Cintalapa de Figueroa

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Cintalapa de Figueroa's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival and Town Center Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Cintalapa de Figueroa and settle into a local guesthouse. Enjoy a traditional Mexican breakfast at a family-run café near the central plaza. Take a leisurely stroll through the main square to admire colonial architecture.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a street-side food stall sampling tamales and pozol. Visit the Parroquia de San Antonio church and learn about its history. Explore nearby artisan shops offering handwoven textiles.

evening
:

Dine at a local fonda serving hearty regional specialties. Catch a vibrant performance of marimba music in the plaza. Relax under twinkling lights while chatting with friendly locals.

day 2
El Salto Waterfall Adventure
morning
:

Set off early for the El Salto waterfall nestled in the nearby foothills. Hike along shaded trails surrounded by lush vegetation. Pause to admire cascading streams and take photos.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a picnic lunch on riverbank rocks as you listen to birdsong. Take a refreshing swim in the natural pools beneath the falls. Respect the environment by leaving no trace.

evening
:

Head back to town for dinner at a riverside restaurant serving fresh grilled fish. Sample a local beer or artisanal mezcal while watching the sunset. Stroll through softly lit streets to unwind.

day 3
Local Market and Gastronomy Immersion
morning
:

Wake up early for the bustling municipal market in Cintalapa. Savor local breakfast dishes like chilaquiles and tamales from street vendors. Observe regional ingredients including wild mushrooms and tropical fruits.

afternoon
:

Join a hands-on cooking workshop to learn how to make tortillas by hand. Explore spice stalls and learn about native chilies and herbs. Sit down to enjoy your homemade meal with fellow travelers.

evening
:

Attend an evening tasting at a mezcalería featuring artisanal spirits. Pair mezcal flights with small plates of regional cheese and chocolate. Engage with the mezcalero to learn about traditional production methods.

day 4
Tenam Puente Archaeological Discovery
morning
:

Travel to the Tenam Puente archaeological site just outside town. Walk among ancient Mesoamerican ruins dating back over a thousand years. Listen to a local guide explain the site's significance to Zoque culture.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a packed lunch under the shade of ceiba trees near the ceremonial plaza. Visit on-site museum exhibits showcasing pottery and stone carvings. Capture panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

evening
:

Return to town for dinner at a family-run taquería serving barbacoa. Sample sweet bread and local coffee at a nearby café. Relax with a friendly game of dominoes or cards with locals.

day 5
Agua Azul Waterfall Excursion
morning
:

Depart early for the famous Agua Azul waterfalls, renowned for their turquoise waters. Stop en route in small villages to stretch legs and sample fresh fruit. Arrive at the park before the crowds for the best light on the cascades.

afternoon
:

Hike along wooden walkways offering multiple viewpoints of the falls. Capture stunning photos and take a quick dip in designated swimming areas. Browse local stalls selling handcrafted woodcarvings.

evening
:

Return to Cintalapa de Figueroa with a casual dinner at a roadside fonda. Share stories with fellow travelers around a bonfire. Rest under the star-filled sky after a long day.

day 6
Lagunas de Montebello Lakes Exploration
morning
:

Drive to Lagunas de Montebello National Park, famous for its rainbow of lakes. Rent a kayak or paddleboat to glide across crystal-clear waters. Photograph the striking contrast between pine forests and azure lakes.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a lakeside palapa serving grilled chicken and salads. Wander through surrounding trails to discover hidden coves and native flora. Visit the park’s visitor center to learn about its ecology.

evening
:

Head back to town and dine on fresh enchiladas de mole at a cozy restaurant. Enjoy live music from a local duo performing traditional rancheras. Sip hibiscus tea or a chamomile infusion before bedtime.

day 7
Coffee Plantation and Community Visit
morning
:

Visit a nearby coffee plantation where beans are grown in the mountainous terrain. Follow the bean-to-cup process with expert farmers and sample fresh brews. Walk through shaded groves where traditional agroforestry thrives.

afternoon
:

Share lunch with an indigenous Zoque family and taste homemade tamales wrapped in banana leaves. Participate in a weaving demonstration showcasing natural dyes. Purchase unique souvenirs directly supporting local artisans.

evening
:

Return to your accommodations for a quiet dinner of sopa de tortilla. Listen to the sounds of nature as you dine al fresco. Reflect on the day’s cultural insights around a warm cup of coffee.

day 8
Río Cintalapa Rafting Experience
morning
:

Gear up for an adrenaline-pumping rafting tour on the Río Cintalapa. Meet experienced guides who provide safety instructions and local river lore. Paddle through gentle rapids framed by tropical foliage.

afternoon
:

Stop riverside for a scenic lunch comprising grilled chicken and fresh fruit. Continue navigating serene stretches punctuated by Class II rapids. Keep an eye out for exotic bird species along the banks.

evening
:

Celebrate your river adventure with a hearty feast of carne asada at a local grill. Sample homemade aguas frescas like tamarind and guanabana. Share photos and stories with fellow rafters under the plaza lights.

day 9
Zoque Handicrafts Village Tour
morning
:

Travel to neighboring villages renowned for Zoque textile and pottery traditions. Visit cooperative workshops where artisans demonstrate backstrap loom weaving. Learn the symbolic meanings behind their vibrant patterns.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a traditional lunch of caldo de res in a community center. Participate in a pottery workshop to craft your own piece using local clay. Browse market stalls offering hand-painted ceramics and woven goods.

evening
:

Return to Cintalapa de Figueroa for a dinner of tamales de cambray and fried sweet plantains. Attend a local cultural performance featuring folkloric dances. End the evening with a cup of spiced hot chocolate.

day 10
Farewell Fiesta and Reflection
morning
:

Spend your final morning revisiting favorite spots around the town square. Stock up on souvenirs like jarritos of mole paste and woven textiles. Enjoy one last breakfast of chilaquiles verdes.

afternoon
:

Have a farewell lunch at an open-air restaurant serving grilled river fish. Take time to chat with hosts about upcoming local festivals. Stroll by the municipal park to savor the townspeople’s daily life.

evening
:

Join a farewell fiesta organized by your guesthouse with music and dancing. Raise a toast with mezcal to celebrate your memorable trip. Pack bags and reflect on experiences under a moonlit sky.

Discover Cintalapa de Figueroa

Read more in our Cintalapa de Figueroa 2025 Travel Guide.

Cintalapa de Figueroa Travel Guide