Tuxtla Gutiérrez
Tuxtla Gutiérrez, usually just called Tuxtla, is the capital of Chiapas.
Understand
Tuxtla is the economic powerhouse and biggest city of Chiapas. It is a transportation hub for the entire region which also hosts one of the main airports of Chiapas. As most of Tuxtla has been constructed during the boom of recent decades, the city itself has very little to offer to tourists.
Get in
By plane
- Tuxtla Gutiérrez International Airport (TGZ IATA Angel Albino Corzo Airport) (30km outside of the city).
A taxi to downtown Tuxtla costs US$20. The taxis are part of a taxi cartel put together by the government. You will have to buy a ticket for the taxi in the airport.
Though colectivos do not come up to the airport itself, they pass by it on a road a short walk from the parking lot and cost considerably less than a taxi.
There are several direct buses from the airport to San Cristóbal de las Casas (1h 15 min, M$218 as of November 2016.)
By car
- From San Cristóbal, there is a toll and a toll-free road. The toll road can be a scenic drive while climbing down from San Cristóbal but check in advance whether the road is blocked by protesters during the daytime since you might otherwise spend the entire day waiting for the toll booth at the bottom to open.
By bus
- From San Cristóbal, buses of all kinds go very frequently (1h, from M$50,) most of them to the terminal in front of Mercado de los Ancianos. Note that the highway which connects the two cities is very often blocked by groups protesting. Usually, the old toll-free road is still serviced by a few buses then but takes substantially longer. It is best to ask in advance whether any bloqueos are expected if you plan on catching a flight in Tuxtla.
Get around
As in most Mexican cities, taxis are readily available and relatively cheap. The city also has the usual confusing network of very many routes of colectivos and other buses that gets even locals confused. Avenida Central (which cuts through the city from West to East) and some other major roads are serviced by the faster conejobus.
See
- Parque de la Marimba. A park where they have regular marimba concerts. The concerts start at about 6 and go on until late.
- Parque Central. Central park, a nice place to walk around.
- Museo de la Marimba. Museum of the Marimba, right beside the Parque de la Marimba.
- Palacio de Gobierno. The state government buildings.
- ZooMat. A spacious zoo which hosts only animals that can be found in the region naturally. In fact many of the animals roam the area freely and are not kept in cages.
Do
Buy
Things in Tuxtla are very reasonably cheap and affordable in the fact that it was set for the poor living standards of the indigenous that live there. Despite that, it is a very modern city with lots to do and see. There are plenty of shopping malls to shop in and items are very cheap.
Eat
- Mole — A type of sauce from the south. Ordering a 'mole' will normally get you chicken and rice smothered in this sauce, sometimes tortillas are served underneath, sometimes they're given separate.
Budget
Mid-range
- Casa Blanca (Near the Quality Inn off 5a Norte). Delicious pork tacos, cheap, clean, fast.
Splurge
Drink
- Pozol — A choclate/maize drink typical to Chiapas, not to be confused with Pozole, a type of stew/soup from further north.
Sleep
The hotels in Tuxtla are generally of a very low quality and often quite expensive. If possible, you'll want to avoid sleeping in Tuxtla. Chiapa de Corzo is a good alternative city when looking for accommodation.
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Connect
Stay safe
Cope
Go next
- Chiapa de Corzo - Colonial town, where the Cañón del Sumidero is, also the castle on the Chiapas crest.
- Palenque - Ancient city, about 6 hours away, close to the Agua Azul and Misol Ha waterfalls
- Bonampak - Ancient city
- Comitán - about 3 hours away, go here to get to the Lagos de Montebello
- San Cristóbal de las Casas - Beautiful colonial city with lots of indigenous artesanship. Lots of foreigners and nice cafés.
- San Juan Chamula - 10km from San Cristóbal, a Tsotsil indigenous village.
- Campeche - 11 hours away by bus.
- La Realidad - A Zapatista caracol or autonomous village, can be difficult to get to. Zapatista buses leave from Las Margaritas every day at 7am.
- Tapachula - City about five hours from Tuxtla, go here to get buses to Guatemala City.