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Here at Travel Off Path we’ve said before that there are still a few worthwhile destinations to discover south of the border, given its enormous popularityularity.
Of course, there are certain parts of Mexico that are considered no-goes for outsiders because you would stand out like a sore thumb in a place that is simply not hospitable to tourists.
On the other hand, we’ve said it before There is one region that is the final frontier – a place that seems untouched by mass tourism, quintessentially Mexican, and undeniably beautiful with natural wonders that don’t often top Google (or whatever AI model the kids are using these days).
United Airlines takes a gamble by placing a virtually unknown city on the American radar, but it’s not just the city itself that is underrated; it is the amazing nature on the edge.
Imagine waterfalls, dizzying river-lined cliffs and lush, wild jungles waiting to be explored.
The next time you’re in the mood for a real adventure, and not another Cancun foam party, the state of Chiapas is now easier to reach than ever as United are about to get the only American flight Unpleasant Tuxtla Gutierrez this fall.
Tuxtla Gutierrez: Mexico’s Next “Tepic”
Tepic and Tuxtla Gutierrez may not ring a bell to most, but Tepic became one of Mexico’s most intriguing cities last year.
With the opening of a new international terminal with direct flights to the US, this previously unheard of city immediately rose to the top of travelers’ wish lists with easy access to trendy beach resorts north of Puerto Vallarta.
Although Tuxtla (since locals tend to save some syllables) doesn’t have a flashy new airport, they will soon have one of Mexico’s most exciting new flights, sure to see an influx of Americans exploring essentially unknown territory compared to household names.
That is why we crown Tuxtla (pronounced TOAST-lah) as the new “Tepic” as more travelers hop aboard flights to “hidden gems” around the world.
What better place to start than especially our own neighbor as the flight will last less than 3 hours?
Yay! United launches only US flight to Tuxtla from Houston
United has numerous hubs across the United States; Houston (IAH) is one of them.
Tuxtla (TGZ) will be the popular airline’s 25th flight to Mexico in its current form – but this is not only the most surprising, but also the most authentic.
Travelers have said the usual hot spots like Cabo aren’t cutting it right now as the iconic beach resort struggles to fill rooms, sees flights cut and recently issued a shocking safety warning.
Travelers long for authenticity – not expensive tacos and butler service.
United is breaking new ground by offering the first of its kind non-stop service to Tuxtla, launching soon October 28, 2026.
Here is the expected schedule:
- There are flights 3 times a week on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
- Departure IAH at 9:50 am
- Arrival at TGZ at 12:45
Better yet, despite being a fairly small Embraer 175 jet, passengers will have free Starlink WiFi.
Boundless nature: Chiapas is Mexico’s last border
There are dozens of miraculous shelters throughout Mexico that would elicit a response of “where is that?” when you tell someone you are visiting.
But the state of Chiapas takes the cakes… or the pie… or whatever sugar rush metaphor you want to use.
Every other state has a travel hotspot.
The infamously sketchy Sinaloa has Mazatlan, the no-go zone of Colima has Manzanillo, and soon travelers can say Chiapas has Tuxtla Gutierrez.
So you might be wondering what the purpose of a visit could be, besides devouring cheap street tacos, gazing at beautiful cathedrals, exploring bustling markets, and staying in charming boutique hotels.
Am I right?
The answer is to get lost in nature. Okay, not literally…
Find a reliable guide.
Tuxtla is the springboard to Sumidero Gorgewhere boats glide between towering cliffs along the Grijalva River, plus El Chiflón Waterfalls, immense jungle landscape, an array of wildlife and turquoise lakes deeper into Chiapas.
It’s not the beach villas in Cabo or the pool parties in Cancun – it’s Mexico for travelers who want a real sense of adventure.
And let’s be honest: here too, no one will stop you from enjoying your hotel pool or ice-cold cerveza.
Even more appealing: If you think Tulum and the Cancun suburbs offer the most prized Mayan ruins, think again!
Check out these 3 Mayan sites buried deep in the Chiapas hinterland:
- Palenque
- Bonampak
- Yaxchilan
Keep in mind that the border with Guatemala can be tricky, so this is where booking a reputable tour is important.
How safe is Chiapas?
Fellow travelers say Mexico feels generally safe and deserves the current score of 79/100 on our Safety Index:
Frankly, a small portion of that score probably doesn’t reflect Tuxtla or Chiapas in general because it’s so off-road for even the most seasoned travelers.
For example, I’ve been to about twenty different cities in Mexico, and Tuxtla has barely appeared on my radar so far.
Chiapas still has some work to do to steer travelers in its direction, as the U.S. State Department has a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory, which highlights violence from criminal organizations as a top concern.
