Tuxtla Gutiérrez

We left San Cristobal early, because well, we likely would have contracted at least one disease if not had a few new ones named after us, or death by electrocution, that was another probable fate. Let’s just say the Airbnb was not what was advertised. The city itself was beautiful but since Tuxtla was our next stop, we decided to just add an extra 11 days and actually see what it was all about.

Pic 1- No heat
Pic 2 Vent for outside
Pic 3 Dirty bathroom Sink and mirror
Pic 4 Nails sticking out of the floor

Our first stay was just outside the center, conveniently (or suspiciously) right next to a McDonald’s. Jim might have had something to do with that choice.

As is our tradition, we kicked things off with a visit to the Zócalo (central park), grabbed a drink, and scoped things out. Tuxtla isn’t a big tourist hub, so restaurant options near the square were slim. We landed at Gloria’s, where we met the super-friendly Patti and Jose Carlos.

One Sunday at Gloria’s, while practicing our Spanish with Jose Carlos over smoothies laced with tequila, he told us about a celebration happening in Chiapa de Corzo.

Jim did a quick calculation: Uber/taxi for $25 or colectivo for $1.50. I’ve been working on saying yes more to Jim’s ideas so off we went, hunting for a colectivo.

We saw people wave them down, but we didn't know which one went where, so we stuck to where Jose told us to go. As Jose Carlos put it: “No one walks around here.” He wasn’t kidding.

Chiapa de Corzo instantly won me over. We stepped into a massive central plaza, wandered down to the river, devoured churros, and admired the Parachicos in full festival dress. The main event was on January 15th, but since we were flying out that day, we had to settle for the early celebrations.

Canyon + Mirador Tour

We rarely book tours, but sometimes it’s actually cheaper than going solo. One morning, after coffee at Marimba Park (and yet another reminder from Jose about the Parachicos), we hopped on a tour.

It started with a stunning drive to the dam, then a two-hour boat ride through the Sumidero Canyon, nicknamed “The Green Grand Canyon.” Life jackets on, we cruised past monkeys with their babies, crocodiles basking in the sun, towering cliffs, misty waterfalls resembling , and caves used for worship.

We stopped again in Chiapa de Corzo for lunch and people watched in the park before heading to the van for the second half of the tour: four jaw-dropping miradores overlooking the canyon. For $25 per person, it was a no-brainer.

What we loved most about Chiapas was the welcome. In Comitan and Tuxtla, we were often the only gringos around and it felt great. In San Cristobal and Chiapa de Corzo, tourists were everywhere, but we felt safe and welcomed in every corner of the state.

Transportation

Buses (ADO/OCC): Comfortable, cheap, and easy to book with the app. Occasional luggage checks and security screenings, but nothing stressful.

The ADO/OCC bus rides had some hair-raising moments, but overall were always positive and easy. Sometimes we had to check our luggage inside the station. 

The bus ride was comfortable with plenty of legroom. We felt safe, with security at all bus stations and even with the common walk throughs at checkpoints. Tickets were cheap and easily purchased online a few days before using the app. This is an extremely inexpensive way of comfortably getting around Chiapas.

Ubers & Taxis: Ubers are cheaper than taxis but not always available.

Colectivos: The MVP of budget travel, sometimes saving us up to $45 USD. Clearly labeled and often found on the corners or on google maps. Always carry your ID. In Comitan, while riding in a colectivo we were stopped at a checkpoint and asked for our ID’s, no biggie. 

Food & Drink 

Each city had its specialties, but staples like wings, tamales, street tacos, and cold drinks never disappointed. Meals (drinks + tip included) usually ran between $4–15. Bargain!

Weather

Tuxtla was warm and humid, mid to upper 80s every day, with A/C a must at night, for me at least.

Highlights & Reflections

Tuxtla was our launching point for exploring Sumidero Canyon National Park. The impressive park has towering 3,300 ft cliffs, waterfalls, monkeys, crocs, and birds galore.

The miradores were worth the trip alone, especially the Árbol de Navidad waterfall, cascading like a glittering Christmas tree.

If I Did It Again…

I’d give Sumidero Canyon another chance and stretch the trip like this:

1 week in Comitan → waterfalls, lakes, and more exploring.

1 week in Chiapa de Corzo → for the Chiapa de Corzo Fiesta Grande More info.  (January 8–15ish, with the big day on the 15th, changing yearly). Bonus: catch the famous race.

Tuxtla and beyond wasn’t just a stopover, it was a reminder that the best trips happen when you say yes to the unexpected.