Written by Andreas Keller, Marika Maslanka, Miguel Lopez
01/08/2025
Edgar Rodrigo, Pexels
San Cristóbal de las Casas is a captivating colonial city nestled in the highlands of Chiapas, offering a rich blend of indigenous and Spanish heritage. It attracts visitors with its vibrant markets, historic architecture, and as a strategic base for exploring breathtaking natural landscapes and culturally significant indigenous villages.
The historic center, particularly the pedestrian street Real de Guadalupe, serves as the main hub for socializing, featuring numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars that create a lively atmosphere. Central squares like the Zócalo and Plaza 31 de Marzo are also popular gathering spots. For backpackers, specific hostels are known for their social scene, fostering interaction among travelers.
Top 8 Things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas
Activities encompass cultural immersion through indigenous markets and historical sites, exploration of stunning natural landscapes, and engaging with local traditions and crafts.
1. Explore the Historic Center and Pedestrian Streets
Wandering through the historic center allows visitors to experience San Cristóbal’s vibrant colonial charm. Key pedestrian streets, known as 'andadores,' such as Real de Guadalupe and Andador del Carmen, are lined with colorful buildings, cafes, restaurants, artisan shops, and tour agencies. This is ideal for soaking in the city's unique atmosphere, people-watching, and discovering hidden gems. Many main attractions are within walking distance.
Cost: Free to explore. Costs for food, drinks, and shopping vary.
Transport: The historic center is very walkable. Most hotels and hostels are located within or very close to this area.
2. Visit Indigenous Villages: San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán
A deeply cultural experience, visiting the nearby Tzotzil Maya villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán offers a genuine glimpse into indigenous traditions. San Juan Chamula is known for its unique syncretic religious practices within the Templo de San Juan Bautista, blending Mayan beliefs with Catholicism. Zinacantán is famous for its vibrant textiles, and visitors can often see locals working on pre-Columbian waist looms and sample handmade tortillas. These visits provide an authentic cultural immersion, unlike more tourist-oriented sites.
Cost: Tours are highly recommended for understanding the cultural nuances and respecting local customs. A guided tour typically costs between $23 - $30 USD per person. Self-serving is possible but less common due to the cultural sensitivity and transportation logistics.
Transport: These villages are easily visited on a half-day tour from San Cristóbal. Tour agencies are abundant on the pedestrian streets, offering hotel pickup. Public transport (colectivos) is also an option; shared colectivos to San Juan Chamula might cost around 20-30 MXN ($1-2 USD) one way from the market area. Zinacantán is slightly further, and you may need another colectivo from Chamula or a direct one. Taxis would be more expensive, around 100-200 MXN ($5-10 USD) each way.
3. Experience Sumidero Canyon
This breathtaking natural wonder features towering cliffs, reaching up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), and a boat ride along the Grijalva River. The canyon is part of a national park and is home to diverse wildlife, including crocodiles, monkeys (like spider monkeys), and various bird species. The boat tour provides spectacular views and opportunities for wildlife spotting. After the boat ride, tours often include a stop in the charming colonial town of Chiapa de Corzo.
Cost: A full-day tour from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Sumidero Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo typically ranges from $35 - $51 USD. This usually includes transportation and the boat ride fee.
Transport: While possible to visit independently, it is best done with a tour as it includes transportation to multiple locations like the boat embarkment and Chiapa de Corzo. Tour departure points are usually central or include hotel pickup.
4. Climb to the Hilltop Churches: Guadalupe and San Cristóbalito
San Cristóbal de las Casas is framed by hills topped with churches that offer panoramic views of the city. The Iglesia del Cerro de Guadalupe, accessed by 79 steps, provides stunning vistas, especially at sunset. The Iglesia de San Cristóbalito is another prominent hilltop church offering a different perspective of the city below. The ascent to both provides a gentle workout rewarded with beautiful photo opportunities and a sense of accomplishment.
Cost: Free entry to both churches.
Transport: Both churches are within walking distance from the city center. Expect a uphill walk with steps.
5. Explore Local Markets
The city's markets are a vibrant display of local life and indigenous culture. The Mercado de Artesanías de Santo Domingo and the Mercado de Dulces y Artesanías (Sweets and Crafts Market) are prime spots to find a wide array of handmade goods. Visitors can browse colorful textiles, amber jewelry, pottery, and other crafts directly from indigenous vendors who travel from surrounding villages. It is recommended to visit early morning or late afternoon for a more relaxed experience.
Cost: Free to enter and browse. Cost of goods varies depending on bargaining skills.
Transport: These markets are centrally located and easily accessible on foot from anywhere in the historic center.
6. Visit the Amber Museum (Museo del Ámbar)
Housed in a former 16th-century convent, the Museo del Ámbar (Amber Museum) showcases the history and significance of amber in Chiapas. The region is known for its high-quality amber. The museum features over 300 pieces, ranging from raw fossilized resin with insects to exquisitely carved jewelry and art. It provides insight into amber's use for protection and medicinal purposes throughout history.
Cost: General admission is approximately 50 MXN (around $3 USD).
Transport: The museum is located within walking distance of the historic center, on the edge of town.
7. Explore Casa Na Bolom Museum
Casa Na Bolom, meaning 'House of the Jaguar,' is a historic house museum dedicated to the Lacandon Maya people and the conservation of the Lacandon Jungle. It was the home of Danish archaeologist Frans Blom and Swiss photographer Gertrude Duby Blom, who extensively documented Mayan culture and the Chiapas rainforest. The museum displays their photography, artifacts, and personal belongings. It also functions as a cultural center and a hotel, with proceeds supporting community projects.
Cost: Entrance fee is approximately 60 MXN per person (around $3.50 USD), with a guided tour costing 70 MXN (around $4 USD). Students, teachers, and seniors pay 30 MXN.
Transport: Casa Na Bolom is located about 0.6 miles (1 km) from San Cristóbal's main square. It is a walkable distance from the city center.
8. Discover Grutas de Rancho Nuevo (Rancho Nuevo Caves)
Just outside San Cristóbal, Grutas de Rancho Nuevo is an ecotourism park featuring impressive limestone caves. Visitors can explore the illuminated cave system, which stretches for over 10 km (though only a portion is accessible to the public). Beyond the caves, the park offers outdoor activities such as horseback riding, a long slide, and areas for picnics, making it suitable for families and those seeking light adventure in nature.
Cost: Entrance to the grounds is free, but there is a fee for cave access (not specified in recent sources, but previous sources indicate around 10-20 MXN). Activities like horseback riding and the slide have additional costs. A tour to Rancho Nuevo Caves and El Arcotete typically costs around $23 - $32.76 USD.
Transport: Rancho Nuevo is about 10 km (6 miles) southeast of San Cristóbal. It can be reached by colectivos from the city center (look for colectivos towards 'Rancho Nuevo'). Taxis are also an option. Tours often include transportation.
Check out our other pages on San Cristóbal de las Casas
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