Get Exclusive Access to My Top 10 International Travel Tips - Subscribe Now!
Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital city of Chiapas in Mexico, is a unique destination that is worth visiting! This city offers a variety of activities that cater to all types of travelers. In this blog post, we will discuss the top attractions and activities in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, to include options suitable for nature lovers, history buffs, and culture enthusiasts! We will also give practical advice for visiting the city, where to stay, and our top tips before traveling to Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
Where is Tuxtla Gutiérrez?
Tuxtla Gutiérrez is located in the southern region of Mexico. It serves as the capital city of the state of Chiapas, and is an ideal starting point for exploring southern Mexico. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,800 ft above sea level, Tuxtla Gutiérrez has a strategic geographical position surrounded by incredible landscapes.
Is Tuxtla Gutiérrez Safe for Tourists?
Tuxtla Gutiérrez is very safe for tourists. The threat of organized crime in this city is extremely low, especially compared to the rest of Mexico. That being said, you should always use your best judgement, especially if you go out at night.
Getting Around Tuxtla Gutiérrez
When it comes to exploring Tuxtla Gutiérrez, there are several convenient transportation options to choose from. Here are some of the best ways to get around the city:
Public transportation
Tuxtla Gutiérrez offers a reliable public transportation system that is both convenient and budget-friendly. Buses and colectivos (shared taxis or vans) are widely available, providing easy access to various parts of the city. These often only cost a few pesos, or about $0.50 USD or less!
Taxis and ride-sharing services
Taxis are a popular mode of transportation in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. There are taxi stands throughout the city, but you can also just hail the taxis from the road. Make sure to agree on a price before you get inside the taxi!
My recommendation for getting around the city is to use Didi. This ride-sharing app is similar to Uber, but it is cheaper and more widely-used in Chiapas.
Renting a car
To be honest, I do not recommend renting a car. There are several attractions near Tuxtla Gutiérrez in which it would be convenient to have a car, but I would recommend taking public transportation. The reason is that, although Chiapas is one of the safest states in Mexico, there are some areas that are dangerous. Foreigners may not realize which areas outside the major cities they should stay away from.
While you can rent a car, and many travelers rent a car in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, I do not recommend it.
What to Do in Tuxtla Gutiérrez
Cañón del Sumidero
The Cañón del Sumidero is a natural wonder located near Tuxtla Gutiérrez. This stunning canyon is carved by the Grijalva River and features towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The Cañón del Sumidero is one of the biggest attractions in the state of Chiapas, drawing visitors from around the world.
Boat tour
Experience the amazing Cañón del Sumidero by taking a boat tour along the Grijalva River. You’ll be able to truly appreciate the grandeur of the cliffs, waterfalls, and surrounding area while on the river. Several companies offer boat tours. You shouldn’t pay more than 300-500 pesos (about $20-30 USD).
Viewpoints and miradores
There are several viewpoints and miradores located along the canyon to allow you to capture some amazing views. You’ll be able to see some famous landmarks, such as the “Arbol de Navidad”, where plants jut out from the canyon wall in a pattern resembling a Christmas tree.
Wildlife spotting
As an added bonus to the amazing views, you will also be able to spot some incredible wildlife in this area. As you glide across the river, you’ll see crocodiles on the shore, monkeys playing in the trees, and thousands of birds flying overhead!
Parque de la Marimba
Parque de la Marimba is a popular park found off the main highway in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Locals and visitors alike come to this park to enjoy the Marimba bands that come to play here. You’ll find people of all ages dancing, socializing, or just relaxing around this park. There are several food vendors as well, so you can try some local food from this part of Mexico. This is a great place to relax after a long day of exploring.
Chiapa de Corzo
Chiapa de Corzo, located just a short distance from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, is a charming colonial town known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. I enjoyed its colorful streets and lively markets. It’s a great place to visit during your trip to Tuxtla Gutiérrez
La Pila Fountain
La Pila Fountain in Chiapa de Corzo is a historic landmark that dates back to the colonial era. This intricately-designed fountain is a symbol of the town’s rich cultural heritage. It serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. However, I noticed that it does not get very busy around the fountain. If you are into photography, this is an excellent place to visit and avoid crowds!
Boat ride on Grijalva River
Chiapa de Corzo is where many people go to start their boat tour through the Cañón del Sumidero. However, you can also take a boat ride south along the Grijalva River and enjoy a relaxing journey through the stunning natural landscapes.
Check out the famous architecture
La Catedral de San Marcos
Visit the stunning Catedral de San Marcos, an architectural masterpiece located in the heart of Tuxtla Gutiérrez. This Catholic church has an intricate design, exquisite stained glass windows, and the peaceful atmosphere within. It’s most famous for the dozens of bells appearing in its tower, along with 5 large bells on the center of its façade.
Plaza Cívica Central
Plaza Cívica Central is a central square in the heart of Tuxtla Gutiérrez and is surrounded by important government buildings and cultural institutions. The standout structure is the iconic Palacio de Gobierno, the government palace, with its distinctive white façade and large columns.
Museo Regional de Chiapas
The Museo Regional de Chiapas (“Regional Museum of Chiapas”) is a prominent cultural institution located in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. It is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history, art, and archaeology of the region. This building is integrated into the surrounding Parque Bicentenario, which creates a perfect blend between architecture and nature.
Experience the nightlife
If you are going to spend time in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, you should definitely check out the numerous bars and clubs available. While the nightlife in this city isn’t as large as other Mexican cities, it is very concentrated in a certain area. Check out 15A Poniente Norte Street when you visit!
Palenque is one of the highlights of any trip to Chiapas! This is an ancient Mayan city that was abandoned about 1200 years ago! Despite its age, Palenque is home to some of the most well-preserved temples and ruins that the Mayans have produced! There are several tours that will take you from Tuxtla Gutiérrez to Palenque. Or, if you want to save money, just take a 3-hour bus there yourself for about $20 USD.
Best Time to Visit Tuxtla Gutiérrez
The best time to visit Tuxtla Gutiérrez is during the dry season, from November to April. This is the best time for outdoor activities because you won’t have to worry about rain. During this time, the temperature in the city is also at its lowest. However, if you visit during this time, you will have to deal with more crowds, which means more expensive accommodations and tours.
If you don’t mind the heat, consider coming during the shoulder seasons, from May-June and September-October. The temperatures are hotter, and you will have to deal with some rainy days, but you will be rewarded with less tourists and cheaper price!
Where to Stay in Tuxtla Gutiérrez
There are a few different options to choose from when deciding where to stay in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. What you choose will depend on your budget, desired level of luxury, and what kind of experiences you wish to have.
The best place to stay in Tuxtla Gutiérrez on a budget is the Casa Nomada Hotel. Not only is this the cheapest option in the city, but it also has air conditioning! This is extremely important in the summer because the heat is no joke. I stayed in a bunkbed for about $7 USD/night. Luckily, I was the only one, so it was basically a private room!
For those who want a little more privacy, check out Terraza 5. This highly-rated hotel has a central location that is perfect for travelers. In addition, each room comes with its own private bathroom, air conditioning, and a balcony with views of the city. These rooms cost about $26 USD/night.
If more luxury and comfort is what you desire, you need to stay at the Marriott Tuxtla Gutiérrez Hotel. This hotel offers a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a convenient location near the best nightlife. This is the best option for those who truly want to relax on their visit to Tuxtla Gutiérrez.
Check out the map below for available accommodations.
Tips for Visiting
Before your trip to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, here are 4 tips to ensure your visit goes smoothly.
1. Don't use Uber here, switch to Didi
I made the mistake of getting an Uber across town my first night in Tuxtla Gutiérrez.I was lucky to find a driver in the first place, as Uber is not a popular option in Chiapas. Once I found out about Didi, I took the same ride across town and it cost me about 50% less! Save money by downloading Didi beforehand.
2. Prepare for the heat
It gets pretty hot here, no matter what time of the year! Always make sure you have plenty of water, especially during boat tours through the Cañón del Sumidero. Bring snacks with you as well, as this will give you energy to hike around the canyon and enjoy the views.
3. Try some new food
Chiapas has a culinary history that is unique to the rest of Mexico. While you are in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, I highly recommend to try some new foods. My first night there, I tried tacos de ubre, or utter tacos. It was not my favorite type of meat, but I’m glad I got to try something new!
4. Get a hotel room with air conditioning
Normally, I am flexible about staying in rooms without A/C as a way to save money. It’s a different story in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Even at night, the temperature was still too hot to sleep comfortably (at least in June, when I went). Luckily, there are plenty of cheap accommodations here that do provide A/C.
