San Cristobal de las Casas is located in the central region in the state of Chiapas, 85 km (53 mi) east of Tuxtla Gutierrez, the state capital. The climate is temperate and humid, with rainfall in the summer and an average year-round temperature of 15º C (59º F). Life in this city has remained suspended in the past and has a distinctive mystical quality. People from the bordering indigenous communities gather for market day to buy and sell food and handmade goods. This city is considered to be the most original and beautiful in the state. It has a colonial feel that has been preserved over the centuries in its historical and artistic architecture.
San Cristobal is a classic Spanish Colonial town with a lively and celebrated Indigenous heart. It is a city of cobblestone lanes, red tile roofs, opulent churches and small tree-filled plazas. Long, straight streets ramble up and down several rolling hills that spread outward from the city's main plaza. It is actually a series of traditional barrios (neighborhoods) that trace their roots to the old custom of trades, candle makers, blacksmiths, carpenters and fireworks makers giving each barrio a special magic in a colorful quilt-like quality. Good views of the colonial city are had from two hills in the city center; Cerro San Cristobal and Cerro Guadalupe with a small Spanish colonial church waiting for those who venture to climb the hundreds of steps to reach the top. The city's cool mountain air (altitude is nearly 7,000 feet / 2,100 meters) is invigorating and refreshing. For more on San Cristobal’s architectural highlights and museums to visit, please click below:
Ringing San Cristobal are many traditional Indigenous villages where no fewer than 10 different dialects are spoken. These villages are an anthropologist’s delight with traditions dating to pre-conquest times. For more on the surrounding villages and possible outdoor activities, please click below.
Whether you would like to know more about the city of San Cristobal itself, explore the natural beauty close by or visit one of the amazing archaeological sites of the Mayas in the region, our recommended day tours will provide you with the opportunity to do so in style with your private guide. Please click below for more information.
We have carefully chosen the most exquisite accommodations that have met our highest standards for comfort and style to assure your stay in the San Cristobal de las Casas region is an unforgettable one.
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San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico: Historical architecture, museums, highland villages .
Please note: Information on this sheet is believed to be correct but not guaranteed
