Izapa Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
Lost City of the Izapa Civilization
About Izapa
Izapa was first settled around 1500 BC and was at its height from 800 BC to 100 BC, making it the oldest of the major Maya sites in Mexico. It started as a small village with an agrarian economy. The oldest structures at the site are on the north side of Group B on the site map around what is identified as Mound 30. The people of Izapa were thought to have engaged in trade with the Olmec civilizations to the north between 1250 - 850 BC, probably because the Olmec wanted cacao to satisfy their sweet tooth. From 850-300 BC, Izapa is thought to have been increasingly important as a religious center due to the construction of new platforms (Group A and Group C) near the city center. Around 300 BC, signs of trade and cooperation with the Olmec disappeared and Izapa continued to grow as an isola
Where to Eat in Izapa
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴El Gallinero
- 🍴Rincon de Hadas
Izapa Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 10 sections including: