San Cristobal De Las Casas 3 Day Itinerary

San Cristóbal de las Casas 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City and Surrounding Indigenous Villages

Morning:

  • Arrival at San Cristobal de Las Casas Airport or Tuxtla Gutiérrez International Airport. Take a taxi or arrange for hotel pickup if offered.
  • Check-in at your preferred accommodation:
    • Hotel Na Bolom (Luxury)
    • Posada de Don Rodrigo (Midrange)
    • Casa Tzotz Chij (Budget)

Lunch:

  • Visit Zócalo Square (Plaza de la Paz) for a variety of food stalls offering traditional Chiapas dishes.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Na Bolom Museum and Gardens to learn about the indigenous culture and art.
  • Explore the Tzotz Chij Park and walk around the charming cobblestone streets in San Cristobal’s historic center.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Restaurant El Rincón Chiapaneco, offering delicious local cuisine with a contemporary twist.
  • Stroll down Melchor Ocampo Street, known for its vibrant nightlife and artisan shops.

Day 2: Indigenous Villages Tour

Morning:

  • Depart early in the morning to visit San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán indigenous villages (You can arrange a tour or take public transportation).
  • In San Juan Chamula, witness the unique religious practices inside the church and explore the local market.
  • Head over to Zinacantán, where you can learn about traditional Tzotzil culture and try their famous coffee.

Lunch:

  • Have lunch at a restaurant in either village, where they offer traditional dishes such as tamales and pibil.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the nearby Agua Azul waterfalls (arrange for a guided tour or taxi). Marvel at the stunning turquoise pools and refreshing waters.
  • Continue to Misol-há waterfalls, which are less crowded but equally beautiful.

Evening:

  • Return to San Cristobal de Las Casas. Dinner at Restaurant Los Cabos, known for its exquisite regional dishes and rooftop terrace with a view.

Day 3: Hiking and Relaxation

Morning:

  • Visit the Sumidero Canyon (arrange a guided tour or taxi) to admire the impressive canyon and take a boat tour along the Grijalva River.

Lunch:

  • Enjoy lunch at Restaurant Los Amantes, located on the way back from Sumidero Canyon.

Afternoon:

  • Spend the afternoon hiking in the Lagunas de Montebello National Park (arrange a guided tour or taxi). Marvel at the breathtaking blue lakes and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Evening:

  • Return to San Cristobal de Las Casas for your final evening. Have dinner at Restaurant El Tulipan, offering a cozy atmosphere with traditional dishes.

Things to Know:

  • San Cristobal de Las Casas is located in the highlands, so it can get cold, especially during the evenings and mornings, so pack accordingly.
  • The indigenous villages have specific rules about behavior, such as no photographs being taken inside churches or no shoes allowed on the church floors. Respect these customs to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
  • It’s essential to haggle when shopping in local markets to get a fair price.
  • Taxis are widely available and affordable, but it’s also possible to walk around the city center.
  • Spanish is the primary language spoken in San Cristobal de Las Casas, although many people, especially in the indigenous villages, speak their native languages.
  • The local currency is the Mexican Peso. Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and hotels, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller shops and street vendors.

Transportation:

  • Flights: San Cristobal de Las Casas does not have an airport, so you can fly into Tuxtla Gutiérrez International Airport (TGZ) or Chiapa de Corzo (MQX).
  • Ground transportation: Taxis and colectivos (shared taxis) are readily available in the city. Renting a car is also an option but may be unnecessary if you plan on taking guided tours.