Located on the coast of Chiapas, this is THE beach for locals, and judging by the abundance of seafood restaurants lining the beach and hotels along the single street, this place can get very crowded. With 32 kilometers of beach stretching out into the open sea amid a mountainous landscape, it is the state’s main beach resort.
If you thought Chiapas was just the Sumidero Canyon, think again—this state has a variety of climates and landscapes that are well worth exploring, one of which is Puerto Arista, a dreamy tropical beach. More than 32 kilometers of beach right on the open ocean—that’s what Puerto Arista has to offer. It’s a vast stretch of high waves, palm trees, and friendly locals, with the mountain range rising on the horizon.
What to Do and See in Puerto Arista?
Located 23 km from Tonala in Chiapas, this port features a beach nearly 34 km long, known for its soft, gray sand. The beaches of Chiapas are sandy, with no bays or coves. The only feature along the entire length of the coastline is the narrow strip of sand that separates the sea from the brackish water estuaries located between it and the mainland.
For many people, just being at the harbor may be enough, but the surrounding area is worth visiting and exploring; for example, the town of Cabeza de Toro, near La Joya Lagoon. In this area, you can also find Cerro Bernal and the Boca del Cielo, located at the mouth that connects the lagoon to the sea.
Enjoy the local cuisine and admire the sunsets
We recommend trying the local dishes made with fresh seafood and fish, which are prepared by the locals using recipes passed down from generation to generation. But just as Punta Perula is a great destination for foodies, it’s also a fantastic spot for those who love taking panoramic photos of beautiful places. Suffice it to say that the sunsets at Punta Perula are among the most spectacular in the entire Mexican Pacific.
Enjoy the region’s flora and fauna
With the same untamed charm that Chiapas displays to tourists, Puerto Arista is a wonderful place to connect closely with nature, to be lulled by the sound of the waves, to observe amazing seabirds, and to experience the way of life of local fishermen. The estuary and the open sea create a panorama that seems straight out of a dream of paradise in this Chiapas destination.
The abundance of water in this area creates a landscape of floating forests, supported by the vast network of roots and branches of mangroves and other shrubs, the tallest of which reach a height of 25 meters.
The marshes and waterways are home to a diverse array of local wildlife, including all kinds of reptiles: boas, iguanas, turtles, alligators, crocodiles, and lizards, among others. About sixty species of birds also nest there, ranging from albatrosses to cormorants, including tutupan, moorhens, and coots—not to mention the needle-billed duck, which fishes underwater by impaling fish with its pointed beak, and the diving duck, which grunts like a pig.
In the drylands near the marshes, raccoons, wildcats, armadillos, ocelots, guaqueques, badgers, ferrets, lions, tlacuaches, and even predators the size of a jaguar— the king of the jungle and the swamps of Chiapas.
Discreetly Assisting with the Birth of Turtles
The Mexican coastline is the preferred nesting site for nearly all of the world’s sea turtles. It is estimated that just over 140 beaches in Chiapas are home to thousands of turtles that bury their eggs in the sand. Mexico is one of the world’s sanctuaries where sea turtles live and breed. It is hard to imagine that this animal could disappear from the face of the earth because of human ignorance and negligence.
Puerto Arista is home to Chiapas’s most important conservation and breeding site for sea turtles; these beaches serve as nesting grounds, and efforts are underway to protect the turtles and their hatchlings. Unfortunately, despite significant conservation efforts, the turtles are also at risk in these areas because illegal traffickers of eggs and turtles come here to plunder the nests or capture and kill certain species to sell their meat, skin, and shells on the black market. When you visit Puerto Arista, don’t just enjoy its beautiful beaches—be sure to visit the sea turtle camp with your family and friends.
Participate in various sports and water activities
Puerto Arista is a great place for boat trips, sport fishing, mountain biking, beach volleyball, and other recreational activities. But campers will also find plenty of space here to enjoy their favorite pastime.
Boca del Cielo
Boca del Cielo, a little corner of paradise with soft, fine, pearl-gray sand that stretches for 21 wonderful kilometers and is home to hundreds of varieties of amazing and unusual birds. From here, you can admire Mother Nature’s artistic handiwork, which has skillfully blended the contrast between the energetic waves of the sea and the calm of La Joya Lagoon.
When to Go
Puerto Arista is the main beach in Chiapas. This is largely due to its pleasant climate, which is welcoming 365 days a year.
If you’re in the area between September and November, don’t miss this camp to witness one of the region’s most beautiful natural spectacles: the hatching of turtles. You can take part in this experience when you visit this center, which is dedicated to the protection and conservation of these animals. You can also take this opportunity to go on a night tour with expert guides.
How to Get There
If you’re using public transportation, the closest access point is Tonala, a small town about a 25-minute drive away. There are no regular buses to and from the beach, but collectivos and shared taxis run along the Tonala highway every 30 minutes throughout the day. The main drop-off point in Puerto Arista is the lighthouse, and a one-way trip costs 20 pesos (about €1) per person, but for a few pesos more, you can have the driver drop you off at your hotel. From Tonala, the collectivos are located a 5-minute walk from the bus station, where the drivers may approach you before you even notice them!
Our Tips
- You should keep in mind that Puerto Arista is an open-ocean beach, so you need to take precautions if you want to go swimming. This is important because the lifeguards are only on duty on weekends and during peak season.
- Puerto Arista offers beautiful spots to camp in one of its many lovely palapas.
- You can’t miss out on the delicacies made with fish and seafood from Puerto Arista—they’re truly exquisite.
- This place has some incredible spots, and if you love photography, this beach could be a great source of inspiration. If you prefer something a little more lively, there are cafes, nightclubs, and restaurants where you can have a great time.
Accommodations
José’s Campground and Cabins is the most popular budget accommodation in Puerto—and that’s exactly where we went once we got off the collectivo. However, if you’re visiting during the off-season (i.e., outside of July or August), prices drop significantly, so it’s worth checking out a few other options to see what’s available.
Where to Eat
Puerto Arista isn’t cheap (compared to the rest of Chiapas!). Most restaurants are located right on the beach, which means they charge more for their food. For those on a tight budget, paying 130 pesos (about €5) for a single main course is certainly not a viable daily option.
Fortunately, after wandering through the streets (it’s true that there are only a few, but it can still take a while), we discovered a small square lined with several food stalls. Here, for 35 pesos (about €1.50), you can buy any of the traditional Mexican dishes, such as tacos or tamales—all in generous portions and with amazing flavor. Even though we could have treated ourselves to the fancier places, we doubt it would have tasted any better. To find the square, ask a local or head two streets back from the beach!
Marlhit Restaurant
In a coastal region like Puerto Arista, it’s no surprise that seafood is such a popular and delicious dish, and one of the best places to enjoy it is Marlhit Restaurant. It’s a traditional seafood restaurant—simple, with a thatched roof, but offering dishes with a unique flavor. You can’t leave Puerto Arista without trying its fried or steamed mojarras, its shrimp, and its cocktails—it’s simply a must-visit culinary destination! Located on Mariano Matamoros Boulevard 3a. Poniente, Puerto Arista.
Hiball Sport Restaurant
A Resto Bar and Café, part of the exclusive Careyes Boutique Hotel, serving traditional Mexican dishes—the perfect spot to enjoy sporting events. Its design and décor, entirely centered around sports themes, make it truly unique, and the staff is extremely friendly and attentive. In addition, it offers a magnificent view of the beach, and on Sundays, a buffet is available for breakfast or lunch. Located at 153 Mariano Matamoros Boulevard, Puerto Arista.
Flamingos Restaurant
This place is amazing! The food is incredible—the best seafood on the entire coast! The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the prices are very reasonable. The restaurant is strategically located on the beautiful beach, creating a relaxed and natural atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to spend time with family and enjoy a delicious dinner. Located across from the Garden Beach Hotel in Puerto Arista.
Rafa
This is a restaurant with an original and unconventional menu that’s delicious and perfectly seasoned. It’s the quintessential fish and seafood restaurant, and every dish is prepared to the highest standards to satisfy even the most discerning palates. You’re going to fall for it! Plus, the service is super friendly, the place is super nice, and the prices are super low! Located at 88 Benito Juárez, Tonala.
El Almendro
Excellent service, food, and prices! The perfect combination, don’t you think? The service provided by the restaurant staff is exceptional—they’re super friendly and attentive to customers’ needs. And the food? Very tasty! Plus, the portions are generous and well worth the price. Located on Zapotal Boulevard – Unit A, Puerto Artista.
Land of the Sun
One of the best places to enjoy seafood in the Puerto Arista area is the Tierra del Sol restaurant, where they showcase its exquisite quality. The menu is very varied, so just ask for whatever you’d like—they have something for everyone. However, the dish that really stands out is their seafood platters. My goodness, they’re delicious! And you can pair them with the excellent cocktails they serve on-site. Located at 140 Belisario Domínguez Street—Nicatán Neighborhood, Tonalá.
