Pacific coast? What Pacific coast? Between exploring the cool highlands of San Cristóbal, the dry plateau around Tuxtla Gutiérrez, and the sweaty rainforest outside Palenque, it’s easy to forget that Chiapas even has a coastal region, let alone hundreds of miles of sparkling grey-black sand and tangled mangrove forests. There are even Maya ruins and a cruise ship port—whodathunkit?

Of course, beach towns like Puerto Arista and Boca del Cielo are very well known to local residents of Tuxtla, who flock there on weekends and holidays to escape the inland heat. Some foreign travelers do the same, especially midweek which tends to be much less hectic. You can also beat weekend crowds by heading to lesser-known beach spots, like Costa Azul outside Pijijiapán, just an hour further down the coast.

But even lifelong Chiapanecans are surprised to learn just how much the coastal region has to offer. The mangrove forests near Barra de Zacapulco, part of a massive biosphere reserve, are the tallest in Latin America, soaring to over 25 meters (80 feet) and forming tangled waterways that make for memorable tours.

Chiapas’s coast is also a major nesting zone for sea turtles, with several centers where travelers can join nighttime beach patrols or help release hatchlings back into the sea. And there are myriad opportunities for fishing, bird-watching, kayaking, and more.

Venturing inland, the coastal region has even more surprises—and rewards. It’s one of Mexico’s top coffee-producing areas, and travelers can visit working organic coffee fincas (plantations), with cozy guest rooms and fascinating tours.

For something more adventuresome, the three-day ascent of Volcán Tacaná is one of Chiapas’s best—and least known—hikes. Even the bustling border city of Tapachula has some unexpected charm, from the lively central plaza to a startlingly good restaurant scene.

The Best of the Pacific Coast

• Riberas de la Costa Azul
• Reserva Natural La Encrucijada
• Museo Arqueológico del Soconusco
• Tacaná Volcano
• Ruta del Café