Visiting San Cristóbal de las Casas, the cultural capital of Chiapas
The cultural capital of Chiapas is easily one of the most charming colonial cities in Mexico. As the central hub of the region and a starting point for countless excursions, San Cristóbal earns its reputation as a place you need to experience for yourself.
A constant cultural buzz
Perched in the mountains at an elevation of 6,900 feet, San Cristóbal offers a distinct atmosphere. Start your visit at the Zócalo, home to a beautiful Cathedral featuring a traditional indigenous baroque facade. Make the climb up the 79 steps to the Iglesia de la Guadalupe for a view over the city. Chiapas is defined by its deep indigenous roots, and San Cristóbal showcases this through its many craft markets. We recommend the Santo Domingo market located in front of the church of the same name, where you will frequently see Tzotzil people, an indigenous Maya group from the region.
Among the city's various museums, we suggest the Museo de los Altos de Chiapas, housed in the former couvent de Saint Dominque. The city reveals itself as you walk its cobblestone streets and take in the warm, bright colors of the houses. For a true taste of local culture, try Pox, a corn-based spirit used by the Maya for medicinal and sacred purposes. After dinner at a taquería on the Calle Real de Guadalupe, enjoy the cool mountain air and walk by the illuminated Palais Municipal.
A city at the crossroads of lakes
The city serves as a perfect base for regional excursions. The five waterfalls of El Chiflón are a sight to behold. They are easily reached by bus from San Cristóbal, and you can cool off in the crystal-clear pools fed by the cascading torrents.
We also recommend a visit to Lagunas de Montebello National Park, which features an impressive ecosystem fed by 59 lakes. For the more adventurous, Laguna Miramar is a remote destination. Access is difficult, requiring a journey deep into the forest of the Lacandons and a trek through dense vegetation to reach this spot. Furthermore, the lagoon sits on the route toward Palenque, the essential Maya city in Chiapas that should be on every itinerary.
When to go
The best time to visit San Cristóbal de las Casas is from September to May. Winters are dry, and temperatures remain comfortable throughout the year.
How to get there
San Cristóbal is well connected to major Mexican cities by both bus and plane. Depending on your starting point, domestic flights are often the better option, as the 465-mile journey from Mexico City can take up to 14 hours by bus.
I backpacked all through southern Mexico a few years ago now, and San Cristóbal de las Casas remains undeniably one of my favorite cities. Everything you need to be amazed, learn, and have a good time is right there. It is a concentration of the most beautiful things Mexico has to offer. It is an essential stop, but be careful because it is a climb. The city is located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters and has a ton of stairs and very high sidewalks!