Top Things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas
Top Restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas
The 10 Best Day Trips from in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
A stronghold of Mayan culture, San Cristóbal’s colonial stucco walls and Spanish tile roofs contrast with the surrounding villages, which remain home to an array of Mayan-descendant Indians. The city itself is a delight. Paired with the cultural diversity surrounding it, there’s nothing like it in Mexico.
Restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas
1. El Chiflon Waterfalls and Montebello Lakes National Park Day Trip
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Discover the stunning Chiflon Waterfall and explore one of the highest and most powerful waterfalls in Chiapas and all of Mexico, Cascada El Chiflón. It tumbles 120 meters down a nearly vertical limestone cliff, sending waves of mist wafting across the hot dry landscape. Discover the beauty of Montebello Lakes National Park, the first national park in Chiapas created in 1959 and in 2009 the park was designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Your tour includes transport and a guide.
Inclusions: National Park fees, Driver, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By lfreede
So beautiful, an amazing experience and a perfect day! Almost didn't see it because of the wind, so it is not always a guaranteed excursion. The government can close it, even if it is a beautiful day, but the winds are higher. They opened after we thought we would miss it. Don't miss it!
2. Traditional celebrations in indigenous villages of Chiapas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
First, we will visit shortly the village of Zinacantan to learn about their tradition of floriculture and elaboration of textiles. We will talk about the fusion of indigenous and catholic religion in the church. Then we will visit a local family where we will have breakfast and learn about textiles. Then we will move to San Juan Chamula to see celebrations of SAN JUAN, the saint patron of the village, a vivid and intense experience with the mayordomus dancing. The experience is more than visual: it becomes unforgettable due to my explanations about the roots of customs and the legends that you are going to hear. Thanks to that, you will see it from another perspective. It is not just a parade or a mask: there is a lot of history and faith behind it!
Inclusions: entrances, Private transportation, Breakfast
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Charlotte C
It was definitely a great idea to book this tour to discover more about the surroundings of San Cristobal and the traditions of the people who live there. My favorite part was the visit of the hand-made textiles managed by amazing entrepreneurs women. We got the chance to dress with traditional clothes as you can see on the picture! Rudy is a true passionate guide, which made the tour even more interested. The fact that it’s only very small group (we were 3 and I think the maximum is 4) made it more interactive between us and also less intrusive for the people who live in the towns we visited.
3. Bike Tour Chiapas Indigenous Peoples
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
We will discover the life of the real countryside of the region, by non-tourist roads that you can only enjoy by bicycle, with its landscapes, crops and its people will be an experience that you will remember for a lifetime, you will know its unique culture and tradition of the Tsotsil Maya in a 32km route with a total ascent of 700 meters. This and more in this cultural adventure. "Necessary to have good physical condition and cycling experience"
Inclusions: Hull, 1 liter water, Use of bicycle
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By Yamuna K
We did the Mountain Bike Tour in Chiapas to the Chiflon Waterfall and is was great! For me it was the first time being on a Mountain Bike, but the Guides were really good explaining everything to me and very patient. The Tour itsfel was beautyful and also going swiming in the waterfall was a highlight. The bikes and the equipment is very good quality and in a very good shape. I can recommend the tour! We left 2 days after tour, otherwise we would have done another one. Thank you for the great experience.
4. Tour to San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan (Indigenous Peoples)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Because they will know the uses and customs of the Indigenous Peoples. In San Juan Chamula you will know the main Church and in Zinacantan how regional looms are made.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By Freyja4485
The tour started off fine, we had two hours at the chiflon waterfall. This is an absolute must as it is a beautiful waterfall and a good climb. The trouble started afterwards, we saw people working on the van (never a good sign). We stopped for lunch (non commissioned) at amazing little places near a viewpoint of montebello lakes. Probably the best lunch I have had on any of these tours. It was raining at this point and was still raining when we got to Montebello lakes. The lakes would probably be very beautiful on a sunny day, but while raining they were mysterious and still beautiful in a different way. There were also shops and an area where you could go to Guatemala. This was fun. I had assumed we would get two hours as our guide didnt speak english. We got an hour and a half and were actually late back to the bus. Being late didnt matter much though as the bus wouldn't start. When it did start it ran and then stalled. All the men got out to try and help push start it. This didnt work, so we waited for other tour buses. The other buses took us to another set of lakes to then be transferred home. After those lakes we on a new bus drove for about 10 minutes, stopped and then got back on our old bus. After 5 minutes on the old bus we needed gas, so we waited. Then in another 15 mins we stopped 4 times, and stalled a couple. After the last stop (they kept saying we would be getting a new bus) the bus started and we only stopped periodically for the bus driver to check on the engine. We did make it home thankfully. I feel bad for the bus driver, he did a great job amidst the stress of a bad bus. Overall, I don't think that you should book through viator as an english speaker. The company that they gave us was Otisa, which has bad reviews. Book when you get to San Cristobal. If you book through viator make sure you check who is doing the actual tour.
5. Chiapa de Corzo: tradition, gastronomy and Cañon del Sumidero
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
The town of Chiapa de Corzo is much more than a jetty to take the boat to the Cañon del Sumidero! This town has history and tradition from pre-Hispanic times that its people proudly celebrate every year during the two weeks of January: the Fiesta Grande. The Parachico dance has been designated an Intangible CULTURAL HERITAGE by UNESCO since 2009. This year the Parachicos parade and dances have been CANCELED due to the pandemic, but the town will celebrate during January with family and friends. We invite you on a tour all year round to learn about the history of the Parachicos and legends, to visit traditional houses and the ARTISANS who work to prepare the Fiesta Grande. We are going to savor local dishes such as pepita con tasajo and pozol which have their origin in pre-Hispanic times! We will start with a tour on the BOAT (2.5 hours NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE) through the Sumidero Canyon.
Inclusions: Private transportation
Exclusions: Speed-boat in the Sumidero Canyon, Lunch
Reviewed By Charlotte C
It was definitely a great idea to book this tour to discover more about the surroundings of San Cristobal and the traditions of the people who live there. My favorite part was the visit of the hand-made textiles managed by amazing entrepreneurs women. We got the chance to dress with traditional clothes as you can see on the picture! Rudy is a true passionate guide, which made the tour even more interested. The fact that it’s only very small group (we were 3 and I think the maximum is 4) made it more interactive between us and also less intrusive for the people who live in the towns we visited.
6. Kux Lejal Route in San Andrés Larráinzar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
We provide an experiential and emotional experience through various activities of coexistence and interaction with the inhabitants of San Andrés Larráinzar, from the cultural, social, religious and productive perspective. We seek that travelers live an immersive experience of conscious tourism within the textile, gastronomic and agricultural activities of the community. The tour is prepared with sensory activities so that you have an invertive experience about learning about textile culture, along the way there will be explanations of the history of the places that are visited, and as above all what makes the difference is the practice on looms waist and pedal.
Inclusions: A typical meal of San Andrés Larráinzar, with memelas, toasts and taking pinole., Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions:
7. Customs of indigenous villages of Chiapas
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 19 reviews
I grew up with the traditions and legends of indigenous and mestizo peoples of Chiapas, where I come from. I learned them from my grandparents, parents and later, during my university career, I delved into diferent historical and social aspects. I also lived a historical moment in my town, witnessing the armed revolution of the EZLN (Zapatistas). My passion for traditions and legends continues to be more and more alive and I enjoy sharing it with visitors from Chiapas. I have shared it for 10 years, receiving very positive comments.
Inclusions: entrances, Private transportation, Breakfast
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 321phoebea
Words cannot describe how amazing this tour with Experiencias Chiapas is. I would recommend it to everyone. Rudy is the most kind, knowledgable and patient guide. He is so happy to answer all of your questions (in perfect English!) and he allows the day to flow very naturally allowing time for each person to complete their pottery and ask anything! Also it was great that he just takes small groups (only 3 of us when I went) because this makes the experience feel a lot more relaxed and authentic. I came away with not only an insight into the ladies' clay pottery techniques but knowledge on their culture too. Not to mention the BEST food I've had in Mexico that the ladies prepare for you to sit around a table and enjoy with them! The ladies do not push it at all (because they're just passionate about their art) but I would recommend bringing some cash because once you get there you'll definitely want to buy some of their beautiful pottery. I don't want to give too much away... but long story short YOU HAVE TO DO THIS EXCURSION. I will be sure to recommend this experience for years to come! Thank you!
8. Tour to San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Join this original tour of San Cristobal de Las Casas, a mix of Indigenous and local villages full of colors and traditions. San Cristobal is made up of a series of traditional barrios (neighborhoods), each of which is known for a particular trade or custom, such as ironworking, carpentry, and woodcarving. On this tour, you will visit San Juan Chamula village who owns a church unlike any other. The picturesque, centuries-old Iglesia San Juan has whitewashed walls and a brightly painted entrance that looks out upon the town square. After you will visit Zinacantan village, you'll have the opportunity to learn all about the work of the women of Zinacantán, who weave uniquely beautiful textiles with a special loom attached to their belts. Having admired the traditional hupiles (ponchos) and blankets, you'll then have the opportunity to taste the local fare and try a local dish.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Professional guide
Exclusions: Food and drinks
9. Sumidero Canyon, Chiapa de Corzo Magical Town from San Cristóbal de las Casas
Overall Ratings
4.3 based on 31 reviews
Get ready for an experience filled with adventure and excitement enjoying the road to the impressive Sumidero Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo (First colonial city founded by Spanish conquistadores) and enjoy an unforgettable experience on this amazing tour that takes you to this fascinating natural wonder, located in Chiapas.
Inclusions: National Park fees, Driver, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Boat transportation on the Grijalva River, Transport by air-conditioned minivan or vehicle
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Optional activity costs
Reviewed By Califas
San Juan Chamula is a Mayan town with it's OWN form of government so please make sure to abide by the local rules that any tour guide will give you. A visit into the San Juan Bautista Church will bring a sense of tranquility and calm to your soul as the church is filled with locals praying with a mix of past beliefs in animal offerings. There are no pews but the floor is covered in pine needles and the endless lit candles to a great variety of saints keep the church warm. Prayers are in the local dialect with saints names in Spanish. NO Pictures allowed. I was presented with a local 'Ilole" (shaman) who I accompanied to his home for a spiritual cleansing which lasted about 20 minutes. Whether it was the church, the town of the cleansing..... I left feeling lighter and better. Zinacatan is another Mayan town. Unfortunately there was a big wedding taking place so we were not allowed to enter the town square or church, but instead went to a local artisan house where the clothing was exceptional and fair prices.
10. Full-Day Sumidero Canyon Tour with Boat Cruise from San Cristóbal de las Casas
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
Get ready for an experience filled with adventure and excitement (by land and water) enjoying the road to the impressive Sumidero Canyon, making stops in the viewpoints of this natural wonder.Afterwards, enjoy an gastronomical experience eating a traditional buffete and admiring the fountain at Chiapa de Corzo Magical Town.
Inclusions: National Park fees, Buffet dinner, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Fluvial transportation on the Grijalva River, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Entrance Fees to Sumidero National Park Viewpoints
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Optional activity costs
Reviewed By lfreede
So beautiful, an amazing experience and a perfect day! Almost didn't see it because of the wind, so it is not always a guaranteed excursion. The government can close it, even if it is a beautiful day, but the winds are higher. They opened after we thought we would miss it. Don't miss it!
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