Guide To Tuxtla Gutierrez

About Tuxtla Gutierrez

Tuxtla Gutierrez and neighboring San Cristobal de las Casas and Comitan are in the state of Chiapas, a region east of Oaxaca and south of Villahermosa and which is undoubtedly Mexico’s most stunning natural scenic area: mostly wild and rugged, it is rich in indigenous life and culture.

Chiapas' thickly wooded jungles, mountains and valleys, coupled together with its traditional cultures and indigenous roots have kept its look, feel and style very distinct from the rest of Mexico. Although there are some cities, symbols and events here which reveal the area’s colonial heritage, the people here are still well connected with their indigenous roots and life in many parts of the state continues to be lived according to custom and ritual.

Many argue that the natural beauty of this area has no parallel in Mexico. Deep green forested valleys; awesome waterfalls and high mountains with deep canyons and gorges; a colossal wealth of flora, fauna and wildlife, and glorious lakes certainly make this area one of Mexico’s most unspoilt and scenically awsome natural habitats.

Away from the larger towns, Spanish is a second language as people here have stayed true to their indigenous cultures and tongue. You’ll see a lot of indigenous people going about their everyday life, often wearing their traditional dress.

Tuxtla Gutierrez ("Toox-tlah Goo-Tee-Eh-Rehs") is the capital city of the State of Chiapas. In contrast to the rest of Chiapas, it is a modern, bustling city growing very quickly. Tuxtla Gutierrez became the state Capital in 1892 and today is the main gateway to Chiapas for visitors, as it offers excellent road and air connections to and from the rest of Mexico.

Some travelers looking for the wild, unspoiled and truly indigenous side of Mexico use the capital city as a set-off point only, although in doing so they miss a lot of what the city has to offer.

One of Mexico's finest zoos is based here and it's also the best place to get access to the amazing boat trips through the Cañon del Sumidero (see Key Attractions).

Don't miss the coffee! Chiapas is one of Mexico's (and the world's) premier coffee growing regions. If you like coffee, make sure you taste some local blends; they are exceptional.

Note About Photography: Read the important photography rules and warnings in the Practical Information section below, especially relevant for the local villages surrounding San Cristobal de las Casas.

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Key Attractions

Colonial Center

The main attractions downtown are to be found off the Zocalo (main square) also known as the Plaza Civica (Civic Plaza).

The Whitewashed Catedral de San Marcos is on the Plaza de San Marcos, adjacent to the main square; northeast of this is the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) the main seat of political and administrative power in the State. The Palacio Municipal (Municipal Buildings) face the cathedral on the north side of the Civic Plaza.

The Plaza de San Marcos is often filled with artisans and other ambulant vendors selling arts and crafts made in the highlands of Chiapas.

Eight blocks west of the center you'll find Jardin de la Marinba, where you'll often find Marinba bands playing in the open air as people take an evening stroll around the park.

Parque Madero is about a mile northeast of the centre and hosts the Regional Museum of Chiapas (Museo Regional de Chiapas), the city's principal theatre (Teatro de la Ciudad) as well as a playground and funfair for children at the Parque de Convivencia Infantil.

Visit the Sumidero Canyon near Tuxtla Gutierrez

A few miles east of Tuxtla Gutierrez is the spectacular Sumidero Canyon created by the Rio Grijalva. You can Read our Complete Guide to the spectacular Sumidero Canyon & its Eco Park now open inside the canyon.

The Zoo

Zoologico Miguel Alvarez del Toro is situated on the south side of the city on a wooded hill. Because of Chiapas' wide natural diversity, this zoo houses a varied collection of wildlife, flora and fauna from the State. The emphasis at this zoo is one of conservation, which is why it takes its name from one of Mexico's foremost conservationists; the cages are large and standards for the animals kept here are high.

Large cats, macaws, toucans, monkeys all native to Chiapas are some of the creatures you'll meet here; for the brave there is the snake house, which houses a delightful collection of snakes spiders and other insects you may meet if you plan to venture out into the jungles in Chiapas.

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Chiapa de Corzo

• Read the Mini Guide to Chiapa de Corzo
• See the Mexperience Photo Gallery of Chiapa de Corzo

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Eco and Adventure Travel in Chiapas

Due its natural diversity, rich, fertile lands and breath-taking topography, Chiapas is, unsurprisingly, one of the principal areas for Eco and Adventure tourism in Mexico. Indeed, Chiapas is one of the best areas in Mexico to enjoy eco and adventure travel and there are various operators who can help you to enjoy a spectacular outdoor travel experience in the region.

Local Organized Tours

All of the attractions around this region can be enjoyed as part of an organized tour, arranged by one of the local travel agents here or in San Cristobal (San Cristobal has a wider and more ample selection of tour operators). Organized tours give you the benefit of having a local guide (all guides in Mexico are strictly licensed) and be able to ensure that you make the most of your time in the region.

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Getting There & Around

Getting There

By Air - You can get to and from Tuxtla Gutierrez from Mexico City, Oaxaca, Villahermosa, Veracruz, Merida and Cancun using the main airport (Francisco Sarabia / Teran). There is a smaller airport, only used in the summer as its high up in the hills and gets fog-bound in the winter. Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines

By Bus - Regular long distance buses make the journey from Mexico City to Tuxtla Gutierrez daily; the journey takes 15 hours. Regional buses travel daily and frequently from Villahermosa, Campeche, Merida and Cancun to and from Tuxtla Gutierrez. See the Mexperience Travel Center for National Buses

By Car - There are now fast roads connecting this region to Merida, Cancun, Oaxaca, Mexico City. The drive is a long one from Mexico City, but you'll be rewarded by some stunning scenery. Most people tend to fly to the region and rent a car locally, which is more sensible unless you have a specific reason for driving to Chiapas. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Getting Around

From the Airport - The main airport is about 5 miles south of Tuxtla Gutierrez. Taxis are available into town, and car rental desks are situated in the main exit area; book your rental car in advance for better rates (see car rental information, below).

Local Buses - Local buses are available to take you around town and are very inexpensive.

Taxis - Local taxis are widely available, but not metered, so agree your price before you get in. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price! Another good reason to Learn Spanish

Rent a Car - If you want to see all of the amazing scenery which resides within a 20-60 mile radius of Tuxtla Gutierrez, including san Cristobal and the local villages around it, there's no better way to achieve this than to rent a car locally. Book your rental car in advance to get better rates. See the Mexperience Travel Center for Car Rental in Tuxtla Gutierrez.

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Local Events Calendar

Free marimba concerts are given at the Jardin de Marimba at weekends, usually starting around 7pm.

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Practical Information

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico Page on Mexperience for full information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found in the downtown area of Tuxtla Gutierrez. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler's cheques and cash from you as well. Read about currency exchange in Mexperience's Money Section.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Safety! Driving in Chiapas: If you are driving independently in this region, using a rental car or your own vehicle, its imperative that you heed some special advice.

It's best to keep off all highways after dark, unless you know them well, have good local knowledge and a good reason to travel at night.

The highway from San Cristobal to Palenque (Highway 199) must NOT be traveled on after dark. This road cuts through some extremely remote territory including, in the latter stages, sweltering jungle.

The above also applies to Highway 307 between Palenque and Bonampak / Yaxchilan. Most travelers join others and see these places as part of an organized tour; however if you drive there yourself, you should consider joining the convoy of tours which leave early in the morning and get back to Palenque before dusk.

Military Checkpoints: Expect to pass through at least one, but probably several of these on your road trip through Chiapas. Don't be alarmed, the soldiers may or may not check your car's trunk; they are polite, respectful and can even provide local advice and directions if you need it.

Special Note About Photography: The people in this region do not, as a rule, like photographs taken of them and the things they own. In some of the surrounding villages, it is prohibited to take photographs all together, with those who do not comply facing equipment confiscation, fines and even temporary imprisonment. Ask before you take photographs of people and their possessions; you may be asked to pay a small fee for the privilege.

Also See: Photography Etiquette in Mexico.

Military Checkpoints: Expect to pass through at least one, but probably several of these on your road trip through Chiapas. Don't be alarmed, the soldiers may or may not check your car's trunk; they are polite, respectful and can even provide local advice and directions if you need it.

Internet Access: Internet cafes are commonplace in Mexico - new ones open and old ones close all the time - but you won't have to look too hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas.

Local Tourist Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.

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Accommodation

• Find a Hotel in Tuxtla Gutierrez

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Restaurants

Las Pichanchas - This restaurant is one of the best nights out in Tuxtla Gutierrez. Meticulously managed by its founder owner Mario Enrique Micelli, the restaurant serves totally authentic comida Chapaneca (traditional dishes from Chiapas). Besides some of the most delicious food you'll taste, you'll also enjoy live entertainment in the form of music and dancing. The costumes worn by the dancers too, are traditional and represent dress from the regions in the State of Chiapas. The restaurant has won national awards, and the owner's attention to detail will ensure that your meal out will be an event to remember for a long time. Try the home made (and secret recipe) drink of "Pompo"!
Tel: (961) 611-12-67.

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When Night Falls

As a boomtown in Mexico's southern region, Tuxtla Gutierrez has a good selection of cafes, restaurants, bars and night clubs that will keep party goers going to the early hours of the morning.

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What to Buy in Tuxtla Guitierrez

Casa de las Artesanias de Chapias (House of Chiapas Artisan Work) about one mile west of the main plaza sells arts and crafts made in the region on Boulevard Dominguez. Ask locally for directions if you need to.

The local indigenous people are extremely good craftsmen and women; very artistic and creative. You should be on the lookout for hand made items, ones which are unique and which you will not be able to get elsewhere.

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Local Climate

The high altitude and mountainous terrain make the climate in this area very varied. It can get quite warn in the summer and cold in the winter. Rains can come at any time, but you will also need to pack protective cream and a hat to guard against the sun here. When you pack for Chiapas, pack clothes for all weathers; in the winter months you will need to ensure you pack a stock of warm and waterproof clothes.

Live Weather Report:

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