Where to Stay in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
El Cerrillo is the best overall neighborhood for a quiet stay. Real de Guadalupe is best for coffee lovers wanting to be near the action. Barrio de la Merced is the top choice for budget travelers.
There are so many places to stay in San Cris and all offer tons of different things that are great. You really can't go wrong with wherever you stay!
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Is It Worth Going to San Cristobal de las Casas?
The trip into the mountains of southern Mexico pays off immediately. At 7,200 feet of elevation you get a cooler climate than the rest of the country. I can honestly say that after having traveled to most of the world, that San Crisotbal is one of my top 5 cities in the world. It's absolutely incredible here for so many reasons!
The deep-rooted indigenous Tzotzil culture dominates the daily life and local markets. The high-quality Chiapas coffee grown in the surrounding mountains is unbeatable. I won't even get started on the hundreds of daytrips from this city there are. I'll have to write an article just for those!
How Many Days to Spend in San Cristobal de las Casas
Plan for a minimum of four full days. You need time to acclimate to the high altitude. Spend your first two days exploring the cobblestone streets and drinking coffee on the Andador.
Use the remaining days for day trips. You can take a boat through the towering cliffs of Sumidero Canyon or visit the fascinating indigenous church in San Juan Chamula.
If you need an itinerary for San Cristobal de las Casas while you're here, check out this article!
How Safe is San Cristobal de las Casas?
Standard travel precautions apply against pickpocketing in the crowded municipal markets. Keep your phone in your front pocket. I've never seen or heard of anyone getting pickpocketed in the market, but definitely up around San Cristobalito where the church is on top of the hill, I've had friends get mugged especially during the evening hours. It doesn't happen often, but it definitely does happen.
Highway blockades by local groups happen occasionally in Chiapas. Always use the official toll roads during daylight hours to avoid unpaved or blocked routes. With this being said, I highly doubt that you would be taking any routes where this would be happening. Also, the Mexican military has a pretty good presence here in Chiapas. If you're on a motorcycle and being adventurous, then maybe you'll come across locals holding up a rope across the street just to collect a few coins from you, so always carry some change on you to give them and they'll be happy.
How to Get to San Cristobal de las Casas
Fly into Tuxtla Gutierrez International Airport (TGZ). From there book a taxi or buy a ticket for the ADO bus. It should cost around 300-400 mexican pesos for a colectivo ADO ride to San Cris from the airport.
The ride takes about an hour and a half up a winding mountain highway. Keep motion sickness pills handy for the sharp curves. If you rent a car from the airport or you're coming in through motorcycle, take the cuota (paid highway), the first time around because there are some killer views to be seen and it's much faster. After you get settled into San Cris, then feel free to hit the free highway (libre) if you're looking for a bit more adventure and trying to save money on tolls!
The Best Neighborhoods and Hotels for Your Stay
Barrio del Cerrillo - Best Overall and Long-Term
Cobblestone streets and a quiet atmosphere define this area. It sits just far enough from the main tourist drag to offer a good night's sleep. Anywhere you stay in this barrio will have you really close to the Municipal Market which offers up a lot of action and really nice cultural experiences.
Na Bolom This is an incredible three-star hotel that doubles as a museum and botanical garden. It encompasses everything the region has to offer. It is quite a walk from downtown. The self-contained restaurant and relaxing grounds mean you will not need to leave often.
Posada del abuelito This killer hostel costs just over $10 USD a night. It offers a shorter walk to the Andador de Guadalupe. The relaxing courtyard features hammocks surrounded by lush green plants. I really love this hostel. It is without a doubt one the best hostels in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Hotel Rincon de Cuca Book this beautiful colonial three-star hotel to be near everything. You step out right next to the municipal market. You can buy cheap groceries or watch indigenous vendors selling handmade goods and live chickens.
Barrio Real de Guadalupe - Best for Food and Action
This pedestrian-only street is ground zero for bakeries and wine bars. It offers the best people-watching in the city.
Hotel Casa Margarita You can hit a coffee shop with a rock from the front door. It puts you right on the main street with endless restaurants. The rooms are comfortable and the property has a bar for late-night snacks. I really like the owners and the staff here. They are very friendly.
Xelva Hostel This newer spot solves the classic backpacker problem with tons of showers and bathrooms. The property is well put together right in the heart of the neighborhood. Digital nomads get strong Wi-Fi and plenty of space in the dedicated coworking area.
Barrio de la Merced - Best for Budget Trips
Backpackers love this area for the affordable guesthouses and access to cheaper street food.
Hostel La Fortaleza Get a great view of the city from this chill spot. It sits at the foot of the mountain leading up to San Cristobalito. You can get serious exercise climbing those stairs right outside your door.
Kukul'ik Travel Studios Enjoy a highly secure courtyard where you can build a fire. You get your own private bathroom and kitchen. It sits within spitting distance of local tiendas and Plaza de la Paz.
Barrio La Garita - Best for Glamping and Nature
Escape the exhaust fumes by staying in the wooded areas near El Arcotete. A quick taxi ride brings you right back to the city center.
La Garita Cabanas: These cabins are basic but incredibly clean. They sit far enough from downtown to guarantee peace and quiet. You get immediate access to the natural parks and mountains on the edge of the city.
Aura Eco Glamping: Sleep under the stars in upgraded canvas tents or wooden structures. You wake up to crisp mountain air and immediate trail access for morning hikes.
Parque Natural Encuentro: If you want a truly rugged outdoor experience without the glamping price tag, pitch a traditional tent here for just 50 pesos per person. You fall asleep to the sound of the nearby river and wake up surrounded by nature. A river runs right down the middle of this whole park and there are bathrooms with plumbing and everything. You are also allowed to make a fire here, so you can do some proper camping!
Barrio San Nicolas - Best for RVs and Overlanding
Van-lifers find their community in this neighborhood. It offers secure trailer parks and fire pits just a fifteen-minute walk from the center. This area is kind of like a hidden oasis and it's so close to downtown that you almost wouldn't believe it!
Camping San Nicolas and El Refugio Pull your rig into these secure lots to connect with other overlanders. They provide flat parking, clean facilities, and a quiet atmosphere away from the loud nightlife. I added this spot especially for those that are traveling through this beautiful city in campers and vans!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit San Cristobal de las Casas?
The best time to visit is from November to April during the dry season. The weather stays clear and cool. The rainy season hits hard from May to October. Heavy afternoon downpours can wash out day trips to natural parks or ruin a hike.
Can you drink the tap water in San Cristobal de las Casas?
No. Do not drink the tap water. You must buy bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Local restaurants use purified water to wash vegetables and make ice. Buying a large jug from a local tienda to keep in your hotel room saves money.
Do you need to speak Spanish in San Cristobal de las Casas?
Knowing basic Spanish helps immensely. Many hotel receptionists and tour guides speak English. Street food vendors and local taxi drivers usually only speak Spanish and Tzotzil. Downloading a translation app for offline use will solve most communication issues at the municipal market.
How do you get around San Cristobal de las Casas?
Walking is the best way to get around the central neighborhoods. You can easily hail local taxis from the street for longer trips or late at night. Taxis within the city limits cost around 40 to 50 pesos per ride. Always agree on the price before getting in.
How much does a trip to San Cristobal de las Casas cost?
A budget backpacker can easily survive on $20 to $30 USD a day by staying in hostels and eating street food. A mid-range trip with private hotel rooms and sit-down dinners averages $50 to $80 USD a day. Local transportation and museum entries remain very cheap.
