa Luz Nature Park covers more than 148 acres. It boasts a small archeological museum, an enormous zip-line, and trails that lead to the main waterfall. The falling water forms streams and pools of sulfurous water, perfect for a therapeutic dive.
❖Try Mone, Pishul, and Other Traditional Stews
Enjoy the flavors of the Zoque and Chol cultures. Mone takes center stage: pork or fish stewed with plantain, cilantro, chili and tomato, wrapped in hoja santa (Mexican pepperleaf). Also make sure to try pishul (crunchy fried tortilla with toppings), the local version of a tlayuda; pushianes, soft dough tamales filled with chipilín (a perennial legume); and during season, shotes or stream snails in green salsa. Don’t forget the cooked chestnuts; Tapijulapa is one of the few places in Mexico where they are cultivated and eaten. To try these typical flavors, we recommend El Sabor de la Sierra, a restaurant that specializes in regional food. It’s worth spending plenty of time here and trying a little bit of everything.
❖Fishing the Blind Sardine
Taking place during lent, this is one of the most important rituals carried out in honor of the gods of the rain, water, earth and moon, and seeks the fertility of the earth and an abundance of fish. In the sulfurous water pools of the Cueva de las Sardinas, they scrape barbasco (a plant that contains natural toxins), used for fishing.
To the rhythm of the drums, the fishermen walk to the entrance of the cave where the traditional dance takes place: the dancers carry a wicker basket adorned with flowers, a candle and the barbasco. After the prayer, they head into the cave, where they light the candles and throw the barbasco into the water. The “blind sardines” are drugged and go towards the water’s edge, where they are scooped up by the dancers in their baskets.
