Tuxtla Gutierrez: 18 Experiences for a Remarkable Stay in Chiapas
Tuxtla Gutierrez: 18 Experiences for a Remarkable Stay in Chiapas
Tuxtla Gutierrez is a city of unparalleled natural and cultural beauty, besides being the capital of the state of Chiapas in Mexico.
Tuxtla is a bustling city in the province’s central region due to its warm and pleasant climate.
It was founded in the pre-Hispanic period and came to be called Tuchtlan by the Aztecs, which means “place of rabbits” in Nahuatl.
Eventually, the Spanish conquistadors changed its name and became Tuxtla.
The “Gutiérrez” part pays homage to one of the most outstanding characters of Mexican independence, Joaquín Miguel Gutiérrez, a native of the city.
18 TOP things to do and see in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas
1. Visit the Marimba Park
The Marimba is an essential musical instrument in Chiapas; the sounds enchant the ecological space every night.
The place is transformed into a cultural paradise through the music that fills visitors with happiness and emotion.
You can dance to the rhythm of the Marimba and have many options to enjoy typical Mexican foods and snacks sold here.
Surrounded by the beautiful greenery of the gardens, it is undoubtedly one of the city’s most unique cultural and folkloric places.
Therefore, it should be on your list of top things to see in Tuxtla Gutierrez.
2. San Marcos Cathedral in Tuxtla Gutierrez
Located in the Plaza Civil downtown, its construction occurred in the sixteenth century and was remodeled in 2009.
It is characterized by having a tower with a unique bell tower, which consists of 48 bells that ring every hour.
It has a Latin cross construction with chapels on both sides.
The design of the complex is characteristic of a neoclassical style from the beginning of the century.
In addition, the front of the Cathedral of San Marcos has a multimedia entertainment exhibit that is a light show that combines the best of the culture, music, and customs of Chiapas.
3. Chiapas Coffee Museum
Initially, the establishment was built for Dr. Rafael Grajales Ramos, and after a series of transformations into historical and anthropological museums, it was reopened in August 2009 as the Coffee Museum.
This site aims to spread information about the coffee culture, so characteristic of the city and the country, to induce the consumption of the typical Chipaneco coffee and support its production.
In this way, the Coffee Museum is a tool for promoting, instructing, and recreating the social, economic, cultural, and historical relevance of the elaboration and consumption of coffee in Chiapas.
It is located in downtown Tuxtla Gutierrez, and its visiting hours are from Wednesday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and on weekends from 11 am to 3 pm. The entrance is free.
4. Explore the Caña Hueca Park
Caña Hueca Park is located at the entrance of Tuxtla Gutierrez and is surrounded by a large forest that makes the park attractive.
It is an ideal place to have a good time with family and friends.
There are multiple recreational options, such as playing sports, including soccer, volleyball, outdoor gymnastics, and running track.
It has an area to relax and enjoy the birds singing, besides observing its diversity of trees such as cupapé, flamboyant, or Benjamin.
5. Visit the Miguel Alvarez del Toro Zoo
It was founded by Eliseo Palacios, whose goal was to study and conserve the region’s fauna.
Its name is a tribute to its original director. It is located in a medium-sized jungle, providing the animals with a very appropriate habitat.
This zoo is one of the most important in Mexico because it houses species in danger of extinction.
Among them are the tapir, quetzal, jaguars, spider monkeys, turkeys, insects, macaws, and otters.
6. Be amazed by the Sumidero Canyon
The Sumidero Canyon is located 20 minutes by car from Tuxtla Gutierrez.
The rocks forming the high walls of the Sumidero Canyon began their formation over 130 million years ago from minerals and sediments formed by sea species such as corals.
For this reason, it is thought that in prehistoric times, this part of Chiapas was submerged in the sea.
The place also has a small park with six viewpoints, where you can enjoy its beautiful and movie-worthy landscapes.
The fee to access the path that leads to the viewpoints is 40 pesos. There are small restaurants near the last viewpoint where you can buy snacks and souvenirs.
7. El Chiflón Waterfalls
The largest water body in Chiapas is the San Vicente River, from which a series of waterfalls are formed under Ala de Angel, El Suspiro, and Velo de Novia, outstanding for their 70-meter-high falls.
You need to drive about 2.5 hours south of Tuxtla to get to these waterfalls.
It turns out to be one of the most incredible natural phenomena of Chiapas due to its height, approximately 120 meters.
At the same time, they give rise to beautiful ponds formed by waters of a characteristic shade of turquoise blue, surrounded by vast vegetation that forms a carpet of trees worthy of appreciation.
8. Hike to the Glorious Christ of Copoya in Tuxtla Gutierrez
The Glorious Christ of Copoya, also known as Christ of Chiapas, is a monument 60 meters high, far surpassing the height of the famous Christ the Redeemer of Brazil (38 meters).
It is located at the highest point of the Mactumaczá hill and is built with stainless steel to be durable and withstand storms.
The monument can be appreciated from any part of the city.
9. Regional Museum of Chiapas
Its inauguration took place at the end of 1984 and was built under the command of architect Juan Miramontes.
It can accommodate up to 250 visitors and plays a vital role in the culture of Tuxtla Gutierrez, as it is the venue for many important cultural and educational events.
Among them are: book premieres, press conferences, assemblies, musical performances, theatrical plays, and film presentations, among others.
It exhibits works that focus on political, historical, religious, economic, and cultural points of view about the pre-classic, classic, and post-classic periods in Chiapas.
10. Marimba Museum
This site was created as a tribute to the symbolic instrument of the state of Chiapas, the Marimba, through which it strengthens, encourages, and spreads information about the importance of the Marimba culture in Mexico.
The Marimba Museum is right before the previously mentioned Marimba Garden Park.
It has five art rooms, a workshop where marimbas are made, and an audiovisual space that narrates the historical evolution of the Marimba.
11. Admire the Chiapas Bridge
This construction was inaugurated in 2003 and is considered one of the largest bridges in the state and all of Mexico.
With 1,207 meters of extension, it crosses the Nezahualcóyotl Dam and unites the Municipality of Cosolealecaque to Tuxtla Gutierrez.
From this bridge, you can admire a picturesque and beautiful view over the Grijalva River and its fantastic panorama, which will undoubtedly leave you breathless.
12. Tuxtla Gutierrez City Museum
The purpose of this museum is to spread the traditions, customs, lifestyle, and historical relevance of the people of Tuxtla Gutierrez.
Here you will find all the important cultural and historical points you want to know about the capital of Chiapas, from the time it was founded to the present.
It is also a place that stimulates different forms of artistic expression in the city.
13. Morelos Bicentennial Park
This park stands out for presenting a sculpture that allows the raising of the Mexican flag, honoring the patriotism so characteristic of the city’s inhabitants.
It also includes a youth and culture plaza, an open-air forum, an exhibition area, several interactive water fountains, a skating rink, and a playground for children, among other tourist attractions.
The park was inaugurated in September 2010 by the state governor, Juan Sabines Guerrero.
14. Catch a soccer game
The Víctor Manuel Reyna Stadium is the home of the Jaguares de Chiapas professional soccer team.
It is located in the northeastern region of Tuxtla Gutierrez, on Calzada Ciudad Deportiva.
Its name pays tribute to Víctor Manuel Reina, a highly respected physical education coach in the city, recognized for creating the first soccer teams in the state.
The man was characterized by his confidence in talented children in soccer, even if they had no money, and by instilling the best social values in them.
For this reason, he is considered the father of soccer in Chiapas.
Fans of this beautiful game cannot miss the opportunity to visit this stadium, which should be on your list of the top things to see in Tuxtla Gutierrez.
15. Visit the Magical Town of Chiapa de Corzo
Chiapa de Corzo is a place of vivid cultural customs characterized by the friendliness of its people.
It is one of the most beautiful towns in Chiapas, located only 15 minutes from Tuxtla Gutierrez.
Its importance lies in its historical value, as it happens to be the first city founded by the Spaniards in the sixteenth century.
This town strongly influences Mudejar art architecture, which can be seen in La Pila (an iconic fountain in the city’s central square), a solid Moorish inspiration elaborated with blocks of bricks, the only one of its kind in Latin America.
The other constructions of the same type of architectural design are the church of Santo Domingo, its convent building, and the relics of the church of San Sebastian.
16. Chiapas Museum of Science and Technology
The museum’s goal is to allow visitors to learn about how the most recent advances in the world of technology work through interactive and didactic workshops.
Previously, the Cerro Hueco Reclusorio (a former prison) was located on this site, which was destroyed and replaced by magnificent modern architecture with rooms designed in a spacious manner to house the exhibits.
17. Get your adrenaline pumping at Valle Bonito Flying Club
This club offers panoramic flight services over the natural beauty of Chiapas, offering customers the most pleasant and safe flight experience.
It is located on Camino Viejo a Piedra Parada, in the region of Ocozocoautla de Espinosa, and its operating hours are from Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm.
18. Dr. Faustino Miranda Botanical Garden Tuxtla Gutierrez
This is the oldest botanical garden in the nation, founded in 1949.
It has more than 700 species, most native to Chiapas.
Its extension covers 4 hectares, and it also has a herbarium, a botanical museum, a seed bank, and a nursery where more than 100 thousand plants are produced yearly.
Analysis and studies related to botany are carried out here, which have contributed a great deal of exciting information to the field of biology.
Its opening hours are from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 3:30 pm.
You must visit this internationally acclaimed place on your visit to Tuxtla Gutierrez.
Tuxtla Gutierrez Chiapas: Conclusion
In conclusion, Tuxtla Gutierrez is a vibrant city with plenty of things to see and do.
From exploring the stunning natural attractions to immersing oneself in the local culture and history, there is something for everyone in this charming destination.
Whether traveling solo, with friends, or with family, Tuxtla Gutierrez offers a unique and memorable experience you won’t forget.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Mexico, include Tuxtla Gutierrez in your itinerary and discover all this wonderful city has to offer!
Don’t forget to share your comments below. Stay safe and healthy. Vamonos!
