In a tropical setting, Mexico’s most southerly region offers scenic vistas, marimba dances and food that is as unique as it is tasty.
Ranked globally as a “city of the future” Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital of Mexico’s Chiapas state, offers insight to the region’s culture and lifestyle, as well as being a modern city.
Visit the Victor Manuel Reyna Stadium, also called Zoque Stadium, where the Causeway for Indigenous Cultures is located. Stroll among large-scale sculptures of people and animals representing the different cultures of the stat. The jaguar is featured prominently as the animal that represents this area.
Walk through the Faustino Miranda Botanical Garden that contains 98 per cent native species, including medicinal plants, ornamentals and orchids. In the museum are displays of the region’s variety of trees, including fossil woods.
Discover the vast array of foods the region has to offer by going to a market, such as the Mercado Diaz Ordaz. Enjoy a Chiapaneco coffee and antojitos (snack food) at Marimba Park with its garden setting. Dance among the locals to music played by a marimba band every evening.
Experience the immense array of flavours that highlight the regional cuisine at one of the city’s restaurants. Local recipes crossed with a Spanish influence have created a unique and tasty assortment of dishes. Try roasted cuchunuc made from a flower that is a specialty of the area.
Being this close, don’t miss Sumidero Canyon, located 14 miles (23 kilometres) outside the city on the Grijalva River. Ride in a boat for 2 to 3 hours to view dramatic canyon walls that tower 3,280 feet (1,000 metres) above the water and the area’s fascinating flora and fauna.
Use Tuxtla Gutiérrez's perfect position in Chiapas as a base to drive your rental car to the surrounding towns and countryside of southern Mexico. The city has its own airport and reliable transportation system and is quite safe, making Tuxtla Gutierrez well worth a visit.
