Simojovel de Allende, Chiapas: An Amber-Trading Town
Simojovel de Allende is a town in the hills of northern Chiapas, Mexico. It is closely associated with Chiapas amber: fossilized tree resin found in the surrounding region and sold or worked into jewelry in town. Simojovel is also a local center for shopping and trade, with a pace shaped more by everyday business than tourism. It is worth understanding if you are interested in where Mexican amber comes from, or want to see a working Chiapas town beyond the state’s better-known visitor stops.
Amber at the center of town life
A town set among steep Chiapas hills
Markets, errands and a working-town pace
What is there in Simojovel de Allende?
A quick overview of the most notable things you can find in Simojovel de Allende.
Chiapas amber trade
Rough and polished amber from the region is sold and worked into jewelry in town.
Amber shops and workshops
Local sellers and craftspeople display pieces in different colors, sizes and styles.
Municipal market
The market is a center of everyday shopping for the town and surrounding communities.
Hilly northern Chiapas setting
Steep, green terrain shapes the approach to town and the surrounding landscape.
What to see in Simojovel de Allende?
Notable places and attractions connected to Simojovel de Allende.
Parque Central de Simojovel
The central square is a useful starting point for seeing the town’s shops, street activity and daily pace.
Mercado Municipal de Simojovel
The town market is a place to see local commerce in action rather than a purpose-built tourist attraction.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓A direct connection to the Chiapas amber trade.
- ✓Opportunities to compare amber sold by local shops and craftspeople.
- ✓A working-town atmosphere rather than a heavily tourist-oriented center.
- ✓Green, hilly scenery on the journey in and around town.
Cons
- −Winding roads can make the journey slower than expected.
- −Wet weather can complicate travel in the region.
- −Few major sights for travelers seeking a conventional itinerary.
- −Visitor services are more limited than in Chiapas’s larger tourism centers.
- −Amber buyers need to take care when judging quality and authenticity.
Location
Simojovel de Allende is located in Chiapas.
Explore more places in Mexico
Discover more cities, towns and destinations across Mexico.
Pachuca
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Calvillo
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Puerto Morelos
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Jesus Maria
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Tuxtla Gutierrez
Tuxtla Gutiérrez is the capital and largest city of Chiapas, in southern Mexico. Spread across a hot inland valley, it is a working regional center of government offices, commerce, universities and busy roads rather than a preserved colonial town. Its appeal lies in everyday Chiapanecan life: marimba music, regional cooking, markets and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. The dramatic walls of nearby Sumidero Canyon draw many travelers through, but the city also has worthwhile wildlife and cultural attractions. It suits travelers who want an urban base with access to nature.