Copainalá

This charming town of Zoque origin offers a unique experience of nature, culture and history.

Copainalá is one of the recently named Magical Towns of Mexico, and it is no wonder. This town, located in the northwest of the state of Chiapas, has a lot to offer travelers looking for an authentic and charming destination.

Its name comes from the Nahuatl coa-painal-lan, which means “place of the snakes that ran.” According to tradition, this was the birthplace of the parents of Malintzin or Malinche, the famous interpreter of Hernán Cortés during the conquest of Mexico.

Copainalá is a Zoque people, an ethnic group that has left a significant mark in the states of Oaxaca, Tabasco and Chiapas. The inhabitants of Copainalá preserve their language, their customs and their traditions, which are manifested in their festivities, their gastronomy, their music and their crafts.

Among the most important celebrations are the Day of the Dead, the Carnival in February and the Festival of San Vicente Ferrer in May. On these occasions, the residents dress in typical costumes, dance to the rhythm of the marimba and the drum, and taste traditional dishes such as baked cochito, chinculín and tascalate.

Copainalá also has a great architectural heritage, which reflects the influence of the colonial era. The church of San Vicente Ferrer and the colonial convent are two jewels that date back to the 16th century, built by Dominican missionaries. These buildings have recently been restored to preserve their historic splendor.

But what draws the most attention about Copainalá is its natural beauty. The town is surrounded by majestic mountains and meandering rivers that run through forests of cedar, mahogany, pine and oak. Its colorful houses with tiled roofs blend harmoniously into the landscape, creating a paradisiacal postcard.

One of the most notable natural attractions is the Zacalapa River, whose crystal-clear waters come from an impressive waterfall of the same name. This river is an ideal place to enjoy moments of tranquility and cool off with a dip in its clear waters.

Copainalá was named Pueblo Mágico on June 26, 2023

Copainalá becomes one of the magical towns of the state of Chiapas for its living culture manifested in its music, dance, gastronomy, 16th century architecture and the tourist sites that the municipality and its communities have,