Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas

Unlike mountain towns at higher elevations, Tuxtla has a hot, steamy climate. But the surrounding countryside is lush, sprinkled with coffee and tobacco plantations. Scenic attractions include El Chorreadero, a waterfall emerging from the mouth of a cave that cascades down a canyon wall to pools of water below. Visitors also can explore the cave and its dramatic rock formations. The park containing the waterfall is about a 10-minute drive from the nearby city of Chiapa de Corzo; the best time to visit is during the dry season from November through March, when the water is at its clearest.

Mex. 190 runs east-west through the congested city center, changing names from Boulevard Dr. Belisario Domínquez to Carretera Internacional as it progresses east. Parque Central, the main plaza, is on both sides of the boulevard, between Calle Central Sur/Norte and Calle Segunda Sur/Norte. The twin squares are fronted by imposing government buildings, shaded by manicured trees and filled with benches.

On the south side of the boulevard stands the Catedral de San Marcos, named for the city's patron saint. It dates from the second half of the 16th century but still retains some colonial-era architectural touches. The church's gleaming white exterior is capped by a bell tower; the bells ring on the hour as mechanical figures representing the twelve apostles appear.

Shops in the vicinity of the plazas sell such items as scarves with sewn-on appliques, gold filigree jewelry and boxes made of inlaid wood, and at market stalls you can find souvenirs like brightly painted gourds. At Blvd. Dr. Belisario Domínguez #2320, west of Parque Central, is the government-run Casa de las Artesanías, which displays and sells Chiapan-made handicrafts.

First-class bus service is provided by the ADO and OCC bus lines. The ADO station is about a mile northwest of downtown on Avenida 5 Norte Poniente, adjacent to the Plaza del Sol shopping mall.

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Things to Do

ZOOMAT