Things To Do
in Bochil

Bochil is a small town in Chiapas, Mexico, set in a lush highland valley with rustic charm. The town blends agricultural life with a touch of regional Maya heritage, seen in its markets, crafts, and daily routines. Visitors can experience simple but flavorful Chiapan cuisine, friendly locals, and easy access to nearby nature.

Bochil serves as a quiet base for day trips to scenic rivers, waterfalls, and the larger hubs of the region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the vibrant main square, where you can admire the colonial architecture of the church and surrounding buildings. Enjoy a traditional breakfast of huevos rancheros at a local café, savoring the flavors of the region. Take a leisurely stroll through the plaza, engaging with local artisans showcasing their crafts.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, head to the Museum of Bochil to learn about the town's rich history and culture through its fascinating exhibits. After exploring the museum, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant, where you can try local specialties such as tamales and pozole. Spend the rest of your afternoon visiting local markets, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and picking up handmade souvenirs.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy spot in a local eatery to enjoy dinner with traditional Chiapas dishes such as carne asada or grilled fish. Post-dinner, take a walk through the illuminated streets of Bochil, soaking in the peaceful ambiance. Conclude your day by enjoying live music at a local bar, experiencing the sounds of regional folk tunes.

day 2
Nature and Coffee Tour
morning
:

Start your day with a guided tour of a nearby coffee plantation, where you can learn about the coffee-making process from bean to cup. Experience the lush landscapes of the Chiapas region as you walk through the fields, inhaling the rich aroma of fresh coffee. Enjoy a breakfast of fresh fruit and pastries served right at the plantation, paired with their own brewed coffee.

afternoon
:

After your coffee tour, embark on a short hike through the nearby cloud forests, where you can admire the diverse flora and fauna unique to the region. Bring along a packed lunch and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature, listening to the sounds of birds and the rustle of leaves. In the afternoon, visit a local artisan who crafts handmade goods from coffee beans, witnessing the creative processes firsthand.

evening
:

Return to Bochil in the evening and savor dinner at a local restaurant known for its organic farm-to-table approach. Relish in dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, celebrating the flavors of the region. After dinner, take a moment to relax at a nearby park, reflecting on the day while watching the stars twinkle above.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee in café$1-3
🚶One-way local transport$0.50-1.50
🏨Budget hotel night$25-40
🛍️Souvenirs$5-20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, authentic Chiapas experience away from heavy tourist crowds
  • Friendly locals and rich local culture
  • Good base for day trips to natural sites and larger towns
  • Affordable food and lodging compared to bigger cities
  • Limited nightlife and fewer major tourist facilities
  • Rural transport can be less predictable
  • Fewer English-speaking services in some spots
  • Hot, humid conditions in the rainy season may feel oppressive
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "Buenos días" - Good morning
  • "Buenas tardes" - Good afternoon
  • "Estoy perdido/a" - I am lost
  • "Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Bochil

Visit one of these nice places.

Plaza Central Bochil

Vibrant central square with colonial-style architecture, daily market activity, and colorful storefronts—great for candid street photography.

Iglesia Parroquial

Historic parish church with a bell tower and simple façade, ideal for architectural shots at dusk.

Mercado Municipal de Bochil

Bustling market scenes, textiles, and produce provide vibrant, textured photos.

Río Bochil Vista Point

Scenic overlook along the river offering tranquil compositions and sunset hues.

Culinary Guide

Food in Bochil

Chiapas cuisine blends indigenous Mayan flavors with Mexican ingredients, leaning on corn, beans, herbs, cacao, and fresh produce. Expect hearty, comforting dishes, bright salsas, and seasonal fruit. Coffee and cacao from the highlands are a standout, often enjoyed with the town’s desserts. In Bochil, meals are typically shared and enjoyed with family and friends.

Bochil Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tamales de Chipilín

Masa filled with chipilín leaves in a savory masa, typically served with salsa and tortillas.

Must-Try!

Pozol

Traditional maize-based drink (often with cacao or spices) served cold or warm; a regional staple.

Café Chiapaense

Locally grown Chiapas coffee, often enjoyed black or with milk after a meal.

Ensalada de elotes y frijol

Corn-and-bean salad with herbs, a common side dish in local households.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Bochil

Colorful daily market offering fresh produce, herbs, local cheeses, tortillas, and prepared snacks.

Street stalls near the Plaza

Tostadas, tamales, elotes, and fruit cups sold by friendly stall vendors; great for quick bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Bochil experiences a humid tropical climate with a warm rainy season and a cooler dry season in the highland area. Temperatures are generally mild in mornings and evenings but can be hot during the day in dry periods. The rainy season brings frequent afternoon showers and lush vegetation, while the dry season is sunny with clearer skies.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

Greet with a friendly 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes' when entering shops or restaurants.

Respect for sacred spaces

Ask permission before taking photos in religious spaces and dress modestly when visiting churches.

Punctuality and personal space

Be patient and polite; people value small courtesies and personal space in casual conversations.

Safety Guide

Safety

Practice standard travel safety: keep valuables secure, use licensed transportation, and stay aware of surroundings, especially at night and in crowded markets. Avoid isolated areas after dark and be cautious on rural roads during rain. In case of emergencies, contact local authorities or your hotel staff for assistance.

Tipping in Bochil

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% for good service is customary. Small tips for guides or hotel staff are appreciated but not always expected.

Payments

Cash is widely used in Bochil, especially for markets and small eateries. Credit/debit cards may be accepted in larger establishments; carry some pesos for street vendors and taxis.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry season (Nov-Apr)

Pleasant days with plenty of sunshine; cooler evenings in higher elevations; ideal for city strolls and outdoor markets.

Rainy season (May-Oct)

Afternoon showers are common; lush green scenery and vibrant landscapes, but plan for mud and occasional flooding in rural roads.

Nightlife Guide

Bochil at Night

Bochil has a quiet nightlife scene centered on the town square, local cafes, and family-run eateries. Expect relaxed evenings with conversation, occasional live music at community venues, and casual, well-lit streets. For more vibrant options, head to larger nearby towns after sunset, which offer more bars and nightlife.

Hiking in Bochil

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cascada La Pila (local waterfall)

A short hike leads to a scenic waterfall with a shallow pool for a refreshing swim.

Sendero de las Montañas Chiapas

Ridge trails offering views of valleys and coffee farms; moderate effort.

Airports

How to reach Bochil by plane.

Tuxtla Gutiérrez International Airport (TGZ)

Major hub serving Chiapas with flights to Mexico City and international routes; from TGZ you can drive or take a bus to Bochil.

Angel Albino Corzo International Airport (AZS)

Smaller airport located further east; typically connected to Tuxtla by road; serves regional flights.

Palenque International Airport (PQM)

Airport serving the Palenque area; longer drive to Bochil but an option for a multi-town itinerary.

Getting Around

Walkability

Bochil is compact with a walkable center; most key sights are within a short stroll of the Plaza Central. Side streets can be uneven; sidewalks may be limited in some areas, so careful footing is advised. Taxis and small buses are convenient for longer hops to nearby villages or markets.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Mestizo communities

Primarily mixed Indigenous and Spanish heritage with local customs.

Indigenous groups nearby

Adjacent areas may include Mayan-influenced communities with distinct traditions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Widely played and watched; local teams and pickup games occur in town parks.

Baseball

Loved in many Chiapas communities and common in youth leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Bochil is light compared to major cities; main roads can be calm during the day, with occasional congestion near markets in peak hours. Public transportation is available via buses and taxis; road conditions can vary, especially after heavy rains.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Bochil.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many dishes can be prepared without meat or with cheese and beans. Ask for vegetables and legumes, request no lard, and look for fresh plant-based sides like corn, beans, and rice.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in Bochil or nearby towns; for major medical care, hospitals in Tuxtla Gutiérrez are the main option. It’s wise to carry health insurance information and have a plan for emergencies; pharmacies are common in town with basic medications.

Discover Mexico

Read more in our Mexico 2025 Travel Guide.

Mexico Travel Guide