San Cristobal, de las Casas, is a charming town in Chiapas Highlands in the heart of Mexico. It is a place that attracts tourists from all over the world with its stunning colonial architecture, fascinating ethnic, cultural history, and picturesque setting. San Cristobal is also known as the capital of Chiapas, which makes it the perfect destination for art, music, and culinary delights. In this blog post, we’ll help you plan your next adventure by listing 15 best things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Visit the Cathedral
San Cristobal Cathedral is an important city symbol. It was built in the 16th century and featured many works of art, including altars, paintings, and sculptures.
Andador Eclesiástico Walk
This walk next to the church is a great place to walk, shop or dine.
Explore Santo Domingo Temple
This is a must-see for art and history lovers. The temple has one of the largest collections of Mesoamerican culture, with a beautiful baroque façade.
There is a traditional market
San Cristobal hosts many weekly markets. Walk around to find different local products and colorful textile designs.
Explore the Na Bolom Museum
This museum and organization are dedicated to the indigenous peoples of Chiapas, especially the Mayans, and Lacantons. The institute displays artifacts, pictures, and texts from the Lacandon culture.
Go for a swim at the El Chiflón waterfall
About an hour from San Cristobal, this waterfall is worth a visit. The waterfall has several levels, each with a unique view of the waterfall.
Walk through the Warehouse Museum
This museum has one of the largest collections in Mexico. San Cristobal is close to the amber-producing area, and the paintings on display are a testament to local creativity.
Visit Indigenous Villages
San Cristobal is surrounded by indigenous villages. These communities still keep their traditions, customs, and languages alive. Plan a day trip to see these ancient cultures in their natural habitat.
Learn to Cook
Chiapas is famous for its food, and what better way to immerse yourself in the local culture than by learning how to cook? Under the guidance of a local chef, you will learn how to prepare famous dishes such as Mole, Chiles Rellenos, and Tamales.
Bike tour
Take a bike tour and discover the hidden secrets of San Cristobal. The city is surrounded by rugged hills, pastures, streams, and ancient ruins, perfect for mountain biking.
Relax in the Zócalo
The Zócalo is a large square in the center of the city, surrounded by monumental colonial-style buildings. The square is the perfect place to relax; people watch and feel the city’s energy.
Explore Arcotete
Arcotete Natural Park is a great place to take a walk and discover the city’s hidden treasures. The park has dead bush sights, cascading streams, and hidden spots perfect for nature dining.
Learn Spanish
San Cristobal’s friendly culture makes it a great place to learn Spanish. You can choose from many language schools, most of which offer homestays and are the best way to practice your Spanish.
Experience Holy Week
During Holy Week, the city transforms into a cacophony of colorful processions, vibrant costumes, and music. This is a unique opportunity to visit the city and take in the sights and sounds of this religious tradition.
Attend a concert or show
Hosting many events, festivals, and cultural events throughout the year, San Cristobal prides itself on its performances. These festivals include the Festival de las Culturas (Cultural Festival), Feria de San Cristobal (San Cristobal Fair), and Feria del Cacao y Chocolate (Cocoa and Chocolate Fair).
San Cristobal, de las Casas, is a small town where everyone can find something special. This is the perfect place for those who want to immerse themselves in the local culture and learn about the history and culture of the indigenous people of Chiapas.
San Cristobal’s natural setting, art, and culinary expression make for an unforgettable experience. Consider ticking the box above when you visit San Cristobal, and you will have an unforgettable adventure.
Best Things To Do In San Cristobal FAQs
What are the best things to do in San Cristobal?
San Cristobal is a beautiful city in the south of Mexico. The city is known for its colonial architecture, stunning scenery, and friendly people.
There are many great things to do in San Cristobal. Still, some top attractions include visiting the Basilica of San Cristobal de las Casas, exploring Sumidero Canyon, and visiting Mayan ruins near Tonina.
How long should I stay in San Cristobal?
Most visitors stay in San Cristobal for 3-5 days, but it is possible to see the city’s highlights in a day or two. If you have more time, there are plenty of things to do from San Cristobal, such as visiting the waterfalls at Agua Azul or hiking to Cerro de Guadalupe, Chiapas’ highest mountain.
When is the best time to visit San Cristobal?
The best time to visit San Cristobal depends on what you want to see and do. The city has a tropical climate, so it is warm and sunny all year round. But if you want to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the low prices, the best time to visit is during the low season, April-May and October-November.
What should I take for my trip to San Cristobal?
Make sure to wear walking shoes when walking around San Cristobal. The city is also very mountainous, so good shoes are a must! Also, bring your usual summer clothes – a sweater, sunscreen, hat, etc.
What are the benefits of San Cristobal?
The Mexican currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). ATMs are located throughout San Cristobal, and most hotels and restaurants accept credit cards. However, having some cash on hand is also a good idea.
