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The colonial town in Chiapas’ highlands, San Cristobal De Las Casas is the cultural hub of Southern Mexico. Take a walk along the colorful streets lined with artisan shops, small cafes, and souvenir stores and you will fall in love with this quaint town!
Many travelers come here for a couple of days, but quickly fall in love with this town and stay longer. Home to many indigenous communities, San Cristobal is a designated Pueblo Magico, which means the town plays an important role in the country’s culture and heritage.
Whether you want to sip hot chocolate, explore museums, shop colorful Mayan textiles, or explore the stunning scenery of Chiapas, there are too many cool things to do in San Cristobal De las Casas.
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Things to do in San Cristobal De Las Casas: an overview
1. Take a free walking tour
Like many other cities in Mexico, San Cris offers free daily walking tours of the city. Take this tour as soon you arrive – this way you will be able to learn about the city and make a list of places that you are most interested in.
Be sure to leave a gratuity to your guide, because they work hard every day to help travelers like you have the best experience in their city.
2. Stroll along Calle Real De Guadalupe
Calle Real De Guadalupe is the heart of the city and the main tourist spot in town that’s lined with artisan stores, restaurants and tour agencies.
If you don’t plan on buying anything or dining, taking a walk along Calle Real De Guadalupe is one of the best free things to do in San Cristobal, as you can enjoy the atmosphere and take photos against the backdrop of colonial buildings with tiled roofs.
3. Explore Zocalo and Plaza De La Paz
Zocalo, the city’s main square and part of the historic center of San Cristobal (Centro Histórico San Cristóbal De Las Casas), where you can find the temple of San Nicholas and the city hall.
The nearby Plaza De La Paz is the city’s main square that’s anchored by the cathedral. During the day, this plaza is a great place to relax and people watch and on weekends, you can find hundreds of artisans selling their crafts.
4. Admire Catedral de San Cristóbal de las Casas
Founded in 1528, this cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Mexico that boasts a gorgeous ornate facade in the baroque style.
Although the cathedral has been closed to visitors since the earthquake that occurred in 2017, you can enjoy the view and take pictures from the big plaza in front of it.
5. Take a walk along Andador Eclesiastico
The most happening street in the city, Calle Eclesiastico is home to bars, restaurants, cafes, and many musicians who come here to entertain the many tourists who come here.
At the end of this cobblestoned walkway, you will find the bright red Arco Del Carmen built in a Moorish style, and Carmen Temple right next to it.
One of the best-kept secrets along this street is San Agustin Plaza Food Court that’s home to several cute coffee shops, cafes, and pizzerias.
6. Sip on hot chocolate (or coffee)
Chiapas has rich volcanic soil that produces some of the best coffee in the world. Make sure to try this signature drink in one of the cafes.
FUN FACT: When we think about some of the most famous chocolate-producing countries, Switzerland or Belgium probably come to mind. It’s Mexico that is considered the birthplace of chocolate!
7. Climb up to Iglesia San Cristobalito
Perched atop the forested hill overlooking the city, Iglesia San Cristbalito (also known as El Cerrito) is one of the most prominent churches in the city.
To see this church, you will need to go up a series of stairs before you can enjoy an overlook of the city – one of the best free things to do in San Cristobal De Las Casas.
After taking some photos of the church, make your way down and take a left turn. This road will take you to Iglesia de la Merced, one of the most photogenic churches in San Cristobal and the nearby Ambar Museum.
8. Learn Spanish
If you are spending some time in this city, you should learn some Spanish! Speaking the local language will help you to have a better experience when traveling Chiapas, as most people in places outside of San Cristobal don’t speak English.
One of the best-rated Spanish schools in San Cristobal is Tierras Mayas Spanish Language School located along the stairs to Iglesia San Cristobalito. I haven’t taken Spanish classes there, but spoke to several people who said the school offers great options for learning Spanish with private and group lessons.
Other Spanish schools are SanCris Spanish Language School, and Tu Mundo Spanish Language School San Cristóbal de las Casas.
9. Learn the history of Chiapas through San Cristobal wall art
San Cristobal has many interesting murals which tell the history of the city and the state of Chiapas. Walk around the town, and you will find wall art that showcases the themes of indigenous rights and the Zapatista movement, a left-wing political group that originated in Chiapas in 1994 in an effort to fight inequality and marginalization of indigenous people.
10. Shop at Mercado Artesanias
Mercado de Artesanias is the best place to buy local arts and crafts at affordable rates. Here you can find traditional Chiapas textiles and clothing, shoes, and tons and tons of cute accessories like bracelets, earrings, and necklaces made by local artisans.
Shopping at this market was one of my favorite things to do in San Cristobal De Las Casas, and I recommend you check it out too!
Visiting this mercado is a great way to support local artisans and get a glimpse into the culture of the indigenous Tzotzil community – the most predominant ethnic group in Chiapas.
11. Admire Santo Domingo Church
A former Dominican Monastery, Santo Domingo Church is hidden behind rows of colorful stalls at Mercado De Artesanias.
To get a better look at this 16-century Baroque church, take a step back and you will notice its gorgeous ornate facade with intricate details. The inside of the church is absolutely gorgeous, and you should check it out, if you happen to visit it when it’s open.
12. Mercado de los Dulces y Artesanias
Mercado Dulces y Artesanias is a can’t miss in San Cris where you can shop colorful Mexican souvenirs and grab delicious pastries and sweets after that. I loved shopping in this small cozy market, as it doesn’t feel as busy as Mercado Artesanias where most tourists go.
13. Take a trolley tour
When you visit Mercado Dulces y Artesanias, you will see several trolleys parked in front. Taking them is the best way to get to know the city as you will take a ride through the town with a local guide who will give you an overview of the major landmarks of the city.
14. Try pox
Pronounced (posh) Pox is a traditional Chiapas drink that’s made of sugar cane, corn and wheat. Pox is popular throughout most if Chiapas and is often used in various ceremonies. You can try pox in many places including “posherias” that specialize in this signature drink.
15. Take a trip to San Juan Chamula
San Juan Chamula is an indigenous town and one of the popular places to visit near San Cristobal.
The main attraction of this village is the colorful church (aka Templo de San Juan) along the main square, along with a big local market where local vendors sell everything from fresh produce to clothing and household items.
✅ Visiting San Juan Chamula is one of the best things to do in Chiapas, so make sure not to miss it!
Here, you can see people dress in traditional indigenous costumes and living a different way of life: San Juan Chamula has proclaimed itself an autonomous community which means Mexican police and army are not allowed to enter.
Why San Juan Chamula is worth a visit
Walk around Chamula and you will notice that religion plays an important role in the lives of its people. Chamula’s religion is unlike anything you’ve ever seen: a mix of ancient Mayna believes and Catholicism where the central figure in San Juan (or Saint John Baptist) after whom this town is named.
To experience this fascinating phenomenon, head to Templo de San Juan where you can observe people sitting on the floor as they pray to the colorful statues of saints. You will see many candles burning on the stone floor – they represent requested made to specific saints.
FUN FACT: Local people use Coca-Cola for ceremonial purposes, as they believe that burping helps to get the evil spirits out. You can see this unusual ritual inside the church as many families use it during praying rituals.
This blend of two religions represents the history of the town that had been forced to live under Spanish rule for several centuries while still practicing traditional Mayan beliefs.
You are not allowed to take pictures inside the church and can face a steep fine (up to 200 USD) if you get caught taking photos. Before entering the church, you need pay a fee of 30 Mexican Pesos.
How to get to San Juan Chamula from San Cristobal
San Juan Chamula is about 11 miles (7 km) from San Cristobal.
You can visit it with a guided tour where a local guide will tell you an overview of the area and tell you about the meaning of ceremonies that take place inside the church – keep in mind that some of them involve sacrificing chickens, so you might want to be careful about the timing of your visit not to experience the distressing sight.
Best tours of Chamula from San Cristóbal
Another option is to catch a collectivo from the main market. The one-way ticket costs 20 Pesos, which has to be paid in cash.
GOOD TO KNOW: When you walk around Chamula, you might hear crackling fireworks being set off in the hills surrounding the town. Don’t get scared: This is done for religious reasons and nothing to be afraid of.
16. Participate in a pottery workshop
A pottery workshop is a fun way to learn about pre-Hispanic craftsmanship, as you will have a chance to watch local artisans create products from clay.
After the in-house workshop, you will have a chance to enjoy a typical breakfast.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR POTTERY WORKSHOP WITH LOCAL ARTSANS
17. Enjoy one the best day trips from San Cristobal De Las Casas
San Cristobal sits in the middle of Chiapas. This means that you are within a driving distance from some of the most gorgeous places to visit in Chiapas – and there are so many of them!
If are going to spend some time here, set aside a few days to tour some of the best places in Chiapas.
Palenque
One of the most impressive Mayan ruins in Mexico, Palenque is the most popular archaeological area in Chiapas. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Palenque is a popular stop along many travelers’ itineraries, where you can visit the famous ruins and stop at waterfalls Agua Azul and Misol-Ha.
Best Palenque tours
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Another way is to take a colectivo (a small shared van) from San Cris to the town of Palenque. It’s a better option if you have more time because you will need to book a hotel in Palenque and also catch a colectivo to Palenque ruins from the main bus station in town.
El Canyon De Sumidero
One of the most impressive natural sights in Mexico, El Canyon de Sumidero is located a short drive from Tuxtla Guttierez.
Designated as the national park, El Canyon De Sumidero boasts walls that rise 2,600 feet.Tours to El Canyon De Sumidero depart daily and you can also make your reservation online to save time.
Best tours of Sumidero Canyon
Lagunas De Montebello National Park
Located along the border of Guatemala and Mexico, Lagunas de Montebello National Park is home to more than 50 lakes and small lagoons where colors range from cobalt blue to light turquoise.
Many visitors come here with a day tour from San Cristobal, however, you don’t need a tour to visit this destination, as you can spend the night in one of the cabanas on the lake.
Best tours of Lagunas de Montebello National Park
Cascadas El Chiflon
One of the most famous iconic sights in Chiapas, El Chflon Waterfalls is one of those places that you have to visit. Most guided tours of Lagunas De Montebello make stops in Cascadas El Chiflon, so if time is short and you want to visit both of these places, purchasing an organized tour is an excellent option.
18. Visit Indigenous villages
Another Tzotzil village, San Lorenzo Zinacantan is known mostly for its weaving cooperatives where local artisans produce traditional clothing with flower patterns – an important player in the local economy.
Zinacantan makes a great trip if you want to see weaving artisans in action and grab some colorful presents for your friends and family.
19. Tour Tonina Archaeological Area
Tonala is a remote archaeological site located near Ocosingo, about halfway between San Cristobal and Palenque.
You can visit Tonina with a guided tour or by taking a combi (shared van) to Ocosingo. If you have a car rental, you can visit Tonina when you travel from Palenque to San Cristobal or vice versa.
Since Tonina is remote, and the road between San Cristobal and Palenque is bumpy and has many speed bumps (or topes) consider spending the night in the area.
This popular tour includes a stop at Tonina and El Corralito, a small waterfall with crystal clear pools of water.
Best tours of Tonina Mayan ruins
20. Explore the churches of San Cristobal De Las Casas
San Cristobal has many colorful churches that are worth a stop. There are almost a dozen of them here, so make sure to visit a couple of them during your visit. Going around to photograph the churches is the best way to learn this city because they are located in many different neighborhoods.
- Templo De San Diego (beautiful church with white and blue colors)
- Templo De La Merced (home to Ambar museum)
- San Nicolas Temple
- Guadalupe Church (a beautiful church with some of the best views of the city)
21. Visit museums
As the cultural capital of Chiapas, the city has several museums that are worth visiting during your trip.
- The Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya – arguably the most interesting museum in San Cristobal De las Casas, where you can learn about textile production throughout Mexico and Central America. Price: 55 Mexican Pesos
- The Museo de Ambar de Chiapas – is a small museum that provides education about amber from the state of Chiapas. Price: 25 Mexican Pesos.
- Museo De Sergio Arturo Castro Martinez – this museum is home to a collection of items that have been donated by people from local villages to Don Sergio as gratitude after he helped numerous burn victims. Burns remains common in the area because of open fires.
- Museo Del Cacao – The museum provides a look into the history of chocolate and its use by local communities. Here you can also learn about the process of making chocolate from growing the crop to producing the delicious substance as we know it. Also on-site, you can find a small cafe.
- Museo de Los Altos de Chiapas – located inside the Ex-Convento de Santo Domingo, this museum is home to several archeological relics and exhibits documenting the conquest and spread of the Catholic religion by Spaniards.
22. Learn local history at Casa Na Bolom
Translated as “House of Jaguar” from Tzotzil dialect, Casa Na Bolom is home to an important museum in San Cristobal that showcases the history and culture of Chiapas through textiles and historical records.
This popular landmark used to be home of archeologist Frans Bolom and his wife, Gertrude Duby Bolom, who are known for their contributions to excavating Mayan ruins all over the Yucatan Peninsula and documentation of Chiapas’ Lacandon Jungle.
Today Casa Na Bolom houses a museum, a cafe and a non-profit with a mission is to protect the natural environment of Chiapas.
Price: 60 Pesos per person and 70 Pesos with a guided tour.
Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Casa Na Bolom also has a hotel, so if you are looking for a quiet and cozy place to stay while in Chiapas, consider a stay at this place.
23. Get a panoramic view of the city from Guadalupe Church
Located on the hilltop above the Barrio De Guadalupe Neighborhood, Iglesia de Guadalupe or Guadalupe Church is a quick walk from the city center.
The stairs leading to the entrance of the church make for a perfect mini workout. When you arrive at this yellow and white church, you will be rewarded with incredible views of the city below.
24. Eat your way around the city
Exploring local restaurants is one of the best things to do in San Cristobal De Las Casas for foodies and everyone who wants to discover the typical Chiapas cuisine.
I was especially surprised by all the plant-based options which is not always the case in even in popular destinations.
You can visit different restaurants in San Cristobal every night and still have a lot of options left by the time you finish your trip. To help you choose some of the best options, I put together a quick list of the best restaurants in the city.
Best restaurants in San Cristobal De Las Casas
- Te Quiero Verde – one of the best restaurants in the city, Te Quero Verde offers a wide variety of plant-based Mexican food such as tacos, quesadillas and burritos. As a vegan, I absolutely loved this place!
- El Caldera – This small eatery serves up delicious warm soups which are perfect considering that Chiapas can get pretty chilly! Head there to try some signature Mexican soup (they have vegan options too) and snack on delicious tortillas, salsas, and a variety of dips.
- La Frontera – A small brunch eatery that offers delicious homemade food, freshly brewed coffee, and juices. La Frontera is tucked into the backstreets of Chiapas away from the main tourist areas, and it has a nice cozy feel to it.
- Veganos La Taquieria – if you are craving nothing more than vegan tacos or burritos, check out Veganos La Taquieria, a small unpretentious eatery a few blocks away from Zocalo.
- La Vina De Baco – A popular restaurant well known for its selection of wines and tapas. Located along Real De Guadalupe, this restaurant has live music and a great atmosphere.
- Tipica – for a taste of delicious Mexican food, check out Tipica, a vegetarian-friendly restaurant.
25. Sample traditional Chiapas food
When visiting this city, don’t forget to try traditional Chaipas food including chimbo, a sweet bread that comes with a syrup dip; coffee and hot chocolate. In San Cristobal you can find many sugary treats including coconut candies.
Different parts of Chiapas have their own cuisines, that’s why you should take a road trip around the state. Along the coast of Chiapas, the food is more influenced by fish and seafood whereas in places like Ocosingo, you will find more products with beans and cheese.
26. Shop in Mercado Municipal
When you visit Mercado Artesanal, you might feel like it exists solely to sell things to tourists.
If you want to see a more authentic place, head to Mercado Municipal, a local market where tourists are far and few in between, and the majority of visitors are locals.
It’s an excellent way to learn more about traditional cooking ingredients from Chiapas and sample some of the local foods sold here.
27. Relax at Arcotete Eco Park
For the ultimate adventure check out El Arcotete Eco Park (or Parque Ecoturistico del Arcotete) located about 15 minutes away from Guadalaupe Church by car or colectivo. This natural park is home to a cool arch with many caverns and rivers flowing right through. It’s a popular getaway from the city with many visitors coming here to spend time in nature, zipline, and hike.
28. Relax at Huitepec Ecological Reserve
Located in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, Huitepec Ecological Reserve is home to Cerro Huitepec, an extinct volcano that can be visited on a half-day trip from the city.
Translated as “mountains of colibries” from the indigenous language Nahuatl, Cerro Huitepec is a stratovolcano which means you will not see a crater when you come here. Local indigenous communities still bring offerings to Cerro Huitepec as they consider it a sacred mountain.
The main attraction of this area is the cloud forest, and hiking around the volcano feels a lot more like hiking the mountain. The northeastern side of the mountain was designated as a reserve in 1986 to prevent logging in the area. As you walk through this scenic reserve, you can hear many birds who call this place home.
The entrance fee to the preserve is 20 Mexican Pesos. No camping is allowed.
How to get to Huitepec Ecological Reserve from San Cristobal De Las Casas
take a bus to San Juan Chamula and ask to make a stop at the reserve. These collectivos depart from the main market in San Cristobal De Las Casas in front of Santo Domingo Church and cost less than 10-15 Mexican Pesos.
Best Hotels in San Cristobal De Las Casas
San Cristobal De Las Casas has a good variety of hostels and medium-priced accommodations, but there are also quite a few high-end hotels in the city’s center.
To find budget friendly hotels in San Cris, check Agoda, the best website for great deals on hotels and hostels.
Here are some of the best places to stay in San Cristobal:
✅ Hotel Bo is one of the most popular places to stay in this city that has a great location and an on-site restaurant
✅ Hotel Alma Boutique and Spa that gets great reviews from its customers thanks to its beautiful setting, nice restaurant and bar.
✅ Casa La Ying is one of the best budget hotels in the heart of San Cristobal that also has a Chinese restaurant on site.
A quick note on hotels in San Cristobal De Las Casas
Chiapas sits at an elevation of over 7,200 feet and it can get chilly here at night especially during winter. Many hotels don’t have heaters, so it’s a good idea to bring some layers if you plan on spending a couple of nights here.
How to get to San Cristobal De las Casas?
You can get to San Cristobal De Las Casas by driving, taking a bus, or flying. Here’s a complete overview:
By driving
The best way to visit San Cristobal De Las Casas is by driving, as having your car will give you the most flexibility and allow you to visit places off the beaten track, like Chiapas waterfalls and other natural landmarks.
Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport Car Rental
If you are visiting San Cristobal and want to see the surrounding areas without joining guided tours, renting a car in an excellent option. Tuxtla Airport has many car rental companies like Alamo, Avis and Europcar.
You can check available options through DiscoverCars, a platform that allows you to browse car rentals at any destination.
Rent a car in San Cristobal only if you have good orientation skills and travel with at least one other person.
✅ CLICK HERE TO RENT A CAR FOR YOUR TRIP TO CHIAPAS
By taking a bus ride
If you are traveling on a budget, the best way to visit Chiapas is by taking a bus ride. You can catch a bus to Chiapas from Palenque, Cancun, Bacalar, and Oaxaca. Keep in mind that it can take a while to get to San Cristobal, depending on where you are traveling from.
Where’s ADO San Cristobal De Las Casas?
San Cristobal De Las Casas ADO bus station is within walking distance from the historic center. After you arrive in San Cristobal, you can walk to your hotel, or take a quick taxi ride.
By flying
Tuxtla Guttierez, the capital of Chiapas, is home to the largest airport in the state, Angel Albino Corzo International Airport (TGZ), also known as Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport. You can fly to Tuxtla from major destinations in Mexico like Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana, Merida, and Cancun, and some international connections like Guatemala City.
Book a transfer from Tuxtla Airport to San Cristobal
If you fly to Tuxtla Guttierez, I suggest renting a car at Tuxtla Airport to have more freedom to explore San Cristobal and the surrounding areas.
To book your car in Tuxtla, check DiscoverCars, my favorite platform for booking cars in Mexico. It doesn’t have hidden fees or surcharges, and you can also use it to buy your Mexican car insurance, which is mandatory for all car rentals in Mexico.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON CAR RENTALS IN TUXTLA GUTTIEREZ
Is driving safe in Chiapas?
Driving in Chiapas comes with some caveats. Many roads around the state have bumps and potholes, and it’s not uncommon for animals to walk on the road, especially during the night. Additionally, it’s not uncommon to come across blocked roads when driving around Chiapas. This is done by locals who often demand money before you can proceed forward.
For example, part of the road between Ocosingo and San Cristobal has history of road blocks that had been put up by local communities. The state of Chiapas has a history of clashes with the government and some communities in the state don’t recognize official government of the country to this day.
If you rent a car to explore Chiapas, limit driving to day time and don’t stop in secluded areas with no traffic. Additionally, fill up your car if you plan to explore remote waterfalls, and areas away from the beaten track. Cell phone serve is sporadic in remote parts of Chiapas and you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with an empty tank.
Best Things To Do in San Cristobal De Las Casas: FAQ’s
How to get to San Cristobal De Las Casas?
The easiest way to get to San Cristobal is by flying to Tuxtla Guttierez, the capital of Chiapas that has an international airport with connections from major destinations in Mexico.
How far is Tuxtla Guttierez from San Cristobal?
The distance between Tuxtla Guttierez and San Cristobal De Las Casas is 45 km (28 miles).
You can arrive in San Cristobal by bus from many cities across Mexico. Both Tuxtla Guttierez and San Cristobal De Las Casas have bus terminals that provide connections to many destinations across the country. For example, if you are traveling from Chiapas to Oaxaca (or the other way around), you can catch a bus from the main bus station in San Cristobal.
Best time to visit San Cristobal De Las Casas
Chiapas is a beautiful destination year-round, however, the city’s location in the mountains is a factor that you should take into consideration when planning your visit here. The wet season in San Cristobal lasts from June through October and is considered a low season since many tourists skip this destination due to the frequent rains.
This, however, could be a great opportunity for a savvy traveler, if you want to save on tours and hotels in San Cristobal, as they are generally cheaper during this time. In addition, precipitation tends to be sporadic, with most of the rain taking place in the afternoon and lasting only for a couple of hours (sometimes even less).
The dry season in San Cristobal De Las Casas
The dry season in San Cristobal lasts from November through mid-May and is the busiest time in the area when scores of domestic and international tourists visit the region. In addition, temperatures begin to drop during this time, as the cold front moves in, and it’s not uncommon to see temperatures drop in the 40’s at night during winter months.
The best time to visit Chiapas is in November. The rain is gone, the weather is mild and (typically) sunny, and it’s not too busy yet. I visited San Cristobal in November and had a great time on my trip!
Is San Cristobal De Las Casas safe for visiting?
The city has avoided the drug violence that has been plaguing some other parts of Mexico. Still, make sure to always keep your guard up, especially while walking around busy areas with a lot of foot traffic.
To be on the safe side, consider buying insurance for your trip to Mexico. World Nomads is a great option that will protect you in the event of stolen or lost luggage, hospital visits, and missed flights, among other things.
Is San Cristobal worth visiting?
Yes! San Cristobal De Las Casas is a charming town in Mexico’s southern highlands and a perfect base for adventures in the state of Chiapas. You can stay in San Cristobal for a few weeks while exploring the surrounding areas that are full of wonderful nature. Home to several indigenous groups, it’s also the largest culture hub of the region and makes for an incredible educational trip.
How many days to I need in San Cristobal?
Plan at least 3 days for your visit to San Cristobal. The city offers many museums and points of interest, in addition to amazing waterfalls, hikes and other natural landmarks that require additional time.
Best things to do in San Cristobal De Las Casas: final word
San Cristobal is one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico that’s full of history, culture and is close to wonderful natural landmarks. Whether you like good food, adventure or culture, you will love San Cristobal and everything that it has to offer.