Tuxtla Gutierrez is one of the main cities of Chiapas and is a place that works very well as a base for visiting various attractions.
Here we will share with you what to do in Tuxtla Gutierrez and how to take advantage of this destination to visit several of the tourist attractions in Chiapas.
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Best Things To Do in Tuxtla Gutierrez
Attend the Miguel Álvarez del Toro Zoo.
This is a good activity to do with the family and children.
You should know that this zoo is the most important in the country for its conservation and protection of regional and endangered species:
You can find: quetzals, tapirs, macaws, jaguars, spider monkeys, turkeys, otters, spiders and insects among others.
Go to the marimba museum
Right there in the marimba park there is a museum so you won’t be left wanting to learn all about this instrument.
It is a small and inexpensive museum. Another option if you are looking for things to do in Tuxtla Gutierrez.
Visit the Regional Museum of Chiapas
Unfortunately we could not attend because it was under renovation, the truth is that we were left wanting to go. Here you can learn about the history of Chiapas.
The Regional Museum of Chiapas is another place that should be on your list of things to see in Tuxtla Guitérrez.
Visit the Coffee Museum
Not only is it an excellent place to taste and enjoy coffee, it is also an excellent museum.
In case you don’t know, Chiapas is an important coffee producing state, the museum allows you to understand the importance, the process and the tasting of coffee in Mexico.
The tour is short and very interesting. Don’t forget to participate in the tasting or buy some of the Chiapas coffee, it’s delicious!
Dancing in the Marimba Park
Especially if you are looking for things to do in Tuxtla Gutierrez at night this activity is a great idea.
The Marimba Park has become famous for being a place where people dance danzón every day from 6 o’clock. Definitely one of the places to visit in Tuxtla.
It is very interesting to visit because you can listen to live music where, obviously, the star instrument is the marimba.
What we loved about the place and the experience is that it allows you to get to know the culture of Chiapas in a better way.
Climbing to the viewpoints of the Sumidero Canyon
The Sumidero Canyon is probably one of the most important tourist attractions in Tuxtla Gutierrez. I don’t know if you knew this, but there are 2 ways to get to know the sump canyon:
- Get on a boat and explore the canyon by navigating the river (more on this below).
- Climb to the viewpoints using an excursion to observe the canyon from above. This second option allows you to get breathtaking views of this natural beauty and is therefore one of the activities to consider.
To visit the viewpoints of the Sumidero Canyon we suggest using this tour: Sumidero Canyon viewpoints, Zoomat and Cristo de Chiapas.
Eating gorditas at don Rafita
If there is something you must eat in Tuxtla Gutiérrez it is definitely gorditas de don rafita.
This may not normally be considered one of the tourist attractions in Tuxtla Gutierrez; however, we highly recommend visiting this place.
Don Rafita gorditas are a local classic and one of those tourist secrets for the traveler visiting Tuxtla.
Taking a boat in the Sumidero Canyon
The Sumidero Canyon is one of the most famous attractions in all of Mexico.
Visiting the canyon and going into the river to observe the flora, fauna and the huge walls that form it, is something you must do in Tuxtla.
There are many agencies that offer the tour through the canyon and getting to the boats is relatively easy, anyway we leave you 3 good options here:
My suggestion is to take the first option since it is the cheapest and the most complete but that is for you to consider.
To visit the Sumidero Canyon by boat we suggest using the Sumidero Canyon Excursion (Tuxtla).
Places to visit in Tuxtla Gutierrez
If you are wondering what to visit from Tuxtla Gutierrez. These places are close to Tuxtla and are of interest. Besides, getting a tour to visit them is easy.
Zinacantan and San Juan Chamula
Both places are extremely interesting towns that are worth visiting.
There are two important reasons to visit Zinacantan:
- Learn about the backstrap loom and the ancestral technique used to weave typical Chiapas clothing.
- Taste Posch, a traditional drink from Chiapas.
As for San Juan Chamula, this town is close to Tuxtla and is known for preserving its traditions and for being governed by its own laws. Learning about their traditions and culture is interesting and bizarre at the same time.
Visiting these places on your own is not recommended since due to the laws of San Juan Chamula one can get into trouble.
It is advisable to use an excursion to be accompanied by a guide. Here is the one we recommend: Tour to Zinacantan and san juan Chamula
Take a tour of San Cristobal
San Cristobal de las Casas is one of the best magical towns in Mexico, at least in our opinion.
It’s super easy to get to know it, it’s about 40 minutes from Tuxtla, you can come and go in the same day and the buses to get there are super cheap.
We recommend you to check our guide: Places to visit in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Visiting Chiapa de Corzo
Chiapa de Corzo is another place to visit from Tuxtla.
It is a small place that you can easily get to know in a few hours, consider it in your plans and take a walk to get to know it is something I recommend.
Watch out! Most of the time the visit to Chiapa de Corzo is included in the sumidero canyon tours, it is a reality that visiting it on your own is cheaper but if you are also going to go to the canyon it may be more convenient to know it with the tour.
Now you have a couple of ideas about what to do in Chiapas, we hope we have been helpful.
What is Tuxtla Gutiérrez Chiapas like?
Check out our video to get an idea of what Tuxtla is like and the activities you can do.
Where to Stay
In Tuxtla there are lodgings for all types of travelers and budgets; however, these are the hotels we recommend:
Marriot Tuxtla
The Marriott Tuxtla Gutierrez offers luxurious facilities, an outdoor pool and first-class service.
The hotel has modern-style rooms, swimming pools and a restaurant serving international cuisine.
Ideal for travelers seeking luxury.
Chiapas Hotel Express
The Chiapas Hotel Express has an excellent location, just 10 minutes drive from the entrance to the Cañón del Sumidero National Park and 3 km from downtown Tuxtla.
The hotel has all the services and facilities necessary to have a good time on our trip and the price of accommodation is excellent.
This is the hotel we recommend for families, couples and tourists in general.
Hostel 3 Central
For those looking for the best price this is the hostel we recommend.
Ideal for backpackers and travelers looking to reduce the cost of lodging to a minimum.
🏨 If you need accommodation, we recommend looking here 🏨
What to eat
There are a lot of things you can try in the city of Tuxtla, we recommend you to check this article: 14 typical chiapas dishes you must try.
Either way we leave you with our Top 3 dishes you should eat:
- Gorditas de Don Rafita
- Bread Soup
- Chiapaneca style eggs
Activities and Tours
Here are some other tourist activities that you can do from Tuxtla
Find more destinations here: Chiapas Tourism
