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San Cristobal de las Casas, located in the picturesque state of Chiapas in Mexico, is an incredible destination that captivates travelers with its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. This colonial town offers a unique experience for visitors due to its proximity to stunning natural attractions and indigenous villages.
In this guide to San Cristobal de las Casas attractions, we’ll provide you with all the essential information to plan an unforgettable trip. We’ll discuss the top attractions and activities in San Cristobal de las Casas, as well as how to get there, the best time to go, and where to stay. Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
Where is San Cristobal de las Casas?
San Cristobal de las Casas is located in the state of Chiapas, in southern Mexico. It is about 30 miles east of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital city of Chiapas. San Cristobal de las Casas sits at about 7,200 feet above sea level, making the temperature much cooler compared to the surrounding areas.
How to Get to San Cristobal de las Casas
By Air
The closest airport to San Cristobal de las Casas is the Ángel Albino Corzo International Airport in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. If you are already in Mexico, many cities offer cheap flights to this airport. I flew to this airport from Mexico City for about $40 USD!
From Tuxtla Gutiérrez
By bus
Tuxtla Gutiérrez is only about 30 miles from San Cristobal de las Casas by bus. In addition, the bus tickets are pretty cheap. However, the buses from Tuxtla Gutiérrez do not go directly to San Cristobal de las Casas. They pass through the neighboring state of Tabasco before coming around to San Cristobal de las Casas. My entire trip on the bus took about 7 hours (there were also delays, and we had to switch buses).
By private transportation
Private transportation is a much more convenient option. You can travel directly to San Cristobal de las Casas, which would only take about 1-1.5 hours. However, this option is much more expensive, with some companies charging about $250 USD per vehicle.
Top San Cristobal de las Casas Attractions
While there is plenty to see and do in San Cristobal de las Casas, here are our recommended top 7!
1. Enjoy Marimba music in the plazas
Marimba is a type of music that is popular in Chiapas, and can be heard throughout San Cristobal de las Casas. There are two large plazas near the center of town: Plaza 31 de Mayo and Plaza de la Paz. There are frequently Marimba musicians playing in the elevated platform in Plaza 31 de Mayo. This is a great place to dance or just sit and listen to the music!
2. Day trip to Cañón del Sumidero
The Cañón del Sumidero is a large canyon carved by the Grijalva River located about an hour away. Not only is this a great spot to take a boat tour and admire the cliffs and waterfalls, but it is also an amazing spot for wildlife viewing. You will be able to see crocodiles, monkeys, and thousands of birds! Tours to Cañón del Sumidero from San Cristobal de las Casas are common, so you won’t have any problem finding a tour to suit your needs!
3. Enjoy some traditional food from Chiapas
San Cristobal de las Casas is a great place to try traditional food from Chiapas. A truly unique food to try here is chipilín tamales. These aren’t eaten outside of Chiapas. Chipilín is a leafy green herb that is mixed into the corn flour to make a unique tamale. It is definitely worth trying.
Something else worth trying is a drink called tascalate, which is made from corn, chocolate, and sugar. It was slightly bitter but tasted great. When you visit San Cristobal de las Casas, you should try it for yourself!
Palenque is one of the highlights of any trip to Chiapas! This is a former Mayan city that was abandoned about 1200 years ago! Despite its age, Palenque is home to some of the most well-preserved temples and ruins that the Mayans have produced! There are several tours that will take you from San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque. Or, if you want to save money, just take a 4-hour bus there yourself for about $25 USD.
Check out our guide to Palenque here!
5. Hike up the Miradores
There are several miradores, or “viewpoints”, worth visiting in San Cristobal de las Casas. This town is surrounded by mountains, so there is no shortage of breathtaking views to admire. Hike up to the miradores and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city, lush valleys, and distant mountain ranges. One of the most popular viewpoints is Cerro de San Cristobal, which offers a stunning lookout over the colonial town below. Another notable spot is Mirador del Arcotete, known for its natural beauty and impressive rock formations
6. Visit nearby indigenous villages
There are several indigenous villages near San Cristobal de las Casas that are worth visiting. These indigenous villages offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. Take a trip to San Juan Chamula, where you can witness ancient rituals and traditions practiced by the Tzotzil people. Another option is Zinacantán, a village known for its intricate weaving techniques and colorful textiles. You can immerse yourself into the daily life of these communities and learn about their customs and beliefs.
7. Check out the numerous markets in the city
There are numerous markets located around San Cristobal de las Casas. These markets offer an authentic shopping experience where visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture. There are different markets to suite everyone’s needs. The Mercado de Santo Domingo is famous for its colorful textiles and traditional handicrafts. The Mercado de Dulces y Artesanías is another popular market where you can get clothing, candy, or inexpensive souvenirs for your friends back home!
Best Time to Visit San Cristobal de las Casas
The best time to visit San Cristobal de las Casas is during the dry season, which spans from November to April. The weather is pleasant with mild temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings. This is also a great time to visit the Cañón del Sumidero and Palenque, as it will not be as hot outside.
I would recommend visiting between April-May or October-November, as there will be less crowds during this time. The prices of hotels will also be cheaper during this time.
Where to Stay in San Cristobal de las Casas
There are a few different options to choose from when deciding where to stay in San Cristobal de las Casas. What you choose will depend on your budget, desired level of luxury, and what kind of experiences you wish to have.
Low budget
If you are on a budget, Planet Hostel is a great option. For just $5 USD/night, you can get a dorm room near the center of town! This is where I stayed, and there plenty of opportunities to socialize or relax by yourself. There are also female-only dorms available here.
Medium budget
If you want a little more privacy, you can get your own room at Hotel Mansion del Valle. This hotel is a great choice for its centralized location. It also offers a sun terrace and restaurant for those days when you feel like relaxing. A room here costs about $50 USD/night.
High budget
For a truly luxurious experience, consider staying at the Casa Santa Lucia. This hotel is located in the heart of downtown, and offers large rooms, a spacious garden, and free breakfast.
Check out the map below for a list of available accommodations.
San Cristobal de las Casas: FAQs
1. Is San Cristobal de las Casas worth visiting?
Yes, San Cristobal de las Casas is worth visiting for a few reasons. This is a great place for cultural tours and to learn about the rich history of the region. San Cristobal de las Casas is also a great place to relax after visiting nearby cities and attractions due to its cool temperatures and high elevation.
2. How many days do you need in San Cristobal de las Casas?
I recommend spending a minimum of 3 nights in San Cristobal de las Casas. There is so much to do here, and the town is very pleasant and a great place to relax. You may end up extending your stay!
3. How many people live in San Cristobal de las Casas?
While the central part of San Cristobal de las Casas gives the impression of a small, colonial town, this town spreads out pretty far. Nearly 200,000 people call this place home.
4. Is it safe to travel to San Cristobal de las Casas?
Yes, it is very safe. However, this does not mean you should throw caution to the wind and act like a fool on the street at night. Always be aware of your surroundings.
