Tuxtla Gutierrez

About

The site of a Pre-Columbian settlement, today’s Tuxtla Gutierrez was likely founded in 1560 when Dominican monks established a community for the dispersed Zoques around the Saint Mark's Cathedral. Today, the 16th century church is still the spiritual heart of the bustling capital, which marks the hours with chimes accompanied by figures of the apostles. The Zoológico Miguel Alvarez del Toro Zoo is said to be one of the best zoos of its kind in Latin America, and exhibits, studies, protects, and preserves local species. In total, the zoo is home to 1,400 animals from 220 species, including jaguars, tapirs, macaws, howler monkeys, and quetzals. The Regional Museum of Anthropology and History is one of the best in Mexico, covering both pre- and post-Spanish history, with the state’s only paleontological museum standing next door.