San Cristóbal de las Casas was named the most magical city in Mexico by the Ministry of Tourism in 2011. It's a good title, but the truth is that this place doesn't need any official name to confirm what its inhabitants and visitors have always known.
San Cristóbal was founded in 1528 and, in addition to its tourist attractions, it is a valuable city for its interculturality and history. If you haven’t visited San Cris yet, here are some reasons to do so and others to return.
The relaxed atmosphere in San Cristóbal de las Casas is perfect for relieving stress and freeing your senses. Here, the sounds of a troubadour or a jazz band in a bar are doubly enjoyable, as are the after-dinner conversations in the restaurant, strolling through the rustic streets, watching the sunset reflected on the city's rooftops, and enjoying the cool evenings protected by the warmth of a traditional Chiapas café.
Everything is ideal, the temperature, the misty atmosphere, the ladies in long skirts offering their crafts, the cobbled streets that lead you to lose sight of the colors and rooftops, and a good number of surprising natural attractions.
San Cristóbal de las Casas has great ethnic diversity and colonial tradition, in addition to architectural treasures from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
Many sunrises and sunsets are shrouded in mist, giving them an even more enchanting touch. So when you start planning your next trip to Mexico, you know where to start.
Where is San Cristobal de las Casas?
The municipality of San Cristóbal de las Casas is the largest urban center in the Los Altos de Chiapas region and the third most populous in the state, after Tuxtla Gutiérrez and Tapachula. The distance from Tuxtla Gutierrez to San Cristóbal de las Casas is only 61 km along the Pan-American Highway 190.
And before telling you what to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas, it is important that you know how to get there.
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How to get from Tuxtla Gutiérrez to San Cristóbal de las Casas?
Tuxtla Gutierrez
The best way to get to San Cristóbal de las Casas is by plane, and if you are coming from Brazil, the best way, and the most economical, is to fly from Mexico City to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, capital of Chiapas, with the companies Interjet, Volaris, Aeromexico or Viva Aerobus.
You must arrive in Tuxtla Gutiérrez at the Ángel Albino Corzo airport and from there take a taxi, tourist van or bus to San Cristóbal de las Casas. The bus ticket costs from 70 pesos (approximately 16 reais) and the taxi costs around 200 pesos (approximately 46 reais).
How to get from Palenque to San Cristóbal de las Casas?
Palenque
To get from Palenque to San Cristóbal de las Casas or vice versa, you need to take the winding federal road 199. The road is famous for its beautiful landscapes, but there is something that makes it even more interesting.
In the 231 km that separate the two places, you will pass over 400 speed bumps (no joke) which can be uncomfortable for many people and harmful especially for cars and buses.
Along the way, you will find beautiful waterfalls and archaeological sites. The best way to visit the region is with a tour that costs approximately 140 reais and passes by all the tourist attractions.
You can also get there by bus with ADO (approximately 31 reais) or by public transport with 12 people (I do not recommend it, as it is very uncomfortable). The trip takes more than 8 hours.
If you want to go with your own rental car, you should be very careful, as the state of Chiapas is home to many Zapatista revolutionaries and you will probably encounter roadblocks with the purpose of asking for money for the cause (best not to drive in this area).
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How to get from Oaxaca to San Cristóbal de las Casas?
If you are visiting Oaxaca If you want to get to San Cristóbal de las Casas, the quickest way is by plane. From Oaxaca International Airport there are direct flights to Tuxtla Gutiérrez Airport.
Aeromar is the only company that offers direct flights and the ticket will cost around 650 reais (depending on the season). The other options are Aeromexico and Interjet, however, you will have to make a stopover in Mexico City and the ticket can vary from 560 reais to 900 reais (depending on the day and the season).
If you want to travel by bus from Oaxaca to San Cristóbal de las Casas, the ADO company is an excellent option. The ticket costs around 120 reais and the trip takes approximately 9 hours and 45 minutes.
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Tourist sites in San Cristóbal de las Casas
If you want to know what to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas, I've made a list of the city's tourist attractions that you can't miss on your next trip. I've also included unforgettable activities, surroundings and places to sleep or eat. Take note of everything!
Central square of San Cristobal de las Casas
Before you dedicate time to each of the attractions, give yourself the opportunity to simply stroll through the streets that lead you to the city center. You can start your tour in the main square.
On your way, you will find the Cathedral, the Municipal Palace, the portals, the church of San Nicolás, the Temple, the Old Convent of Santo Domingo, and the house of the Mermaid.
There will be time to visit each place, but there is nothing like taking a quick tour to photograph facades and feed your curiosity.
Plaza March 31
This is a place where you can breathe in a lot of peace. Take a photo at the two-story kiosk, buy an ice cream and enjoy it amidst the music of the marimba. Around it are the portals, the cathedral and the municipal palace.
Amber Museum
This museum is unique in Mexico. Inside, there are more than 300 admirable pieces and an extensive collection of raw amber and carved amber. Learn about the extraction processes of this beautiful material.
Enter the temple and former convent of Santo Domingo
It is one of the highest expressions of Chiapas Baroque. Its church has a beautiful pink façade, full of ornamental figures and, inside, it has several artistic gems.
Visit the Cathedral of San Cristóbal de las Casas
The beautiful and original Cathedral of San Cristóbal de las Casas houses golden altarpieces adorned with paintings by Miguel Cabrera, dating back to the 18th century. Its façade, built between the 16th and 17th centuries, is characterized by being a fusion of Baroque, Moorish and indigenous influences. It is one of the first things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas.
Discover the Municipal Palace
It is one of the most important historical sites in San Cristóbal de las Casas. In a sober neoclassical style that will immediately catch your attention. Inside, it houses the new Museum of San Cristóbal de las Casas.
Gastronomy in San Cristóbal de las Casas
Traditional Tamales
One of the most interesting things you will have to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas is eat, however, there is no way to taste the regional flavors of each city in just one place.
It is typical to find dishes based on beef, pork and chicken prepared with local aromatic herbs and a little pepper. Chiapas tamales are a common sight on Saturdays and egg yolk sweets are often served for dessert.
Ball tamale: As the name suggests, it is a ball of pamonha that has a piece of pork in the center, bathed in red sauce (spicy).
Soft tamale: It is a pamonha with meat and very soft (a traditional Mexican sauce made with a combination of more than 50 ingredients, including chocolate); in some cases, it can also have fried bananas, boiled eggs, olives and raisins.
Restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas
Kokono
Claudia Ruiz, the chef of this restaurant, is originally from San Juan Chamula and this is important because in every dish she takes us back to the world where she grew up and shares her vision of the culinary world of Tsotsil.
He knew how to mix local ingredients and techniques to create his recipes, without a doubt one of the most authentic cuisines in Chiapas.
Earth and Sky
It was one of the first signature restaurants in the city. It was also the thesis project of Marta Zepeda, now a renowned chef from Chiapas, who has won numerous awards.
She has reinterpreted her family's recipes and created her own culinary world. Everything here is spectacular, the food and the attention go hand in hand and are worth it.
The quesadillas are delicious, as is the city's version of the bread soup, ceviche and hot blue cakes.
Kuxul
It is located in the Huitepec mountains, on the old road. Two chefs, one from San Cristóbal and the other from Huixtán, have created a wonderful place where breakfast and lunch are an unforgettable experience.
The restaurant has its own orchard, which is a guarantee of quality. On cold days, they light the fireplace and have breakfast on the embers. Each dish seems to be made with all the love in the world.
Lum at Hotel Bö
It is one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city. The decor and water features in the garden give it a modern feel and its menu also features products from Chiapas. Ceviche with passion fruit and aguachile with apples are among my favorites.
Hotels in San Cristobal de las Casas
Hotel Bö
Keep in mind that San Cristóbal de las Casas has hostels that cost 150 pesos per night to beautiful boutique hotels. And believe me, it’s worth opting for the latter, because its charm is unforgettable. You can find rooms from 700 pesos (Hotel Parador Margarita) to 4.000 pesos (Hotel Bö).
Next, I will suggest two other hotels that are among the most sought after in the city:
Hotel Casa Vieja San Cristóbal de las Casas
O Old House Hotel San Cristóbal de las Casas is housed in a beautiful 40th-century colonial building designed as a retirement home, but is now a magnificent hotel with XNUMX rooms, spacious and relaxing gardens, a well-excavated wine cellar in the basement and two restaurants, one serving Chiapas food and the other Spanish cuisine. It is certainly a unique experience in the city.
Hotel & Cava La Parroquia San Cristóbal de las Casas
O Hotel & Cava La Parroquia San Cristóbal de las Casas guarantees a pleasant stay, comfortable facilities that will make you feel at home, as well as personalized service and guidance on your sightseeing tours and excellent wine tastings with the house sommelier in the beautiful wine cellar.
The hotel is ten minutes from the historic city center, which guarantees a comfortable and peaceful rest.
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Enjoy delicious Chiapas coffee
Walking around the city, you will find many cafes perfect for waiting out the night and watching the sunset while tasting the famous chiapaneco coffee.
You can't miss the Royal Andador de Guadalupe, which, in addition to cafés, has restaurants and quaint shops. From there, it's worth dancing or having a beer in one of the city's varied and lively bars.
Fiesta de San Cristóbal de las Casas
One of the best things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas is to attend the most representative celebrations to experience first-hand the best of its culture.
For example, at the end of February, the traditional Carnival of San Cristóbal de las Casas is celebrated with deeply rooted and respected cultural events.
On March 31st, celebrations are held to mark the founding of the city, and in April, residents and travelers await the arrival of the Spring and Peace Fair.
In mid-July, you can't miss the joy of the Feast of San Cristóbal and until the end of October the famous Cervantes International Baroque Festival will be waiting for you.
These festivities have in common dance, music and cultural manifestations typical of Chiapas, as well as gastronomic and craft shows.
What to do near San Cristobal de las Casas
While you could spend weeks exploring and enjoying all there is to see in San Cristóbal de las Casas, it’s also worth taking a day trip to explore its attractive surroundings. Here are some suggested day trips:
San Juan Chamula
This interesting Tzotzil community is located less than half an hour from San Cristóbal de las Casas. It has become independent from the Catholic Church and, for this reason, carries out its own rituals in a very particular religious syncretism, between flowers and candles.
It is worth remembering that it is not allowed to take photos inside the sacred temple; you could get into serious trouble if you try.
Zinacantán
Zinacantán is a picturesque community belonging to the Tzotzil ethnic group, who work with clay, grow flowers and make intricate textiles. You’ll find embroiderers weaving colorful canvases and artwork on waist-high looms. Avoid haggling over the value of your work.
Sumidero Canyon
This is one of the best things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas, a natural wonder located 48,6 km from the magical city. It is an imposing cliff that rises above the bed of the Grijalva River, offering spectacular views.
On your return, stop in Chiapa de Corzo for a coffee and an unmissable photo of the Mudejar-style architectural complex known as La Pila.
Climate in San Cristóbal de las Casas
In San Cristóbal de las Casas, the rainy season is cloudy, the dry season is partly cloudy and it is comfortable all year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature usually ranges from 6°C to 23°C and rarely drops below 4°C or above 26°C.
Based on the tourism score, the best time of year to visit San Cristóbal de las Casas is from mid March to mid May.
What to do in Chiapas: 8 unmissable attractions
When it comes to Mexico, every traveler is obsessed with Tulum, Riviera Maya ou Holbox. These are definitely also cities that you can't miss.
On the other hand, Chiapas offers a different charm, with local customs and unforgettable landscapes. That's why I've selected 8 attractions that I consider essential:
1 – Palenque
If you go to Chiapas, you cannot miss this impressive architectural work, which represents one of the most impressive cultures in the history of humanity, the Mayans.
As soon as you enter, you realize that the walls and wide spaces have a lot to tell, giving examples of what the ceremonies, beliefs and legends were like.
It is a 16-kilometer area that has several temples, such as the Great Palace, Temple XI, the Foliated Cross and the Temple of the Inscriptions. In 1987, Palenque became a World Heritage Site, as it was one of the places where Mayan culture was widely practiced.
2 – Blue Water Waterfalls
The natural park is also known as the Blue Water Waterfall, and is internationally renowned. It is located 64 kilometers from the city of Palenque. The place is beautiful, the flora and fauna that live there and the blue water make visitors feel like they are in paradise.
One way to get there is by road from Palenque or San Cristóbal (which is 200 km away). From there you take a detour and the trip can last about four and a half hours.
3 – Tonalá
Boca del Cielo Beach
It is located southeast of Chiapas and here you can do several fun activities, such as visiting the beaches of Boca del Cielo or Playa del Sol. You can also visit the beautiful natural spas, among which the famous Velo de Novia Waterfall and the Zanatenco River stand out.
You can also take a walk in La Esperanza Park, which has beautiful pre-Hispanic sculptures, or visit the San Francisco temple.
4 – The mysterious Lacandon jungle
One of the lungs of the world is hidden in southeastern Mexico, a place that teaches people how beautiful nature is and the great number of species that are part of it.
This majesty is located east of Chiapas, exactly 300 kilometers from Tuxtla Gutiérrez and is made up of 1,8 million hectares.
Their name is derived from “Lacan-tún”, a ceremonial site of the ancient Mayans, and when the Spanish arrived they began to call them “those of Lacantun”; finally it was gradually changing and they remained as the Lacandon.
In Lacandona, there are different archaeological sites that you can also visit on your jungle tour. If you want to go, look for a tour that leaves from the city of Palenque or any other neighboring community.
5 – Bonampak archaeological site
Bonampak means “painted wall” and, although it is not one of the largest sites in terms of remains of ancient indigenous cultures, it is one of the best preserved.
Each of the paintings is a work of art that Mexican ancestors left behind so that their descendants would know what life was like at that time.
It is located in the heart of the Lacandon jungle and 10 km from the city of Palenque, in fact, to get there you can use federal highway 307. However, it is better to go with a guide and not alone.
When you visit this incredible Mesoamerican archaeological jewel, you will understand why it is one of the places that best showcases Mayan culture and why so many people around the world want to visit it. It doesn't matter if you go alone, with your family, partner or friends, the experience is unique and everyone deserves to experience something like this.
6 – Diving in the Chucumaltik cenote
Although this is not a very common activity in Chiapas, we guarantee that this experience will be unforgettable and you will want to repeat it. Located near Comitán, this cenote is in an area that is very little visited by tourists, so you will be one of the privileged ones to visit it.
As its waters are quite deep, Chucumaltik is perfect for diving and spending the day sharing with family and friends. As it is formed in volcanic craters, its depth contains beautiful surprises, for example, quartz deposits, algal stalagmites or sulfur chimneys.
7 – Chiapas Coffee Route
Without a doubt, this is one of the best experiences that tourists can have when they go to Chiapas, the color of the plants, the routes, the farms and much more.
Furthermore, this is not the only thing that can be done, there is also the possibility of carrying out activities such as horse riding, hiking, learning and observing coffee production, mountain biking, etc.
This experience is lived in four beautiful haciendas called Ireland, Hamburg, Aargau and La Chiripa. Due to the altitude at which these facilities are located, the climate is quite cold and the spaces are fully equipped for tourists.
Each one has specific services, some specialize in accommodation, while others focus on sports activities.
8 – Mayan city of Yaxchilán
It is located on the banks of the Usumacinta River, very close to the border with Guatemala. It was discovered by an English archaeologist in 1882 and is today considered one of the Mayan remains that has served the most in the study of this civilization.
It has 2.621 hectares with temples, imposing structures, a huge plaza, the traditional ball game and a large building called temple 33. In the latter, the entire history of the Mayan ancestors is carved and how the reign of Bird Jaguar and his firstborn, Xoc, ended.
You can only get to Yaxchilán by air, there is also the possibility of arriving by boat, but it is much more uncomfortable and less frequent. What tourists usually do is land on a small runway and hire a tour guide with transportation.
I hope the tips are valuable and if you want to know more about San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas or Mexico, leave your message or write directly to Mexico Guide Instagram.
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