Tuxtla Gutiérrez
MexicoCfa
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
Puerta de entrada al mundo maya | Gateway to the Maya world
Why visit
The Sumidero Canyon, a 1,000m-deep gorge carved by the Grijalva River, is unmissable, with two-hour boat trips taking you between vertical limestone walls past waterfalls, crocodiles, and spider monkeys. The Regional Museum of Anthropology is excellent. Visit the ZooMAT, one of Mexico's best zoos, devoted to Chiapan flora and fauna. Use Tuxtla as the springboard for San Cristóbal de las Casas (90 minutes east), Palenque (5 hours), and the Lagunas de Montebello. Sample Chiapan tamales (with mole), pozol (a fermented corn drink), and local artisanal coffee.
When to avoid
Chiapas has had political tensions including Zapatista movement zones and recent cartel-related violence in border areas with Guatemala, check current advisories. The state also has periodic blockades from indigenous protests. Don't drink tap water. Tuxtla is hot and humid. Pace yourself and seek air conditioning. Petty theft happens around the bus station and central market. Use Uber or InDriver rather than street taxis. Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, zika) are present.
