Tuxtla Gutierrez

Capital of the Mexican state of Chiapas in southern Mexico

Tuxtla Gutierrez was declared the capital of the State of Chiapas, Mexico in 1892, when the seat of government was moved from nearby higher mountain city of San Cristobal de las Casas. At an altitude of 532 meters (1,746 ft) above sea level in the the Central Valley of Chiapas, Tuxla Gutierrez is more of a modern center whose prime points of interest are the Manuel Alvarez del Toro Zoo and the nearby and majestic Sumidero Canyon on the Grijalva River.

Centro de Convenciones – Website of the Tuxtla Gutierrez Convention Center and Polyforum Auditorium

Attractions

Cathedral of San Marcos

This 16th C. structure, located on the central plaza in downtown Tuxtla Gutierrez, was not made a Cathedral until the mid-1960´s. . Of note is its clock, which chimes songs on the hour while figurines representing the 12 Apostles circle the tower.

Chiapas Regional Museum

Located in Parque Madero next to the Theater, the museum was opened in 1940 and exhibits Meso-american archaeological pieces, historical artifacts and regional crafts and culture. Open daily 9 am to 4 pm, except Mondays.

Fausto Miranda Botanical Gardens

Located on the Sabanal River, the gardens display a range of vegetation that covers almost all of the species native to Chiapas. A peaceful walk along its trails will show you various jungle conditions as well as cactus and ornamental gardens and a variety of native medicinal plants and herbs. The gardens are open daily except Mondays, 9 am to 2 pm and 4 – 6 pm. Admission is free.

Manuel Alvarez del Toro Zoo (ZOOMAT)

Located about 20 minutes from downtown Tuxtla Gutierrez on Blvd. Samuel Leon Brinois, this excellent zoo is home to many of the thousands of species of native fauna of the state. Here you´ll find jaguar, tapir, ocelot, monkeys, butterflies, boas and other reptiles and animals kept in a spacious, relaxed environment and under conditions made as close as possible to their natural habitats. Zoo hours are 8 am to 5:30 pm daily except Mondays. Admission is free although upon leaving one is invited to contribute to a maintenance fund.

Parque de la Marimba

Sumidero Canyon

Enjoy the sounds of the Chiapanecan Marimba in the early evenings in the Marimba Park, where these special musicians gather in the gardens around the Gazebo.

Sumidero Canyon

Located 10 kms north of Tuxla Gutierrez, Cañon del Sumidero or Sumidero Canyon measures 13 kilometers in length with cliffsides more than 1,000 meters high, offering breathtaking views of the surroundings. Boat excursions through the canyon leave from the riverside town of Chiapa de Corzo.

Hotels, Rentals and Lodging

Tuxtla Gutierrez Hotel Search and online reservations

Hotel Ma. Eugenia – Av. Central Ote. No. 507, Tuxtla Gutierrez. Restaurant, bar, disco, parking, pool, gardens. Tel. (961) 613-3767. 01-800-7160149 (National toll free).

Rancho Santa Lucia – Av. Mexico No. 335, Colonia. El Retiro, Tuxtla Gutierrez. Cabins, shared lodging, gardens, restaurant, tenting facilities. Tel: (961) 614-1520.

Centro Kolping Tuxtla Gutierrez – Calle Adolfo Kolping 2661, Tuxtla Gutierrez. Suites, rooms, dormitories, phone, restaurant, parking, TV, a/c. Tel. (961) 602-6944.

Originally posted 2009-10-22 17:12:00.