Here at Travel Off Path, we've said before that there are a few worthwhile destinations left to discover south of the border, given its vast popularity.
Of course, there are certain pockets of Mexico that have been deemed no-go's for outsiders as you'd stand out like a sore thumb in a place just not welcoming to tourists.
On the flip side, we've also said numerous times before there's one region that's the last frontier — a place that feels untouched by mass tourism, quintessentially Mexican, and undeniably beautiful with natural wonders not often plastered at the top of Google (or whatever AI model the kids use today).
United Airlines is taking a chance by putting a virtually unknown city on Americans' radar, but it's not just the city itself that's under-hyped; it's the astounding nature on the outskirts.
Picture cascading waterfalls, staggering river-lined cliffs, and lush, wild jungles waiting to be explored.
Next time you crave a real adventure, not another foam party in Cancun, the state of Chiapas is now easier to reach than ever as United is slated to launch the only U.S. flight to 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 U.S. flights, this unheard-of city beforehand instantly found itself atop travelers' wishlists with easy access to trendy beach towns north of Puerto Vallarta.
While Tuxtla (as 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, surely to see an influx of Americans checking out essentially uncharted territory compared to household names.
That's why we're crowning Tuxtla (pronounced TOOST-lah) as the new “Tepic” as more travelers find themselves hopping aboard flights to “hidden gems” across the world.
What better place to start than our own neighbor, especially since the flight will take less than 3 hours?
While you're planning out logistics, you might as well double-check travel alerts and entry requirements for your trip.
Yeehaw! United Launching Only U.S. Flight To Tuxtla From Houston
United has numerous hubs dotting the States; Houston (IAH) being one of them.
Tuxtla (TGZ) will be the popular airline's 25th venture into Mexico as it stands right now — but this one is not only the most surprising, but the most authentic.
Travelers have spoken that the usual hotspots, such as Cabo, just aren't cutting it right now as the iconic beach getaway is struggling to fill rooms, seeing flights pulled from the skies, and most recently a shocking security alert issued.
Travelers are craving realness — not overpriced tacos and butler service.
United is braving new ground by offering the first-of-its-kind nonstop to Tuxtla, set to launch October 28, 2026.
Here is the expected schedule:
- Flight operates 3x times/week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
- Departs IAH at 9:50 am
- Arrives at TGZ at 12:45 pm
Better yet, despite being a rather small Embraer 175 jet, passengers will have free Starlink Wi-Fi.
Boundless Nature: Chiapas Is Mexico's Last Frontier
There are dozens of wondrous hideaways across Mexico that would conjure a response of “where's that?” if you told someone you're visiting.
But the State of Chiapas takes the cakes…or flan…or whatever sugar-rush metaphor you prefer to use.
Every other state has a travel hotspot.
Notoriously 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 visiting may be besides devouring cheap street tacos, gawking at gorgeous cathedrals, perusing buzzing markets, and staying in charming boutique hotels.
Am I right?
The answer is getting lost in nature. Okay, not literally…
Find a trusted guide.
Tuxtla is the springboard to Sumidero Canyon, where boats glide between towering cliffs along the Grijalva River, plus El Chiflón waterfalls, immense jungle scenery, an array of wildlife, and turquoise lakes deeper into Chiapas.
It’s not Cabo's beachfront villas or Cancun's pool parties — it’s Mexico for travelers who want a real sense of adventure.
And let's be honest, nobody is going to stop you from enjoying your hotel pool or ice-cold cerveza here either.
Even more enticing, if you think Tulum and the outskirts of Cancun offer the most prized Maya ruins, think again!
Check out these 3 Mayan sites buried deep in Chiapas backcountry:
- Palenque
- Bonampak
- Yaxchilán
Just keep in mind, the Guatemala border can be tricky, so this is where booking a reputable tour matters.
How Safe Is Chiapas?
Fellow travelers say Mexico generally feels safe, earning its current score of 79/100 on our Safety Index:
Truthfully, a tiny fraction of that score, if any, likely doesn't reflect Tuxtla or Chiapas in general since it's so off-path for even the most seasoned travelers.
For example, I've been to about 20 different cities in Mexico, and Tuxtla has barely popped up on my radar until now.
Chiapas does have some work to do to sway travelers its way as the U.S. State Department holds a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory, highlighting violence from criminal organizations as the main concern.
