Tuxtla Gutiérrez

Tuxtla Gutiérrez, usually just called Tuxtla, is the capital of Chiapas, and a busy government, commercial and services-oriented city. It is not a tourist attraction, but normal Mexican city, also acting as a transportation hub for tourists coming into the state due to its major airport and a bus terminal.

Understand
Tuxtla, a tropical city of 700,000 people (2015), 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. Tuxtla has had one of the fastest growing rates in Mexico since the 1970s. As most of the city was constructed during the boom that began in the 1970s, its quite livable for residents but isn't oriented around tourism. However, its outskirts do hold some locations of interest to visitors, such as the viewpoints over the Cañón del Sumidero just outside town to the north, and the famous ZooMat natural-style zoo, showcasing local wild animal species. Visitors who want a more quaint area can explore nearby Chiapa de Corzo, which does have a colonial downtown area, strong regional traditions, and a 3,000 year history dating back to the Olmecs.

Climate
With its relatively low altitude, the area has a very hot and relatively humid climate. Except for a rainy and dry season (summer-fall and winter-spring respectively) there is little variation in the climate during the year, except between dry season (Oct-Apr) and rainy season (May-Sep). Air conditioning is uncommon as most homes and offices use fans and most rooms and offices open into streets or courtyards, though as of 2024 many hostels and hotels do have it. Most businesses close in the late afternoon from 14:00-16:30 or 17:00 when it can get hot. Although it is not on the coast, it is close enough that hurricanes and tropical storms can affect it at time.

By plane
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 (1 hr 15 min, M$218 as of November 2016.)

Most direct flights go to Mexico City (MEX). Tuxtla is served by Aeromexico, Volaris, and VivaAerobus.

By car

 * From San Cristobal, 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 Cristobal, buses of all kinds go very frequently (1 hr, 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. OCC buses from the big bus terminal at Plaza Sol are similarly-priced to the local transport and may be more comfortable (more reliably air-conditioned).

By taxi
As in most Mexican cities, taxis are readily available, and cheap by North American or European standards.

By colectivo
The city has an extensive network of "colectivos" (white vans acting as buses) that run fixed routes, generally stopping only at designated stops marked by street pullouts and/or bus-shelter canopies, which are located every two or three blocks. As of April 2024, they seem to all cost 8 pesos per ride. Though the system is complex, it can be quite easy to use once you get the hang of it. Every colectivo is associated with a route number, marked on the outside as "Ruta ___", not to be confused with the often larger, longer operator registration number. You can look up the exact path of any numbered route on the Tuxmapa website, with the outbound path marked in green and the inbound in purple if they're different. The map doesn't show the exact locations of the stops, but they're usually easy to find. To figure out which routes go where you want (without looking through them one by one on the map), just as a local which route number goes where you want to go. They'll often be able to name a few off the top of their head. When you want to get off, say "La parada, por favor" for the driver to drop you at the next designated stop.

By bus
Avenida Central (which cuts through the city from west to east) and some other major roads may be serviced by the faster conejobus (not verified recently).

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 &mdash; 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
All these are in the city center:



Drink

 * Pozol &mdash; A choclate/maize drink typical to Chiapas, not to be confused with Pozole, a type of stew/soup from further north.

Sleep
Some fair accommodations to be had here as well as in Chiapa de Corzo just to the southeast which lies along the Rio Grijalva.

Go next

 * Chiapa de Corzo - Colonial town, where boat access to 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 famous for its colorful murals
 * Comitán - Charming colonial city, about 3 hours away, go here to get to the Lagunas de Montebello National Park
 * San Cristóbal de las Casas - Beautiful colonial city with lots of indigenous artisanship. Lots of foreigners and nice cafés.
 * San Juan Chamula - 10 km 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.