Things to Do in San Cristóbal de las Casas

San Cristóbal de las Casas is a colonial city at 2,200m in the Chiapas highlands — the highest city covered in this guide and the coolest: temperatures rarely exceed 20°C even in summer. It’s also one of the most ethnically and culturally distinct cities in Mexico, with a large indigenous Tzotzil and Tzeltal population, a visible craft tradition, and a lively university town atmosphere. It’s the logical base for exploring highland Chiapas and for day trips to Palenque (3 hours) and the Sumidero Canyon.

Indigenous markets

The Santo Domingo church complex (1547) has a textile market in its atrium daily — the best quality handwoven goods in the city. The Mercado Municipal José Castillo Tielemans (behind the central bus terminal) is the working market: fruit, vegetables, textiles, and a good food section. On Sundays, villages from surrounding communities come to sell in the city.

Chamula and Zinacantán

The two most-visited villages near the city:

San Juan Chamula (10 km northwest): the church here is one of the most remarkable in Mexico — the interior is covered in pine needles and candles, and the syncretic Tzotzil religious practices that occur inside (involving Coca-Cola, incense, and traditional healing rituals) are unlike anything else. Photography inside is strictly forbidden and can result in confiscation of equipment. Entry ~MXN 30.

Zinacantán (10 km west): known for its weavings and embroidered textiles — the women’s cooperative at the church sells quality work at negotiable prices. The village is calmer and more open to visitors than Chamula.

Both are reachable by colectivo (~MXN 20) from the second-class bus terminal, or by taxi/tour.

Cañón del Sumidero

A dramatic canyon 30 km north of San Cristóbal (2 hours by bus or 1 hour by car, via Tuxtla Gutiérrez). The Grijalva River runs through walls rising 1,000m on either side. Boat tours through the canyon depart from Chiapa de Corzo (1 hour from San Cristóbal): 2-hour trips, ~MXN 250 per person. Look for herons, crocodiles, and spider monkeys. A combined day trip with transport and boat tour is available through operators in San Cristóbal.

The city centre

The Real de Guadalupe pedestrianised street and the streets around the Zócalo have good cafes and artisan shops. Na Bolom (a cultural centre and museum in the old home of anthropologist Gertrude Duby Blom) covers indigenous Lacandón Maya culture. The Centro Cultural El Carmen has rotating exhibitions.

Palenque day trip

Palenque’s ruins are 3 hours by bus (several daily departures). The archaeological zone requires a separate day — the jungle setting, the inscriptions on the Temple of the Cross Group, and the tomb of Pakal in the Temple of the Inscriptions are not things to rush. See our Palenque guide for more detail.

Climate and packing

San Cristóbal is cool year-round — bring a jacket regardless of when you visit. Rain is frequent from May through October. The colonial centre is entirely walkable.