Tapachula is as far south as you can drive in Mexico. It’s the southernmost city on the Pacific coast, over 3,000 km (2,000 miles) from Nogales on the coastal highway, and only 40 km (24 miles) from the Guatemalan border.
The Aztecs established the city in the 13th century. Then in the 19th century, coffee plantations brought significant immigration, and Chinese and German cultures both shaped the city’s growth.
This is the centre of a rich farming region known for internationally acclaimed coffee and cocoa, and its port handles trade with Central America and the world. It has the highest per capita income in Chiapas, and you can see it in the malls, big box outlets and health facilities.
For many travellers, Tapachula is the jumping-off point for Central America.
Planning a drive to southern Mexico? Browse more destinations and road-trip reels here on Drive Mexico Magazine.
Have you driven this far south? Tell us about it in the comments.
Music: “Monday Marimba” by faespencer, Pixabay