San Cristobal De Las Casas 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary: San Cristóbal de las Casas

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and local cuisine, perfect for immersing yourself in the charm of San Cristóbal.

Where to Stay:

  • Budget: Hostal Casa del Mundo, Posada Don Luis, or Hostal Oasis
  • Mid-range: Hotel Santo Domingo, Hotel Bokeh, or Hotel La Casona de la Abuela
  • Luxury: Hotel Catedral, Hacienda Los Robles, or Hotel Camino Real

Where to Eat:

  • El Cardenal: Traditional Mexican cuisine with a focus on Chiapas specialties. Enjoy the delicious mole and local coffee.
  • Tierra y Cielo: This restaurant offers stunning views and a romantic atmosphere, perfect for enjoying their upscale, contemporary Chiapanecan dishes.
  • Cafe de la Luna: A charming cafe with a rooftop terrace, serving tasty international food and fantastic cocktails.

Transportation:

  • Walking: San Cristóbal is very walkable, especially the central area.

  • Taxis: Readily available within the city. Negotiate fares beforehand as they are not metered.

  • Colectivos: Shared vans that are a cost-effective way to travel around town and to nearby destinations.

Day 1: Immerse Yourself in History & Culture

  • Morning: Explore the historic center of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Wander through the cobblestone streets, admire the colonial architecture, and visit the vibrant Mercado del Carmen for local crafts and souvenirs.
  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the local culture at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MARCO) for a taste of modern art inspired by indigenous history.
  • Evening: Head to the central plaza, Parque Central, for a traditional dance performance. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the restaurants around the market.

Day 2: Beyond the City Walls

  • Morning: Visit San Juan Chamula, a nearby Mayan village known for its unique traditions and ancient church.
  • Afternoon: Hike to the stunning Sumidero Canyon (Cañón del Sumidero) for breathtaking views and the chance to see crocodiles up close!

Day 3: Exploring the Culture of Coffee & Chocolate

  • Morning: Take a trip to a local coffee plantation like “Hacienda San Juan de Dios**. Learn about the process from bean to cup, sample different roasts, and enjoy a traditional breakfast with fresh coffee.
  • Afternoon: Explore the colorful streets and discover the unique charm of each one. Visit the Museo del Café for an interactive journey into the history of coffee in Chiapas.

Day 4: Indigenous Culture & Local Crafts

  • Morning: Immerse yourself in indigenous culture at a cultural center like the “Museo de las Culturas” in San Cristóbal, which showcases the diverse traditions and art of the indigenous peoples of the region.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Mercado Ambulante for unique artisan goods from the local indigenous communities.

Day 4:

  • Morning: Visit the nearby village of San Juan Chamula to experience their traditional Mayan culture and beliefs.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a delicious coffee break and learn about the local coffee and chocolate-making process at “Casa de la Casona de Chiapas” (for example, a cafe in San Cristóbal).
  • Evening: Indulge in a cup of hot chocolate and a taste of the local culture with a traditional Chiapanecan dinner.

Day 4: Focus on indigenous traditions

  • Morning: Enjoy a tour of the “Casa Na’Balam” - learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the indigenous Tzotzil Maya people in San Cristóbal de las Casas.

  • Afternoon: Take a trip to a nearby town or village with a strong focus on shopping and experiencing local life.

Things to know:

  • Altitude: Pack for cooler weather as San Cristóbal is located at a high altitude (2,200 meters above sea level).
  • Language: Spanish is the official language, but many locals also speak indigenous languages like Tzotzil Maya and Tzeltal.

Day 4: Day trip to a nearby town or village:

  • Option 1: San Cristóbal de las Casas:

    • Things to do:
      • San Cristóbal de las Casas: Enjoy the vibrant culture of San Cristóbal with a visit to the “Mercado del Carmen” for local crafts and a stroll through the historic streets.

  • Things to eat:

  • Day 1: Explore local eateries in the Mercado Central for authentic Mayan food.

  • Other:

    • Local Markets: Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the indigenous markets, like those in San Juan Chamula or Los Altos de Chiapas.
    • Spanish & Maya Languages: While Spanish is widely spoken, you might want to learn a few basic phrases in Tzotzil or other local languages.
    • Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Day 1: Day trip to San Juan Chamula (Option 2: Explore the indigenous villages on your own.

Day 4: Explore the history of Chiapas.

  • Day 1: Spend the morning at the “Museo del Café” to learn about the local coffee culture and enjoy a traditional breakfast.
  • Coffee & Chocolate: Indulge in the local coffee and chocolate culture.
  • Local Culture: Immerse yourself in the rich indigenous culture of the region.

Day 3: Experience the colorful streets and discover local traditions.

  • Transportation:

    • Remember that transportation options are limited outside of San Cristóbal.

  • Food:

Things to Eat:

  • Coffee: Try the coffee at “El Cardenal” or “Café La Paz”.
  • Traditional Food: Enjoy a meal at “La Casona de las Artes” or explore other local restaurants in San Cristóbal for authentic Chiapanecan cuisine.

Day 4: Enjoy traditional Mayan cuisine and culture.

  • Food: Explore the culinary traditions of Chiapas. Try “Mole Poblano,” “Chipotle,” and “Chocolate Chiapaneco” (a delicious, spicy chocolate sauce). Enjoy a cup of “Cafe Chiapas,” known for its unique flavor profile.
  • Coffee & Food: Learn about local food culture by visiting a nearby market or taking part in a cooking class.

Enjoy the experience!