Travel Guide Ocosingo

Two and a half hours by road from San Cristobal (85 kilometers), and 115 kilometers from Palenque, the village of Ocosingo is located in the heart of a valley that is the only flat spot within 100 kilometers. It is considered the gateway to the selva, and its territory includes part of the Montes Azules reserve (including the Miramar, Ocotal and Naja lagoons). The town is bounded by the road (there are numerous bus and colectivo stops) and, further down, by the Porfirian-style town hall and the large plaza where the church of San Jacinto de Polonia stands. The original construction of the church was completed in 1549 but it now has Baroque and neoclassical architecture; the market is further south. Although this town is neglected by the flood of tourists, it is nevertheless worth a stop, as it is an important meeting point for the local Indians, who come here to sell the vegetables and, above all, the cheeses for which this tzeltal area is famous. There are a few hotels and good restaurants. But it is above all its surrounding landscapes that are worth the detour, such as those to be discovered along the ten kilometers of the hilly and winding road that goes to the sumptuous archaeological zone of Tonina. From Ocosingo it is easy to descend to Altamirano and Comitán, located further south.