San Cristobal de las Casas Travel Guide

About San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal de las Casas sits in a highland valley in the mountains of Chiapas at approximately 2,200 meters above sea level, giving this colonial town a refreshingly cool climate -- a notable contrast to the tropical lowlands that surround it. The town was founded by the Spanish in 1528 and is named after Bartolome de las Casas, a 16th-century bishop who advocated for the rights of indigenous peoples.

San Cristobal is the cultural heart of highland Chiapas and a gateway to the surrounding Tzotzil and Tzeltal Maya communities. Its cobblestone streets, red-tiled roofs, colorful facades, and strong indigenous presence create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Mexico.

Top Attractions

• Andador Eclesiastico -- The pedestrian walkway connecting the main plaza with the Santo Domingo church, lined with shops, cafes, and amber jewelry vendors
• Templo de Santo Domingo -- An ornate baroque church with an intricately carved pink facade and an adjacent textile cooperative (Sna Jolobil) selling indigenous weavings
• Cathedral of San Cristobal -- The yellow cathedral on the main plaza, dating to the 16th century
• Mercado de Cacao -- A market area selling locally grown cacao, coffee, and amber
• Na Bolom Museum -- A museum and cultural center dedicated to the Lacandon Maya, housed in a former hacienda

Indigenous Communities

• San Juan Chamula -- A Tzotzil Maya community about 10 km from San Cristobal, famous for its church where Mayan spiritual practices blend with Catholic imagery in a way found nowhere else. Photography is strictly forbidden inside the church. Visit with a guide who understands the cultural protocols.
• Zinacantan -- A Tzotzil community known for its textile traditions, particularly elaborate floral embroidery. Families welcome visitors to see weaving demonstrations and purchase textiles.

Food and Drink

• Chiapan coffee -- The region grows excellent coffee. Local cafes serve fresh-roasted beans from Chiapan fincas.
• Cacao and chocolate -- San Cristobal has a cacao culture with shops and cafes offering traditional hot chocolate drinks
• Tamales de chipilín -- Tamales made with a local herb, a Chiapan specialty
• Posh (pronounced "posh") -- A traditional sugar cane spirit used in Maya ceremonies and now served in bars
• International restaurants -- The town has a surprisingly diverse food scene due to its popularity with travelers

Shopping

San Cristobal is excellent for artisan purchases:

• Amber -- Chiapas is one of the few places in the world where amber is found. Shops throughout town sell amber jewelry and carvings. Buy from reputable shops to ensure authenticity.
• Textiles -- Indigenous weavings, embroidered blouses, and tapestries from highland communities
• Leather goods -- Handmade boots, belts, and bags

Visiting Tips

• Dress warmly -- Nights and mornings can be chilly (temperatures can drop below 10 degrees Celsius). Bring layers.
• Altitude -- At 2,200 meters, some visitors feel mild effects. Take it easy on your first day.
• Respect indigenous communities -- Always ask before photographing people. In Chamula, follow all rules strictly.
• Walking city -- The center is compact and best explored on foot

Getting There

• From Tuxtla Gutierrez -- About 1 hour by road. ADO and OCC buses run frequently.
• From Palenque -- About 5 hours by road
• Nearest airport -- Tuxtla Gutierrez (TGZ), with domestic flights from Mexico City

Best Time to Visit

October through May is the dry season. Temperatures are cool year-round due to the altitude. The town is particularly atmospheric during Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Day of the Dead.

Where to Stay

• Budget -- Hostels in the center, from $10-20 USD/night
• Mid-range -- Colonial hotels and guesthouses, from $40-80 USD/night
• Luxury -- Boutique hotels, from $100+ USD/night

Plan Your Visit

San Cristobal is a centerpiece of the Chiapas Adventure 5-Day itinerary.