Teapa, Tabasco

Teapa is also known as Santiago de Tapa although has long been called Capital of the Zoques for the Olmec people who first settled here between the 4th and 10th centuries, CE. A famous railroad town, it was named a Pueblo Magico in 2023. Today it's an important stop on the Interoceanic Train and one that stands out for historical and cultural landmarks as well as for the tremendous natural landscape.

Visitors take off for natural wonders like the caves at Grutas de las Canicas, de Coconá, and los Secretos. The Puyacatengo River and the El Mure Spring keep the town a bit cooler but also provide visitors and residents alike with friendly aquatic diversions.

The town is arranged around the old Santiago Apóstol Church. The Guadalupe Sanctuary in the Barrio de Tecomajiaca, and the Esquipulas (in the neighborhood of the same name, provide some of the area's most distinctive religious architecture. But as much as anything, Teapa stands out for the people cooking nearly around the clock. 

The public market, the Mercado Publico De Los Ferrocarrileros Joaquín Pedrero Córdova, is named for the engineer and poet who helped bring the railroad through town. But the market is dedicated to all of the railroad workers. It's a great place to sample the local cooking. 

Teapa is known for bejuco baskets, blankets made with hevea rubber, leather armchairs, and carved wooden chests. Over the course of every year, Teapa commemorates the Black Christ of Esquipulas (Black Christ), the Feast of the Holy Croos, a Railroad Fair and the Juan Aldama Village Fair.