Visitor Insights
Visiting Tuxtla Gutiérrez Mexico Temple
Situated on a quiet hilltop in the San José Chapultepec neighborhood, the temple offers views toward Mount Mactumatzá and the central valley. Visitors are welcome to walk the peaceful, tropical exterior grounds and view the clean architectural design.
Highlights
- Well-manicured tropical grounds with palm trees and vibrant regional flora.
- View of the historic Mount Mactumatzá directly across the urban valley.
- Clean white marble exterior crafted from Coahuila stone that glimmers in tropical sunlight.
Things to Know
- Interior access is reserved for active Church members holding a valid temple recommend.
- Sunday services open to the general public are held in the adjacent stake center meetinghouse.
Location
Carretera a Chicoasén Km 1.4, Esq. Paseo de la Roseta, Fracc. San José Chapultepec, 29047 Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico
Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday for ordinance schedules; grounds open daily during daylight hours.
Getting There: Located approximately 30 minutes from Tuxtla Gutiérrez International Airport via Carretera a Chicoasén.
Get DirectionsTips for Your Visit
Ground Access
Non-members can freely explore the surrounding gardens, fountain area, and visitor walkways.
Nearby Attractions
Combine a visit to the temple grounds with a tour of the nearby Sumidero Canyon national park.
Language Support
Services inside are conducted in Spanish with support for regional Mayan languages including Tzotzil and Tzeltal.
About
Dedicated on March 12, 2000, by President James E. Faust, the Tuxtla Gutiérrez Mexico Temple stands as a sacred beacon in the capital city of Chiapas. As the 75th operating temple worldwide and the sixth constructed in Mexico, it fulfilled a decades-long dream for local members who previously faced grueling 12-hour bus journeys to Mexico City to access temple blessings.
In harmony with broad Christian tradition, Latter-day Saints revere the temple as a literal House of the Lord set apart for divine worship and holy covenants. Deeply rooted in Abrahamic antiquity, the sanctuary provides a tranquil space where believers contemplate the creation, seek spiritual transformation, and draw nearer to Jesus Christ through His infinite Atonement.
The temple serves tens of thousands of members across southern Mexico, including diverse indigenous Maya communities such as the Tzotzil, Tzeltal, and Zoque. Featuring authentic native Tzotzil embroidery in its foyer and offering multilingual ordinance support, the temple reflects the universal reach of the restored gospel across cultural and linguistic boundaries.
Interesting Facts
The temple was dedicated on March 12, 2000, exactly one day after President James E. Faust dedicated the Oaxaca Mexico Temple. (Tier A)
Its groundbreaking occurred on March 20, 1999, the exact same day ground was broken for temples in Fresno, Fukuoka, and Melbourne. (Tier A)
In 1957, Elder Howard W. Hunter dedicated Chiapas from Mount Mactumatzá, which directly faces the temple site across the valley. (Tier B)
It is one of few temples displaying native indigenous embroidery—crafted by local Tzotzil Mayan women—on its foyer walls. (Tier B)
The exterior is clad in polished white marble quarried and finished in Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico. (Tier A)
It was dedicated as the Church's 75th operating temple during President Gordon B. Hinckley's historic temple building push. (Tier A)
Temple workers routinely assist patrons in Mayan languages including Tzotzil and Tzeltal as well as Spanish. (Tier B)
Constructing the temple reduced regional member travel times from a 12-hour bus trip to Mexico City down to a local commute. (Tier B)
Common Questions
Who can enter the Tuxtla Gutiérrez Mexico Temple?
While the exterior grounds are open to everyone, interior entrance is reserved for active members of the Church with a valid recommend.
What makes this temple's interior unique?
It features authentic hand-embroidered textile artwork crafted by local Tzotzil Latter-day Saint women permanently displayed in the foyer.
Which areas does this temple serve?
It serves Latter-day Saints throughout the state of Chiapas and neighboring areas of Tabasco and Oaxaca.
How large is the facility?
The temple encompasses 10,700 square feet built on a 1.56-acre master-planned site.
Featured Stories
Dedication Weekend Across Southern Mexico
March 12, 2000
In March 2000, President James E. Faust carried out a historic double dedication across southern Mexico by dedicating the Oaxaca Temple on Saturday and the Tuxtla Gutiérrez Temple on Sunday. Local Latter-day Saints gathered in overflowing numbers, filled with tears of gratitude as the sacred sanctuary opened its doors locally after decades of long, costly travel.
Source: Church News Dedication Report
Four Groundbreakings in One Day
March 20, 1999
On March 20, 1999, Church history was made when ground was broken for four temples across three continents on the exact same date. Elder Richard E. Turley Sr. presided in Tuxtla Gutiérrez while simultaneous ceremonies took place in California, Japan, and Australia, illustrating the unprecedented rapid acceleration of temple construction worldwide.
Source: Church History Department Records
Prophetic Fulfillment Facing Mount Mactumatzá
1957–2000
In 1957, Elder Howard W. Hunter climbed the slopes of Mount Mactumatzá to dedicate Chiapas for the preaching of the gospel. Four decades later, the Tuxtla Gutiérrez Temple was constructed directly across the valley facing that very mountain, standing as a tangible fulfillment of apostolic prophecy and spiritual growth among the Maya people.
Source: Mexico Area Heritage Archives
Timeline
Chiapas Dedicated for Preaching
Elder Howard W. Hunter dedicates the state of Chiapas for missionary work from Mount Mactumatzá.
MilestoneTemple Announcement
President Gordon B. Hinckley officially announces plans for the Tuxtla Gutiérrez Temple.
MilestoneGroundbreaking Ceremony
Elder Richard E. Turley Sr. presides over the official groundbreaking ceremony.
component.timeline.groundbreakingPublic Open House Begins
Thousands of local citizens and civic leaders tour the sacred interior during a four-day open house.
EventTemple Dedication
President James E. Faust dedicates the structure as the 75th operating temple in the Church.
DedicationHistory by Decade
1950s–1980s — Seeds of Faith in Southern Mexico
Missionary work took root in Chiapas following Elder Howard W. Hunter's 1957 dedicatory prayer on Mount Mactumatzá. Early converts overcame geographic isolation, steep mountain terrain, and social barriers, establishing strong congregations among both urban populations and indigenous Maya groups.
1990s — The Smaller Temple Announcement
In October 1997, President Gordon B. Hinckley announced an initiative to build smaller temples closer to distant member populations. On February 25, 1999, the Tuxtla Gutiérrez Temple was officially announced, followed by groundbreaking ceremonies on March 20, 1999.
2000s — Dedication and Early Operations
Following a well-attended public open house, President James E. Faust dedicated the temple on March 12, 2000. It immediately transformed religious life for southern Mexican Saints, providing local access to sacred ordinances and temple worship.
2010s–2020s — Indigenous Inclusion and Maturation
The temple matured into a regional spiritual anchor serving multiple stakes across Chiapas, Tabasco, and Oaxaca. Native temple workers fluent in Mayan languages ensure indigenous patrons experience full spiritual inclusion and ordinance accessibility.
Architecture & Facilities
Classic modern single-spire temple style featuring clean vertical lines, polished native Mexican white marble cladding, and localized interior artistic integration designed to harmonize with the tropical highlands of Chiapas.
Building Materials
Exterior Cladding
Brilliant white marble tiles quarried and polished in Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico.
Spire & Statue
Structural aluminum frame single spire supporting a gilded fiberglass statue of Moroni.
Millwork
Refined white oak trim and decorative moldings accents installed throughout the interior rooms.
Decorative Glass
Custom stained glass panels featuring subtle geometric patterns that filter soft natural light.
Interior Features
Foyer Artwork
Hand-embroidered Tzotzil textile blouses framed and permanently mounted on reception walls.
Baptistry
Cast-bronze oxen supporting a polished white marble baptismal font set in an lower basin.
Ordinance Rooms
Two-stage progressive ordinance rooms adorned with custom wool carpets in local color schemes.
Celestial Room
A serene room with brilliant crystal chandelier illumination, soft cream furnishings, and oak woodwork.
Temple Grounds
A landscaped 1.56-acre site adorned with palm trees, flower beds, concrete walkways, and benches overlooking the Tuxtla valley.
Additional Facilities
An adjacent stake center meetinghouse and arrival facility located on the master-planned Church property.
Religious Significance
For Latter-day Saints, the Tuxtla Gutiérrez Mexico Temple is a holy sanctuary designated as the House of the Lord. It serves as a sacred bridge connecting earthly worshipers with Jesus Christ and heavenly eternity.
To provide a dedicated sanctuary where members receive sacred covenants, priesthood ordinances, and eternal family sealings.
Sacred Ordinances
Baptism for Deceased Ancestors
Vicarious baptisms performed on behalf of ancestors who passed without receiving the gospel ordinance.
Temple Endowment
Sacred instructional presentation outlining the divine plan of salvation, creation, and individual covenants of obedience.
Eternal Marriage Sealing
Sacred priesthood solemnization uniting husbands, wives, and children for eternity beyond physical death.
Christ-Centered Foundation
All temple covenants directly center on the divine mission and Atonement of Jesus Christ, encouraging personal devotion and righteousness.
Eternal Family Unity
Temple sealings reflect the belief that family bonds created through priesthood authority endure beyond the grave into eternal life.
Sources & Research
Every fact on Temples.org is backed by verified Sources & Research. Each piece of information is rated by source tier and confidence level.
View All Sources (6)
| Field | Source | Tier | Retrieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| About & Historical Background | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (opens in a new tab) | A | 2026-02-22 |
| Dedication & News Coverage | Church Newsroom (opens in a new tab) | A | 2026-02-22 |
| Historical Timeline & Church History | Church History Department (opens in a new tab) | A | 2026-02-22 |
| General Temple Specifications | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org (opens in a new tab) | C | 2026-02-22 |
| Indigenous Cultural Context | LDS Living (opens in a new tab) | B | 2026-02-22 |
| Dedication Address & Quotes | General Conference Digital Library (opens in a new tab) | A | 2026-02-22 |