The 15 Best Things to Do in San Cristobal de las Casas This Year
This guide gives you the exact locations, prices, and strategies to experience the best things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas right now. We skip the generic tourist traps to bring you real on-the-ground insights from our time exploring Chiapas.
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Top Things to Do San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal is highly walkable. You can cover the main sights on foot within a few days. It'll be very difficult for you to run out of things to do while in San Cris!
Explore the Moxviquil Orchid Garden
This is genuinely one of my favorite spots in the city and it flies completely under the radar for
most foreigners. Head to Periferico Norte just ten minutes outside the historic center to find Orquídeas Moxviquil.
The grounds protect hundreds of rescued native Chiapas plants across different greenhouse environments. Their hours have been slightly unpredictable over the past few months.
They are actively working on improving the facilities and the upgrades are making a noticeable difference.
Beyond the greenhouses, you will find a well-marked hiking trail taking you up the mountain. The hike rewards you with incredible views over San Cristobal. You will pass a large cave along the path. You can easily snap some great pictures from the edge. It is not safe or easy to actually go inside.
Join the Free Walking Tour San Cristobal de las Casas
I highly recommend booking this right when you arrive. It gives you a great base for understanding the city layout and learning the deep history of local indigenous groups.
Multiple operators run these tours around the main square. I suggest looking for the partnership between Mayab Experiences and Voyachiapas. Ask for Jorge if he is available. He is a local Mexican guide who does a fantastic job making the history interesting.
Meet your guide at Plaza de la Paz right in front of the large wooden cross and the yellow Cathedral. Tours depart every day at 10 AM and 4 PM. These guides work entirely for tips, so bring around 200 MXN to hand over at the end.
Learn at a Spanish School San Cristobal de las Casas
Chiapas is a prime location for language immersion. English is far less common here than in coastal tourist hubs. Taking classes will make your daily interactions much easier.
I recommend heading over to SanCris Spanish Language School in the Barrio de Guadalupe. The owner Nico is extremely welcoming and runs a great program.
Nico is a native Tzotzil speaker. You can arrange to learn the local indigenous language alongside your Spanish. Learning a few Tzotzil phrases goes a long way if you plan to stay in the region for more than a couple of weeks. Expect standard weekly group classes in the city to run between $230 and $285 USD.
Go Hiking in San Cristobal de las Casas
There are plenty of excellent hiking options right around the city. Keep in mind San Cristobal sits at an altitude of over 7,200 feet. You will feel the elevation quickly.
If you want something super close to downtown, head to the Iglesia de San Cristóbalito. The hike up the stairs isn't anything intense. It is a nice little climb that will definitely get your heart rate up and reward you with great views of the city.
For longer treks, you have a few solid options
Montaña de Don Lauro This area offers great trails on the southern edge of the city.
Reserva Ecológica y Jardín de Orquídeas Moxviquil This reserve has a well-marked trail system taking you up into the mountains overlooking the valley.
Reserva Huitepec This is a protected ecological reserve located slightly west of the city offering a great loop trail through dense cloud forest.
Explore the Municipal Market (Mercado Municipal)
If this is your first time in Chiapas, you have to walk through the Mercado Municipal Castillo Tielemans. It is a sensory overload in the best way possible.
You will see raw seafood, handmade indigenous clothing, and live chickens or turkeys all within feet of each other. It is an incredible experience showing the real daily life of the city. This is where you will find some of the best food in San Cristobal at the lowest prices.
Unforgettable Day Trips San Cristobal de las Casas
The surrounding mountains hide canyons, caves, and autonomous indigenous communities.
Independent Travel by Motorcycle or Scooter
I highly recommend renting a motorcycle or scooter to explore the region on your own terms. This gives you complete freedom over your itinerary and lets you escape the crowded tour vans. I suggest checking out Mayab Experiences for your rental needs. They set you up with reliable bikes so you can hit the mountain roads at your own pace.
Relax at Las Grutas del Mamut and El Arcotete
If you want a chill day outside the city, head to Grutas del Mamut or El Arcotete. Both are massive nature parks featuring large cave systems and beautiful pine forest scenery.
There is a great area to just relax at these spots. You will find a local tienda right on the property where you can buy cold beers. They have hammocks and swings set up in the trees. It is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon in nature. Check out this full article on Las Grutas del Mamut for everything you'll need to know about the different ways to get there and what to expect!
Visit Finca del Obispo
This is a super cool spot very few foreign travelers ever make it to. Finca del Obispo is an excellent place to spend a few hours, especially if you have children in your group.
The property features a few restaurants and large playgrounds. The absolute highlight is a massive concrete slide running down the hill. It is a genuine local favorite and completely off the main tourist radar.
Indigenous Culture in San Juan Chamula
Take a colectivo to San Juan Chamula to witness Tzotzil Maya traditions inside the Iglesia de San Juan Chamula. The floor is covered in pine needles and thousands of candles. You will see locals performing healing rituals with regional sodas and live chickens.
Sunday is the absolute best day to visit. The town hosts a huge open-air market in the main square. You might catch some of the traditional ritual ceremonies happening outside the church. Never take photos inside the church. The local authorities strictly enforce this rule and will confiscate your camera.
Boat Rides Through Sumidero Canyon
The Sumidero Canyon is incredibly popular and completely worth the trip. If you're looking to try and do the Sumidero Canyon experience on your own, you should check out this article. The boat ride takes you beneath towering canyon walls up to 1,000 meters high. Watch the riverbanks for crocodiles and spider monkeys.
There are daily colectivo tours from San Cristobal taking you straight to the boats. I highly recommend booking your tour through Voy a Chiapas. They handle the transportation and logistics perfectly so you can just enjoy the incredible views.
Standout Restaurants San Cristobal de las Casas
Skip the overpriced spots on the main tourist walking streets. You want these exact locations for authentic local flavors and high-quality coffee.
Frontera Artisan Food and Coffee This is the best spot to grab your morning Chiapas-grown espresso. They have a great courtyard for working or relaxing.
El Fogón de Jovel Order the traditional sopa de pan and tamales chiapanecos here. It is one of the most respected spots for regional cuisine.
Late Night Taco Stalls Head toward the terminal de Autobuses ADO after dark. You will find several street carts serving perfect tacos al pastor for a few pesos.
What to Buy in San Cristobal de las Casas
Walk up the stairs to the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán to find the daily open-air artisan market. You will find hundreds of vendors selling authentic regional goods directly from the surrounding villages.
Amber Jewelry: Chiapas produces some of the finest amber on earth. Look for pieces with deep red or yellow hues. There are tons of stores around that sell jewelry made out of amber. On another note, there are quite a few amber museums around town that show a lot
of the history of jewelry and amber in Chiapas.
Woven Textiles: You can find intricate handmade blouses and blankets. These are often cheaper here than in the boutiques on Real de Guadalupe.The Tzotzil and Tseltal communities are known for their woven textiles and create some really amazing stuff.
Leather Goods: Pick up handmade leather bags and belts for a fraction of what they cost in the US or Europe. You can find some really great leather hates and bags / purses around the main market in San Cristobal de las Casas.
The Best Time to Visit San Cristobal de las Casas
Plan your trip between November and April for the dry season. The skies stay clear and you avoid the heavy summer rains that can wash out mountain roads. You definitely still can travel outside of those times, but this is when you're going to get the best weather overall especially if you're traveling on motorcycle or by campervan.
The high altitude means the weather is spring-like during the day but nighttime temperatures drop fast. Pack a warm jacket and long pants for the evenings. Most hostels and older hotels do not have central heating. You will need those layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Cristobal de las Casas safe for tourists?
San Cristobal is very safe for travelers in the main central areas. Stick to well-lit streets at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded markets. Avoid driving on rural highways after dark.
How many days do you need in San Cristobal de las Casas?
Plan for at least four to five days. This gives you two days to explore the city markets and local sights. It leaves another two days for outside excursions like Sumidero Canyon or San Juan Chamula.
How do you get to San Cristobal de las Casas?
Most people fly into the Tuxtla Gutierrez International Airport. From there you take a direct ADO bus or a shared colectivo van up the mountain. The drive takes about one hour and a half.
Do I need to carry cash in San Cristobal?
Yes. Many larger restaurants and hotels accept credit cards now. You still need pesos for street food, colectivos, artisan markets, and tips for tour guides. Always keep smaller bills handy.
Can you drink the tap water in San Cristobal de las Casas?
No. Do not drink the tap water anywhere in Chiapas. Buy bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth to avoid stomach issues.
