TUXTLA GUTIERREZ

 

Tuxtla Gutierrez, the state capital of Chiapas, is located in southern Mexico, 85 km (53 mi) east of San Cristobal de las Casas. The city has a pleasant semi-humid climate, with an average year-round temperature of 23º C (73º F).

 

In the Plaza Civica you can marvel at some of the city?s most important historic buildings, such as the Catedral de San Marcos and the Antiguo Palacio de Gobierno, both of which are a blend of various architectural styles. You?ll also see edifices that are a mix of neocolonial and contemporary styles, such as the Centro de Convenciones and the Polyforum Chiapas, which are among the region?s most important cultural and live-entertainment venues.

 

Other cultural attractions include the Chiapas Regional Museum and the Eliseo Palacios Aguilera Paleontology Museum, where you can learn about Chiapas? past and the rich natural resources in the city?s surrounding areas.

 

In Tuxtla Gutierrez?s environs you can visit the Reserva de El Ecote (El Ecote Reserve), the Faustino Miranda Botanical Garden and the Miguel Alvarez del Toro Zoo, where you can observe a wide variety of species from Chiapas? jungle region.

 

Near the city you?ll find the town of Chiapa de Corzo, where you can visit the ruins of an ancient Mayan ceremonial center. There you also can set out to explore the impressive Cañon del Sumidero (Sumidero Canyon), one of the nation?s most important natural attractions. In addition, you can visit the magnificent El Chorreadero waterfall, which has gorgeous calcareous caverns and underground rivers. This spot is ideal for outdoor recreational activities, such as cave diving, climbing and rappelling.