Antiguo Palacio Municipal de Tuxtla
Historic former town hall building in the center, just a few steps from Parque Central and the Cathedral.
Mexico
Tuxtla Gutiérrez
City
Tuxtla Gutiérrez has been the capital of Chiapas since 1892 and, with around 600,000 inhabitants, is the state's largest city.
by Felix Gillen
Tuxtla Gutiérrez has been the capital of Chiapas since 1892 and, with around 600,000 inhabitants, is the state's largest city. The city is located in the warm valley of the Río Sabinal at just over 500 meters and directly borders the Cañón del Sumidero National Park.
Sights in Tuxtla Gutiérrez
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Parque de la Marimba
The park, created in 1993 with a central music pavilion, is the city's evening meeting point. Marimba groups play here regularly, and couples dance on the square.
ZooMAT
Miguel Álvarez del Toro Zoo, founded in 1942 by the naturalist of the same name. On forest trails, you'll see around 1,400 animals from about 220 species native to Chiapas, including jaguars and quetzals.
Glorioso Cristo de Chiapas
Approximately 62-meter high cross made of steel and concrete on a hill southwest of the city, inaugurated in 2011 and also called Cristo de Copoya. Inside, the profile of a Christ figure is visible, and below it lies a chapel.
Museo del Café de Chiapas
Museum on the history, cultivation, and processing of Chiapas coffee, located in La Casona, an INAH-designated heritage building. It includes a tasting lab and a small shop.
Calzada de las Personas Ilustres
The promenade through Parque Madero in the city's east, once called Paseo de los Hombres Ilustres. Lining it are museums, cultural centers, and the Faustino Miranda Botanical Garden on the Río Sabinal.
City walks in Tuxtla Gutiérrez
Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.
Tuxtla's Heartbeat: A Walk Through Culture and Rhythm
Discover the vibrant heart of Tuxtla Gutiérrez on this two-hour tour. From the majestic cathedral to the lively Marimba Park, immerse yourself in the history, the vibrant culture and the sounds of this fascinating city in Chiapas.
Stops (5)
Essen & Trinken
Taquería on Avenida Séptima Norte Poniente, north of the city center. For the tacos, nearly the entire pig is used; the portions are generous, and onions and salsas are plentiful.
Restaurant serving regional Chiapas cuisine on Avenida 13a Norte Oriente, in the northern city center.
Pizzeria in the west of the city center, near Parque de la Marimba.
Restaurant on Avenida 1a. Norte Poniente in the west of the city center.
Coffee shop and café on Avenida Central Poniente, featuring coffee from Chiapas.
Restaurant with a bar on Avenida 2a. Norte Oriente in the east of downtown.
Traditional restaurant for Chiapas cuisine on Avenida Central Oriente, a few blocks east of the center, operating for over 30 years. The menu features Cochito, Pepita con tasajo and Sopa de chipilín; evenings feature Marimba music and a folk dance show.
Food and Drink in Tuxtla
Tuxtla Gutiérrez's cuisine takes you deep into Chiapas' culinary tradition. Here you'll discover authentic regional specialties, from hearty tamales to fresh tacos, served at spots like Restaurante Zúñiga's or Taco Ciro's.
Tamales de chipilín and Pictes
Maistamales with Chipilín leaves or as Pictes from sweet young corn.
Pozol
Cold drink from corn dough, often with cocoa, available at stands throughout the city.
Pinole
Drink of roasted, ground corn, often with cinnamon or cocoa.
Culture and History
From Coyatoc to CapitalThe valley's first inhabitants were Zoque, who called the place Coyatoc; the Aztecs later named it Tuchtlan. In 1560, Dominicans built a church for San Marcos; in 1848, the city received its current name in honor of politician Joaquín Miguel Gutiérrez. In 1892, Tuxtla replaced San Cristóbal de las Casas as the capital.Marimba and MuseumsThe marimba is integral to the city's identity; groups play almost every evening in Parque de la Marimba. The Museo Regional de Chiapas exhibits finds from the Olmec, Zoque, and Maya, as well as the history of the state.ExcursionsCañón del Sumidero: Up to 1,000-meter-high cliffs along the Río Grijalva; boat trips depart from Embarcadero Cahuaré near Chiapa de Corzo.San Cristóbal de las Casas: Colonial city in the highlands, reachable via highway in about an hour.
Nightlife
Bar with grill and Mexican cuisine on Avenida 1a Norte Poniente in the west of downtown.
Cafe-bar on Boulevard Belisario Domínguez in the west of the city.
Bar with Mexican cuisine on Avenida 3a. Norte Poniente, near Parque de la Marimba.
Lounge bar on a rooftop terrace on Calle 4a Oriente Sur, a few blocks from the Cathedral.
Exploring locally
Tuxtla has no subway or tram. In the city, buses and colectivos run on fixed routes, and taxis are available on every corner. In the evening, it's best to take a taxi from a designated stand (Sitio) or a vehicle ordered via an app.Ángel Albino Corzo Airport (TGZ) lies about 35 kilometers south of the city; a taxi to the center takes around 40 minutes. Long-distance buses from OCC connect Tuxtla with San Cristóbal, Palenque and Oaxaca. Before intercity journeys, check the current UK FCDO Travel Advice for Mexico.
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