Pijijiapan brings together nature, water, and local culture for travelers with a range of interests. The La Encrucijada and El Triunfo Biosphere Reserves represent different types of landscapes; Chocohuital adds nautical excursions in the estuary to the nature experience. Other highlights include the Museo Arqueológico e Histórico Arq. Arturo Sibaja Carbott and the quesillo tradition associated with the Costa de Chiapas. When looking for a vacation rental, it helps to first decide whether you want to focus on landscapes, activities on the water, or culture and food.

Nature between the lowlands and highlands

In the lower-lying area of Pijijiapan, the La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve includes the Bocabarras Mapache and Palmarcito. Higher up in the municipality’s mountain region are areas of the El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve. The two reserve areas therefore represent different types of landscape: La Encrucijada is associated here with the lower-lying area and the named Bocabarras, while El Triunfo is associated with the mountain region. This distinction is more specific for deciding what interests you than a general reference to nature. You could start by considering whether you are more interested in lowlands or highlands as a nature theme.

Chocohuital: Estuary and birdwatching

The Chocohuital Tourist Center is located in Ranchería Chocohuital in the municipality of Pijijiapan and offers nautical excursions in its estuary. Waterbirds and shorebirds can be observed during the excursions; recreational fishing is also available at the Tourist Center. This gives you two distinct interests to choose from: the excursions provide an opportunity for birdwatching, while recreational fishing is another activity available on site. If you want to plan your trip around nature observation or a recreational activity, Chocohuital offers two specific options.

Sea turtle conservation on the Chiapas coast

Another nature destination is Costa Azul in Pijijiapan, one of four sea turtle conservation camps on the coast of Chiapas. Unlike the estuary excursions, the focus here is on sea turtle conservation. If you are considering taking part during a particular season, check locally to find out whether the camp is operating and what participation opportunities are available.

Culture and cheese-making tradition in Pijijiapan

Pijijiapan is home to the Museo Arqueológico e Histórico Arq. Arturo Sibaja Carbott. The museum offers an archaeological and historical perspective on local culture, complementing nature and water-based activities with a cultural perspective. A second cultural perspective is provided by quesillo made in Pijijiapan: it is associated with local knowledge, production methods, and the cheese-making tradition that distinguishes the Costa de Chiapas. On August 29, 2026, Pijijiapan set a new world record with a 1,611-kilogram piece of quesillo as part of the “Reto del Récord Guinness de la Bola de Quesillo más Grande del Mundo.” For your travel planning, this is a look back at a dated event, not a date for a future edition. You can choose between the museum’s archaeological and historical focus and the regionally rooted quesillo-making tradition as distinct cultural highlights.

Discover more destinations: Pijijiapan, Sólo Dios.

See the regional travel overview: Chiapas.