San Cristóbal de las Casas, high in the pine-covered mountains of central Chiapas, is one of Mexico’s most attractive colonial towns: cobbled streets, painted houses, baroque churches and markets full of textiles from the surrounding Tzotzil and Tzeltal Maya villages. At over 2,000 m, it is cool — even cold at night.
It is five hours or more by road from Palenque on a winding mountain route, so most travellers visit Yaxchilán from Palenque and San Cristóbal as a separate stop. Some multi-day tours start in San Cristóbal and loop through the waterfalls, Palenque, Yaxchilán and Bonampak.
San Cristóbal de las Casas: what to see and do
Visit Chamula and Zinacantán
Two Tzotzil communities with distinctive customs, just outside town. Go with a guide who explains the etiquette — see the village tour.
Boat through the Sumidero Canyon
A day trip to the dramatic canyon near Tuxtla Gutiérrez, combined with colonial Chiapa de Corzo.
Wander the markets and Santo Domingo
The church of Santo Domingo and its craft market are the heart of San Cristóbal’s textile trade.
San Cristóbal de las Casas: how to get there
- From Palenque: five hours or more by bus or private transfer via Ocosingo — the transfer via Agua Azul and Misol-Ha makes a day of it.
- By air: Tuxtla Gutiérrez airport is about an hour away.
Insider tips
- Travel the Palenque–San Cristóbal road in daylight and check for road blockades before you go.
- Pack warm layers: nights in San Cristóbal can drop close to freezing in winter.
San Cristóbal de las Casas: the best tours
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to get there:
Half-day tour from US$21 From San Cristóbal: Chamula and Zinacantán Guided Tour
The essential San Cristóbal half day: two Tzotzil Maya communities with their own customs, markets and textiles, explained by a guide who knows the rules (no photos inside the Chamula church).
- The extraordinary church of San Juan Chamula
- Tzotzil weaving families in Zinacantán
- Hundreds of reviews
Day trip from US$48 From San Cristóbal: Sumidero Canyon & Chiapa de Corzo Tour
Chiapas’ most famous natural sight: a boat trip through the Sumidero Canyon, then time in the colonial town of Chiapa de Corzo. Over a hundred reviews at 4.6.
- Boat between sheer canyon walls
- Crocodiles, monkeys and birds
- Colonial Chiapa de Corzo
Multi-day tour from US$439 San Cristóbal: 4-Day Lacandon Jungle & Maya Ruins Tour
The complete Chiapas loop from San Cristóbal: waterfalls, Palenque, a night in the jungle, Yaxchilán by boat and Bonampak, with accommodation included and a return to the highlands.
- Agua Azul, Misol-Ha and Palenque
- Yaxchilán and Bonampak
- Hotel and jungle-cabin nights, return to San Cristóbal
