29 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS
Cobblestone streets, colorful churches, and countless nearby waterfalls are just a few things that make San Cristobal de las Casas one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
This charming pueblo magico in the state of Chiapas will leave you in awe. Not only is the town beautiful and fun to explore, but all around it has incredible nature to explore.
San Cristóbal de las Casas makes those traveling through fall in love and often stay longer than expected. I was one of those travelers.
There are numerous restaurants to try, cute cafes to visit, art to admire, ruins to explore, caves to hike, and waterfalls to love.
San Cristobal is packed with culture and nature all in one, and it’s no wonder it has become a top destination for backpackers to add to their Mexico itinerary.
Here is a list of the best things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Table of Contents
Things to do
1. Walking Tour
First and foremost, one of the best things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas is going on a free walking tour. It is the best way to learn about the history and culture of the town.
The guide took us to local spots and streets I wouldn’t have known otherwise to visit. It started with a visit to Artisan markets, where we saw the local handicraft.
We visited some local churches, including Iglesia de Guadalupe, which has an incredible view of the town below. The guide taught us about the damage caused to them by the 2017 earthquake.
He also told us about the Zapatista group, a socialist and liberal left-wing rebel group controlling a large area of Chiapas.
The guide then led the tour to walk through streets with local art and murals, some great rooftop views, and a visit to a pox bar where we got to drink this alcoholic drink (pox) made from sugar cane, wheat, and corn. It is a popular drink in the area.
Although the tour is technically free, these guides deserve to be tipped for their time and guidance, and it’s a great way to support the community.
The free walking tour happens every day at 10 am and 5 pm and meets at Plaza de la Paz (where the San Cristobal Cathedral is found) by the wooden cross. They typically last about 3 hours.
2. Real de Guadalupe
Real de Guadalupe is the famous pedestrian street in San Cristobal de las Casas. It is the best place to stroll, and I assure you you’ll find yourself walking this street several times during your stay. This colorful street is lively during the day but even more so at night.
You’ll find handicrafts, boutique hotels, souvenir shops, bookshops, tour agencies, restaurants, and cafes on the street. You can find it all!
One thing I loved about San Cristobal was how easy it was to walk the center without having to share the streets with cars. Three main streets in the city center are entirely closed off to cars, and you can find everything you need and stroll all day and all night.
3. Wander the Streets
As with all the magical towns in Mexico, wandering the streets and getting lost in them is the best thing to do. San Cristobal de las Casas is one the best places to do this. There are many shops, cafes, restaurants, colorful homes, bars, boutique hotels, galleries, and so much more.
You will best discover them if you set time to wander around town and walk into these places. There are endless things to do, so walk around to find them. Plus, it’s easy to wander given that some of the main touristy streets are close to cars and are pedestrian-friendly.
4. Iglesia de Santo Domingo
Another beautiful church to admire is Iglesia de Santo Domingo. Its lovely facade features carved sculptures influenced by the Dominican friars who once lived there.
Outside the church is the Plaza of Santo Domingo, known for its indigenous handicraft markets. Inside the church, you find the Museum of Textiles.
5. Mercado de Artesanías
I’m always ready to explore the artisan markets because it’s where you’ll find the local crafts, food, and local way of living. The market in San Cristobal has textile work and is filled with colorful handicrafts such as clothes, bags, blankets, jewelry, and other trinkets.
Plus, the prices are great if you’re planning to take home some souvenirs. Throughout San Cristobal, you find many other markets that are extremely busy and rushing with local people going on about their daily life.
I encourage you to get away from the popular spots and simply walk the streets and roam the markets.
6. Municipal Market
One other popular market to explore is the Municipal Market. This market is not touristy at all and is mainly a spot where locals come to do their daily shopping for spices and ingredients. It’s a culinary experience, and there are lots of vendors.
You can try new fruits and vegetables or just stroll through to see what you find. My friend and I saw all kinds of new fruits and decided to try a few of them.
7. Barrio El Cerrillo
El Cerrillo Neighborhood is one of the interesting areas to wander in San Cristobal de las Casas. You can find El Cerrillo church, art and handicraft, and iron. Iron material is produced in this neighborhood, and you can see it decorated on the doors and windows of the homes.
You can find places to eat, the Na Bolom Museum, lovely streets, and fantastic artwork. It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, with old houses and cobblestone streets, plus great views. Make sure to wander around!
8. Caves Acotete Ecotourism Park
One hidden gem in the outskirts of San Cristobal is El Arcotete Park. This park is better known for its caves, but you can also walk alongside the river, ride boats, and go ziplining.
Exploring the caves is incredible because it’s a labyrinth to get lost in, and there are natural windows that overlook the river.
The entrance to the park is 10 MXN pesos, and another 10 MXN for the cave entrance. If you go ziplining, the price will be about 100 MXN.
Getting it is easy. You can arrive by shuttle from the city, take a taxi, or walk 30 minutes from Iglesia de Guadalupe. To leave, you can wait for the shuttle that arrives just outside the park entrance.
Locals most popularly know the park, so you won’t find many foreigners here. However, it still gets busy on the weekends. So if you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the week.
9. Casa Na Bolom Museum
If you have more time in the town, you can stop by Casa Na Bolom (House of Jaguar) to learn the story of explorers and archeologists who spent their life protecting the culture and heritage of the region. The couple collected crafts, archeological pieces, clothing, tools, and anything related to the area.
In addition, you can find a Mayan library, cultural center, a hotel, and a restaurant. Anything you purchase supports the indigenous communities and projects in Chiapas.
The entry is 40 MXN and is near the center.
10. Guadalupe Church
An excellent place for a nice view of the city is the church of Guadalupe. It has nearly 80 steps to get to the top. Inside, you find the Virgen de Guadalupe and the well-decorated church.
The viewpoint is also referred to as Mirador de la Escuela SolMaya. It is the perfect place to catch the sunset and have a nice walk to get there.
11. San Cristobalito and El Cerrito
Another great view of the city is from the Church of San Cristobalito, located at El Cerrito (little hill). It also requires walking a long set of stairs, but it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset. If you have time, don’t doubt to visit this spot.
12. Catedral de San Cristobal de las Casas & Plaza de La Paz
Catedral de San Cristobal de las Casas is one of the most impressive buildings in the town, considering it has stood firm over hundreds of years, even withstanding strong earthquakes. In addition, the Baroque and Moorish designs make it beautiful.
You can find it at the Zocalo, one of the town squares in the city. The Zocalo is a lovely square with vendors selling snacks and souvenirs and the main cross sitting in the middle. This cross is the main meeting point for tours held in the city. This spot is called Plaza de la Paz.
The colonial architectural design of the church and the many buildings in San Cristobal come from the influence of Spanish Conquistadores that influenced the city in the 16th century. You can easily spot its bright yellow and red color from a distance.
13. Plaza 31 de Marzo
San Cristobal actually has two main plazas near the Zocalo. One is Plaza de la Paz (in front of the San Cristobal Cathedral mentioned above), and the other is Plaza 31 de Marzo, next to the Cathedral. This central park or zocalo, Plaza 31 de Marzo, has a gazebo and many trees decorating the area.
It’s a hang-out spot where clowns perform, music play, and small vendors sell trinkets. You can also find the Museum of the Governer’s Palace, Los Portales Building, and Saint Nicolas Church.
14. Calle Eclesiastico & Arco del Carmen
Calle Eclesiastico is another pedestrian-friendly street that is closed off to cars and is basically known as the “bar street.” This is where you watch football matches and other sports at one of the sports bars. At night, it turns into a street for hanging out.
In the daytime, you can wander the street to look for a place to eat; the options are endless here. You can find San Agustin Plaza Food Court, which features all kinds of international food such as Thai, Peruvian, and more. Plus, you can find live music at some of them.
As you walk the street, you will find many handicrafts and some trinkets to buy. At the end of it, you arrive at Arco del Carmen. A temple with a Moorish design that used to be a 16th-century convent for women.
15. Coffee & Chocolate
Surprisingly, I discovered that Mexico is one of the world’s top producers of organic coffee! And it so happens that Chiapas is the state that exports the most of it in the country.
This means you’ll be able to taste some great coffee in the region and learn about the production. Having your daily cup of coffee is a great way to support the local community.
Also, did you know that Chiapas used to be part of Guatemala? Guatemala is known as the birthplace of chocolate; therefore, that influence stayed in Chiapas too, and you will be able to find some great-tasting Cacao or chocolate if you’re in San Cristobal.
- Cafeologia: One of the best in the city center.
- La Espirituosa: Also serves pox. Found in a beautiful courtyard where digital nomads can hang out.
- La Frontera: Has great-tasting chocolate. In a beautiful courtyard where digital nomads can hang out.
- Carajillo Cafe: A cozy little coffee shop in the center.
- Libre Cafe: Cute cafe with a courtyard.
16. Restaurants & Vegan
Of all the places I’ve explored in Mexico, San Cristobal de las Casas has been the town with the largest international cuisine and vegan restaurants.
There is no shortage of options for dining. No matter what type of food you’re feeling, you will find it. Although Mexican food is my favorite in the world, and when I’m in Mexico, I go all out, it was nice to mix it up in San Cristobal.
There are numerous restaurants to choose from, and it is also the perfect place for vegans. There are many vegan restaurants, and I think it’s because of the large influence of backpackers and nomadic hippies that live in the town.
Since we’re on the food topic, I do, however, warn you that many backpackers report getting food poisoning in San Cristobal de las Casas. So in the community of backpackers, we know to arrive and eat carefully here and not drink water from the tap.
I had a friend I made get seriously sick and took her to the clinic, and I arrived a little ill at my next destination.
But let’s focus on the positive. Here are some great places to try.
- Tok Tok Wok: Delicious wok and great prices. Off the beaten path.
- Restaurante Las Pichanchas: Dinner with a show! Dancers perform traditional dances of the region.
- Bangcook Thai Street Food Restaurant: I love Pad Thai, so I went here twice!
- Tierra y Cielo: Serves regional specialties. It’s an excellent spot for breakfast.
- Casa Jasmine: Delicious Vietnamese and Indonesian food, as well as vegan options.
- Masala Raff: This is an excellent spot if you like Indian cuisine.
- El Mirador: Restaurant with a rooftop bar and great city view.
- La Lupe: An excellent option for breakfast.
17. Try Pox
Pox, pronounced “posh,” is a typical and local liquor in the Chiapas regions. This popular alcoholic drink originated in the area and is much lighter than a shot of tequila. It’s traditionally made with wheat, sugar cane, and corn.
The word pox in Tzotzil (the local indigenous language) means “cure, medicine, and cane liquor.” Therefore, you’ll traditionally see it used for ceremonial and religious purposes by the indigenous people.
It can also be drunk as a beverage rather than a shot or alcoholic drink. It can be infused with hibiscus or cacao and can be a perfect taste to try while in San Cristobal. Two great places to try it are La Espirituosa and La Frontera Cafe.
18. Stroll the Street Art
One of the best things to do in San Cristobal is to wander the streets to check out the street art. It’s one of my favorite things to do in cities, and here you can find some great art too. You can wander the streets on your own, or you can enjoy this during a walking tour.
19. Visit Art & Textile Gallery
As you wander the streets of San Cristobal de las Casas, you will pass by many art and textile galleries. Some of these galleries feature sculptures, paintings, textiles, and more. The best way to find them is to walk around the streets and pay attention to the door signs.
You can walk into these small spaces to admire the work or support the local community by purchasing an item. La Arteria, Aula P’Ejel, La Tozi, Galeria Muy, Centro de Textiles Mayas are great places to stop at.
20. Tour the Jade and Amber Museum
Jade and Amber are unique to San Cristobal de las Casas. Chiapas is known as the state in Mexico to find amber, a fossil resin from the Guapinol tree. It’s actually not a gemstone as it sounds. At Museo del Ambar, you can learn how it was used in pre-hispanic times and how Mayans even used it.
At Museo MesoAmericano del Jade, you can see archeological replicas of jade that were once used on ancient Mayan tombs and ruin suites. Perhaps you’re not familiar with it, but the jade stone is widely represented in many Mesoamerican cultures, such as the Mayans, Toltecs, Aztecs, and more. The stone is considered precious because it represents love, power, immortality, and eternity.
21. Nightlife
I found the nightlife in San Cristobal to be wild and abundant despite being a small city with a town-like feel. This is mainly because San Cristobal de las Casas has made the list of the top places to visit for backpackers traveling through Mexico.
There is also a large community of expats, digital nomads, and backpackers who base themselves here for two or more weeks. There are also many nomadic hippies and lots of vegan and international restaurants, making it an easy place to live for those on the road.
This large community of travelers has influenced the nightlife of the city. Most of the bars and clubs I visited have not only popular reggaeton playing but also have a massive influence of techno, house music, and soft rock. You can find raves, live music, and much more throughout the center.
- Vina de Bacco: A popular wine and tapas bar packed with locals and tourists.
- Kinoki Rooftop Bar: It has a great view of the city and plays movies on a screen at night.
Nearby Day Trips
22. Sumidero Canyon
One of the most popular day trips is a boat tour of Sumidero Canyon. It is the number one thing you should do when visiting San Cristobal. You can find an abundance of wildlife, such as monkeys, crocodiles, and birds.
The boat ride is beautiful as you pass through narrow passageways and high canyon walls. It’s the perfect escape into nature, and one of the main reasons tourists visit the region to begin with.
From San Cristobal, it is about 1.5 hours away, and you can arrange a tour from the city that includes a cruise along the Grijalva River. So don’t just visit the viewpoint. Get the cruise. But keep your hands away from the crocodiles.
23. Go Waterfall Chasing
When it comes to waterfall chasing in Mexico, the two best places to do so are in La Huasteca Potosina and the state of Chiapas. There are many impressive waterfalls to visit not very far from San Cristobal de las Casas.
Aside from visiting El Chiflon to see waterfalls, you can visit Misol Ha Waterfall and Agua Azul. They are well worth the 4-hour ride there.
The Misol Ha waterfall became well known because it was in the movie Predator, so you’ll see some souvenirs sold in relation to that. I love this waterfall because you can walk behind it and enjoy a spectacular view.
On the other hand, Agua Azul was fun to walk the area to view the river and cascades along the way. They were impressive.
Unfortunately, I visited during the rainy season, and the waterfalls didn’t have the turquoise blue color they are famously known for. Instead, they looked a bit brown mixed with green. They were still beautiful though.
The waterfalls are on the way to the Palenque Mayan Ruins, so I recommend you continue on to visit the ruins too.
24. Palenque
From San Cristobal, Palenque is quite the trip but definitely worth visiting. I highly recommend visiting and staying the night if you have a car. However, you have the choice to visit by a tour from San Cristobal de las Casas. It requires a 3 or 4 am wake-up call.
Some tours allow you to stay the night, while others take you just for the day and give you a couple of hours to explore the ruins and visit the above waterfalls.
Of the many ruins I’ve visited throughout Mexico, I think the Palenque Mayan Ruins are some of the most beautiful. The jungle here is more beautiful, and the ruins feel more authentic and well preserved. Plus, they are tucked away from the city and outside influence, making them an adventure in the jungle.
25. El Chiflon
I loved all the outdoor adventures I did from San Cristobal de las Casas, and El Chiflon is at the top of my list of best places to visit.
El Chiflon is an Eco Touristic park with five waterfalls, a river to swim in, and ziplining. It’s most well-known for the waterfall, Velo de Novia (bridal veil), but all of them are beautiful.
This fantastic park is great for spending the day walking and swimming. So, don’t forget to pack your towel, bathing suit, comfortable walking sandals or shoes, and some snacks.
Most trips there are done by a tour from the San Cristobal but if you have a car, going on your own is best.
26. Chiapa de Corzo (Magical town)
Chiapa de Corzo is considered one of the oldest cities in Latin America. It was founded in 1528 by the Spanish. It’s next to the Grijalva River and only 15 km (9.3) away from the Chiapas state capital, Tuxtla, and very near Sumidero Canyon, one of the top places to visit in Chiapas.
If you’re familiar with Mexico, you know it has a few named Pueblitos Magicos (magical towns). Chiapa de Corzo is one of them due to its magnificent architecture, colonial past, natural landscapes, handicraft, local legends, and beauty.
One popular drink to have her is ‘pozol.’ It’s a prehispanic drink prepared with water, corn, and cocoa.
27. Chamula & Zinacantan
A popular short day trip from San Cristobal de las Casas is visiting the villages of Chamula and Zinacantan. The drive is a short shuttle or taxi drive, and they take you to the outskirts of town.
In these villages, you can experience the indigenous way of life, fresh produce and flower markets, and textile handicrafts.
Village of Zinacantan
In Zinacantan, some local indigenous people dress in traditional clothing worn in this area. You can learn about the textile making of these clothing or buy it by visiting a local shop.
Village of San Juan Chamula
In the town of San Juan Chamula, you can find one of the most unique churches in Mexico, Iglesia San Juan. From the outside, it looks like a typical Catholic church. However, the inside is a cultural experience very different from others I’ve been exposed to.
Sacrifices and prayers are happening inside the church, and you don’t find the typical seating area. Instead, pine needles spread over the bare church, and people sit on the floor alone or in groups. They have candles, flowers, and other items arranged in front of them.
The families gather to chant, pray, and sacrifice chickens or other animals during ceremonies that sometimes involve shamans. The animals are then taken home to eat.
The purpose is to deflect evil spirits. So don’t be surprised if you see people smoking, drinking the alcoholic beverage pox, or carbonated drinks. These drinks help cause pass gas and burping, a sign of evil spirits exiting the body.
In all honesty, I don’t recommend this experience to vegans against animal sacrifice, or people who will feel uncomfortable with these types of ceremonies.
I didn’t know what to expect when I visited, but it wasn’t something I was necessarily comfortable with because of my own religious beliefs. However, I’m one to ask questions and learn.
Tours from the San Cristobal leave in groups, or you can do a horse ride to San Juan Chamula. They typically take about 3-4 hours, and each type of tour is about $300 MXN. Pictures are strictly prohibited inside the church, and you get fined if you do. There is also a small fee to enter the church.
28. Lagos de Montebello
Lagos de Montebello are beautiful lakes near the city of Comitan next to the Guatemala border. To get there, it only takes about 2.5 hours. This is a great place to explore and enjoy nature.
Although the most common way to get there is by tour, I highly recommend spending more time there if possible. The area is enormous, and there are many lakes to visit. Plus, you can even border cross into Guatemala by foot and no passport!
Some activities include kayaking, swimming, and rafting on the lake. Although the tour was long, I truly enjoyed visiting these lakes.
29. Arco del Tiempo
The Arco del Tiempo (Arch of Time) is the biggest arch in the world and is found in Chiapas, only 3 hours away from San Cristobal. It measures 200 meters in height and is believed to be older than 80 million years.
This natural gem forms part of the Cañón del Río la Venta, requiring a long hike and some rappelling. The most popular way to visit is to spend a couple of days so you can arrive, complete the long hike, camp, and do some rappelling through the canyon.
You can also spend time swimming, climbing the rock that sits by the arch, and then have a campfire after all the hard work of getting there.
If you have extra days in San Cristobal, this is definitely a plan to add to your itinerary. However, June to November is the rainy season, and there might not be excursions to the arch. So plan accordingly.
Tour Options
If you visit Chiapas, I highly recommend renting a car to explore this magnificent state. There is so much to see and do and having a car is a great way to get to these places.
If I were to return one day, it’s what I would do.
However, if you’re only visiting San Cristobal for a few days or you’re doing a backpacking trip, the best option is to go on day trips. I don’t recommend public transportation because it is slow and getting it back to the town might be difficult.
Luckily, San Cristobal de las Casas has many tour agencies that take you to all the places near the city. There are many organized tours, and the prices are great considering what they include and how long they are.
I stayed on the pedestrian street, Real de Guadalupe, where you can find many tour agencies. I came across Paxial Tours and booked all my tours with them. You can also book online if you prefer.
Some popular trips are the following:
Things to Know
Visiting the state of Chiapas was an incredible experience. Along with Oaxaca and Guanajuato, it became one of my favorite states in Mexico.
It has an abundance of things to do, and the nature is just absolutely gorgeous. However, there are things to know about the state, so they don’t catch you by surprise.
The Poverty
Like Oaxaca, Chiapas is one of the poorest states in Mexico, and it is easily visible. It is one of the places where you’ll encounter lots of kids begging for money on the streets and working late as they sell handicrafts. You will even see them selling late at night by the bars as you leave them.
It was heartbreaking.
Also, despite being the richest state in resources, with agriculture in coffee, corn, bananas, and cacao, cattle-ranching, hydroelectric power, oil production, and timber harvesting, it is the poorest state in Mexico.
Almost half the state is illiterate, and about 85% of families earn less than $300 a month, with many not having access to electricity.
Indigenous Groups
Chiapas has many indigenous groups, and the largest ones are the Tzosil, Chol, Zoque, Tojolabal, Kanjobal, and Mame. Many of them speak various Mayan languages closely related to each other. It’s nice to see the mix of cultures and it makes this one of the best states to learn about the history of Mexico. It’s authentic.
Zapatistas
Like Oaxaca, Chiapas sometimes has political unrest. There is a group called Zapatistas, which is a formal army. They are a liberal, socialist, political, and militant group that controls a large amount of territory in Chiapas. The name takes after Emiliano Zapata, a revolutionary commander during the Mexican Revolution.
Their war has been against the Mexican government, and they have shown civil resistance throughout the years. The Zapatistas are mainly indigenous people, but they have a big group of supporters internationally and in the area. Their fight concerns local resources, land, and social movements and ideologies.
The Zapatistas continuously tell the government about the poverty mentioned above and how they struggle for work, housing, land, food, health care, education, liberty, independence, and more. They also dedicate themselves to protecting the environment and combating corruption.
There’s a lot behind their war with the Federal Government, which is too complex and requires your own research on this topic. I’m no expert, but I just wanted to mention that you’ll notice their artwork throughout the town, and you’ll learn a little about them through a walking tour.
Religion
The majority of Mexico is Catholic and has the country’s traditional practices. However, in Chiapas, specifically in San Juan Chamula, different religions mix Mayan rituals, catholicism, and modern Evangelism Christianity.
As mentioned above, the Church at San Juan Chamula practices animal sacrifice and rituals inside the church, and throughout Chiapas, you see Temascal ceremonies.
These religious differences can sometimes cause tensions, although you’ll unlikely encounter any issues based on this.
Expats & Tourism
I found foreign tourism to be a bit different here. A large number of foreigners pass by the city but end up staying for long periods, whether it be two weeks to months and years.
I noticed many nomadic hippies walking around selling art, handicraft, and treats, and some set them on the streets to sell. In fact, you not only have poor kids coming up to sell and ask for money from you, but you also have foreigners doing the same thing. It was a bit surprising actually.
Although the city has an authentic feel to it, it’s also very touristy. A lot of things are international and I found more international restaurants than local Mexican food in the city center. This can be seen as good or bad depending on your taste. But I’m letting you know here so you aren’t surprised when you arrive.
The locals now depend on tourism, especially with how high poverty is here. So, I encourage you to visit and support the local community by purchasing from them at their restaurants, on the streets, and so on.
Where to Stay
There are many great places to stay in San Cristobal de las casas. The city is very touristy, so you have many options no matter what budget you arrive with.
The are many great and cheap hostels, there are budget and boutique hotels, and you can also find lovely Airbnbs for long-term stays.
I had a cough not related to Covid while in the city, so I chose a private room at a hotel instead of staying at a hostel here. I tried two different ones and enjoyed both perfectly, Hotel Casa Margarita and La Tozi Galeria hotel. They are on the main pedestrian street, Real de Guadalupe.
Hostels:
- Planet Hostel: This is the most popular one, and my friends stayed here. Very cheap and it has a social atmosphere.
- Hostal La Isla: It also has a great price and includes breakfast.
Hotels:
- Hotel Casa Margarita: This was my favorite option. Centrally located and comfortable rooms.
- La Tozi Galeria Hotel: This hotel is also a gallery and has a beautiful rooftop restaurant. Great location.
Airbnbs:
When to Visit
San Cristobal de las Casas sits at 2,200m. This means unlike most of Mexico, it gets quite cold in the early mornings and evenings. So don’t forget to pack layers.
It also experiences a rainy and dry season, so it’s best to plan accordingly.
I visited during the rainy season and spent many of my days walking under the rain. As someone who loves rain, to me it wasn’t a problem. Personally, I always see it as an adventure.
But many of the fellow friends I made were very bummed out with the bad weather we got. It rained every day!
If you want to avoid bad weather, the best time to visit will be from November to May, when the sun is shining and you get clear days. It’s also the best time to see the waterfalls which are a vibrant turquoise color.
Rainy season is in the summer, especially June and September. So, you can experience daily rain and expect the waterfalls and rivers to be abudant with water, but with a more brown touch to it instead of their beautiful turquoise color. This was the only bummer for me.
Tours such as the Arc of Time may not be the best time to plan a visit due to the overgrowth of the river.
The coastal area tends to stay much warmer and the same throughout the year.
Is it Safe?
As mentioned before, there is political unrest in the state and you see it from time to time. However, you can relax if you are worried about the Zapatistas or the drug-related crime. Zapatistas had an uprising many years ago in the 90s and drug-related crimes usually take place in the larger cities.
Either way, tourists are not the target.
However, it’s Mexico and unfortunately it still battles with crime that can happen on the street. From time to time, you hear of petty crime, pickpocketing, car-hold ups at night, or armed robbery.
Personally, I never felt unsafe walking around during the day. No matter where I was, I could walk alone and felt perfectly fine. This has been the way throughout my travels in Mexico. In fact, I would even consider living in Mexico because I love it so much and I mainly feel safe.
But to be completely honest, I had three of my friends go through incidents while I was there. One friend got beat up and sent to the hospital by two men on a motorcycle at 3 am after leaving the bars. They chased him until they took his phone, wallet, and emptied his pockets.
Another friend’s phone was pickpocketed by a family who got rubbed against her backpack. Lastly, a friend left her phone in the taxi and when she called it, they answered but never returned it.
I hate to tell people if a place is dangerous or not because that is very subjective. But it is my duty to be as honest as possible and tell you what I experience and see while visiting places. As mentioned, I felt safe. But things do happen occasionally to some people.
With this, I only advise you to practice safety. For example, don’t walk alone at night, keep your valuables close, don’t get involved with drugs or participate in illegal activities, and be aware of your surroundings.
Overall Thoughts
San Cristobal de las Casas is the perfect base city for visiting the state of Chiapas. You can find everything you need and is the perfect place to spend many days at to explore the surrounding areas.
The mix of culture and traditions make it an interesting place to visit and it’s also nice to enjoy the city’s international cuisine.
I think it should be at the top of the list of any itinerary of someone traveling through Mexico.
What to Pack
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note I only recommend products and brands that I personally use or have used and believe in.
