San Cristobal de las Casas - Discovering Mexico

Travelling to San Cristobal de las Casas

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in San Cristobal de las Casas, a pretty good destination in Mexico (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to San Cristobal de las Casas and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around San Cristobal de las Casas, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Mexico, here's everything to know about San Cristobal de las Casas for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal de las Casas is a charming colonial city located in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. It is situated in the highlands, surrounded by lush green mountains and forests, and has a rich indigenous heritage. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, colorful markets, and vibrant cultural scene, with many art galleries, museums, and cafes. It is also a popular base for exploring the surrounding area, including the nearby indigenous villages, nature reserves, waterfalls, and archaeological sites. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and cultural experiences, as well as sampling the region's delicious food and drink.

What to visit in San Cristobal de las Casas

Sure, here are some of the top tourist attractions in San Cristobal de las Casas: 1. Templo y Ex Convento de Santo Domingo de Guzmán: This beautiful church was built in the 16th century and features a striking pink facade. Inside, you'll find elaborate altars and beautiful murals.
2. Mercado de Santo Domingo: This vibrant indoor market is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. You'll find a wide variety of goods for sale, including fresh produce, textiles, and traditional handicrafts.
3. Museo de Na Bolom: This museum is dedicated to the study of the indigenous people of Chiapas and their culture. The building itself is an interesting example of colonial architecture, and the exhibits include photographs, artifacts, and traditional clothing.
4. El Arcotete Natural Reserve: Located just outside of San Cristobal, this nature reserve is a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching. You'll find a cave here that you can explore, as well as a natural swimming hole.
5. Cascada El Chiflón: This waterfall is located about 2 hours outside of San Cristobal, but is definitely worth the trip. The waterfall is 120 meters high and the view is breathtaking.
6. La Gruta: This beautiful natural cave is located about 20 minutes outside of San Cristobal. Inside, you'll find stunning rock formations and beautiful mineral pools.
7. Zócalo: The main square in San Cristobal is always bustling with activity, whether it's street performers, vendors selling their wares, or locals hanging out with friends and family.
These are just a few of the many tourist attractions in San Cristobal de las Casas. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or nature, you're sure to find something to enjoy in this beautiful city!
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Mexico, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in San Cristobal de las Casas.

When to go on holiday to San Cristobal de las Casas

The best time to visit San Cristobal de las Casas in Mexico is between the months of November and March. During this time, the weather is typically dry and cool with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 80s Fahrenheit. Additionally, these months tend to be less crowded with tourists than the peak summer season. However, if you prefer warmer temperatures and don't mind more crowds, you can also visit during the summer months of June to August. Just be aware that this is the rainy season with the possibility of heavy rainfall.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to San Cristobal de las Casas

To get to San Cristobal de las Casas, there are several transportation options: - Fly to the nearest airport, which is the Tuxtla Gutierrez International Airport (TGZ), and then take a taxi or shuttle service to San Cristobal de las Casas (about an hour drive).
- Take a bus from major cities in Mexico, such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Oaxaca. The buses are comfortable with various amenities and depart from central bus stations.
- If you're already staying in a nearby city, such as Palenque or Tulum, you can take a colectivo which is like a shared minivan taxi. Regardless of how you get there, make sure to plan your trip ahead and book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit San Cristobal de las Casas, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in San Cristobal de las Casas

1. Tamales - Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa (a type of corn dough) filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese, then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed.
2. Chiles Rellenos - Chiles Rellenos are fresh poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables, then battered and fried.
3. Cochinita Pibil - Cochinita Pibil is a slow-roasted pork dish marinated in achiote paste and citrus juice, and served with pickled red onions.
4. Sopa de Pan - Sopa de Pan is a hearty soup made with day-old bread, chicken broth, and vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions.
5. Queso Fundido - Queso Fundido is a melted cheese dish served in a hot skillet and often topped with meat, chorizo, or vegetables.
6. Enchiladas Chiapanecas - Enchiladas Chiapanecas are enchiladas stuffed with chicken and topped with a rich tomato sauce and crumbled cheese.
7. Pozol - Pozol is a drink made with ground corn, cocoa, and spices like cinnamon and sugar, sweetened with honey or sugar and served hot or cold.
8. Chalupas - Chalupas are small tortilla shells fried until crispy, then filled with chicken, cheese, or other toppings.
9. Garnachas - Garnachas are small corn tortillas topped with fried beans, chicken, lettuce, and crumbled cheese.
10. Champurrado - Champurrado is a warm, creamy drink made with corn flour, water, milk, sugar, and chocolate, and often served with tamales.
You can find general info about typical foods in Mexico here.

Is San Cristobal de las Casas an expensive destination for tourists?

Compared to other destinations in Mexico, San Cristobal de las Casas can be considered as a moderately more expensive destination. It is a popular tourist spot, and the prices of hotels, food, and activities can be slightly higher than in other parts of Mexico. However, there are also many affordable options available for travelers on a budget, such as hostels, street food, and free activities like visiting local markets and hiking in the surrounding hills. It really depends on your budget and preferences.

Where to find accomodation in San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal de las Casas is a small city with a cozy atmosphere. Some of the best areas to find accommodation and stay to visit San Cristobal de las Casas are: 1. Centro Historico: This is the heart of the city, and most of the tourist attractions are located here. It's a great place to stay if you want easy access to the main sights and activities.
2. Barrio de Mexicanos: This area is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a bit further away from the city center but has plenty of affordable accommodation options.
3. Barrio de Guadalupe: This is a quieter area located on the outskirts of the city center. It's a bit more upscale than other areas and is a great option if you're looking for a more peaceful atmosphere.
4. Barrio de Santa Lucia: This area is known for its beautiful colonial architecture and is a great place to stay if you want to immerse yourself in San Cristobal's history and culture. Overall, San Cristobal de las Casas is a small and walkable city, so no matter where you stay, you can easily explore all that it has to offer.
You can check hotel prices at San Cristobal de las Casas here:
Booking.com

Is San Cristobal de las Casas a safe destination for tourists?

San Cristobal de las Casas is generally considered a safe place for tourists. However, like any tourist destination, visitors should exercise common sense precautions to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. This includes being aware of your surroundings, not carrying large amounts of cash or expensive items, keeping valuables out of sight, and avoiding areas known for high levels of crime or unrest. It's also a good idea to research any travel warnings or advisories issued by your home country and the Mexican government before your trip.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Mexico here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting San Cristobal de las Casas.

What type of travelers will enjoy San Cristobal de las Casas the most?

San Cristobal de las Casas is a great destination for all types of travelers. Couples will enjoy the charming colonial architecture, cozy cafes and restaurants, and romantic atmosphere. Young people looking for fun will appreciate the lively nightlife and adventurous activities such as hiking and exploring nearby waterfalls. Families will appreciate the family-friendly activities such as visiting the local markets, museums, and parks. There are also plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion and learning about local indigenous communities. Overall, San Cristobal de las Casas offers something for everyone, making it a great destination for all types of travelers.

How to get around San Cristobal de las Casas

In San Cristobal de las Casas, you can move around on foot, as it is a small city with a beautiful historic center that can be easily explored by walking. However, if you want to explore the outskirts or go to nearby towns, you can take a taxi or colectivos, which are shared vans that operate along the highways. Additionally, there are buses that connect San Cristobal to other cities in the state of Chiapas, such as Tuxtla Gutierrez, Palenque, and San Juan Chamula.

What to see around San Cristobal de las Casas

Sure, here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from San Cristobal de las Casas: 1. Agua Azul Waterfalls - a series of cascading waterfalls and turquoise pools surrounded by lush greenery.
2. Palenque Mayan Ruins - an ancient city with impressive temples, palaces, and pyramids, surrounded by jungle and wildlife.
3. Sumidero Canyon - a breathtaking natural wonder with towering cliffs and a river running through it.
4. San Juan Chamula - a traditional Tzotzil Mayan village with a unique cultural and religious heritage.
5. El Chiflon Waterfalls - a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and hiking trails.
6. Lagunas de Montebello National Park - a beautiful natural reserve with more than 50 lakes of different colors and surrounded by forests, mountains and waterfalls.
7. Zinacantan - a small indigenous village known for its textiles and traditional dresses.
All these places make for a great day trip from San Cristobal de las Casas and offer unique experiences and stunning natural beauty.
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