San Cristobal de Las Casas is one of those magical places that seems to have stopped in time and where tourism is surely 'done right'. This is one of the most visited attractions in the state of Chiapas but leave the main street, and you'll find a quiet and picturesque Mexican pueblo begging to be discovered and experienced.
But be warned located at 2,200 metres above sea level San Cristobal de Las Casas' weather means cool temperatures during summer and cold nights during winter, so you may want to pack a sweatshirt and a jacket for the time you'll spend here.
On another note, you'll, unfortunately, witness a lot of children working (there are kids of a very young age begging and selling things almost everywhere. This is due to the fact that indigenous people in Mexico still suffer from a lot of inequality hen it comes to accessing the job market, education, etc. If you can help you can do so by giving them some money, buying them some food or by getting involved with one of the local associations trying to lift these kids out of poverty.
1 - Checking The Different Cool Artisans' Shops And Hipster Hangouts
There's a fair share of arts and crafts everywhere in San Cristobal de Las Casas. This is after all one of the most ethnically diverse states in the whole of Mexico with a lot of indigenous people selling their goods everywhere.
Pay a visit to the Artisan Jewellery 69. This little shop has the most original handmade necklaces and bracelets ever.
2 - Going On A Day Tour To El Chiflon De La Novia And Lagunas De Montebello
El Chiflon de la Novia is the biggest waterfall in the state of Chiapas, an impressive sight to behold.
The Lagunas are a group of lakes where you can rent rafts to explore different islands scattered around the different lakes. The tour will also take you to the Lago Internacional which is located along the border with Guatemala. So if you didn't intend to visit this country, well, now you're entitled to say that you were technically in Guatemala too!
3 - Going On A Tour To Canyon Del Sumidero And Chiapas Del Corso
Cannyon del Sumidero is the pride of the state of Chiapas and is so important that it features in the states' coat of arms. This canyon only became navigable in the 70s when a dam was built. Usually, a day trip to El Canyon del Sumidero will include a couple of hours' pit stop at Chiapas del Corso.
4 - Trying Some Amazing Food!
You could think of San Cristobal de Las Casas as a sort of culinary mecca. Make sure you try some of these places when you're in town.
- Trattoria Italiana for a great and welcoming ambience and of course delicious pasta dishes. The owner, who is a lively character from Southern Italy is very easy to talk to and makes his own cured meat and bread. - Trattoria Catanzaro for authentic handmade Calabrian style sausage. - El Punto for some nice pizza. Note that this restaurant is part of a bigger indoor food hall where you can try other international as well as Mexican cuisine. - Ylk Café Andador Guadalupano for some Chilaquiles. - Libre Café - it has a little garden at the back where you can find a nice and inexpensive baguette, if you are not in a 'tacos mood', with some solid WiFi. After all the amazing food you've just feasted on, you may want to climb the steps leading to the Church de San Cristobalito to help you digest!
5 - Watching A Film At Kinoki And Enjoying The Sunset Over The Colourful Houses Of San Cristobal De Las Casas
Kinoki was established in 2004 as an Independent Cultural Forum and usually, they screen three films and documentaries throughout the day. The food is also quite good and there are some Instagram worthy moments when the sun starts to set over the tiled roofs of San Cristobal de Las Casas.
6 - Having Some Locally Made Peach Yoghurt Or Dry Cheese At Lácteos Maya A 100% Locally Owned Business
Apart from dairy products, you'll also be able to find many other local delicacies, as well as, some international gourmet foods. This is the place to come if you want to get some ingredients for your next sandwich.
7 - A Quick Visit To The Excellent Kakaw Museum
Here you can try different types of chocolate from the state of Chiapas. You'll also get to learn the history of cocoa in Mexico and around the world. You may not know but the cacao tree is native to the Amazon Basin, however, it was domesticated the Olmecs and Mokaya populations who lived in parts of what is nowadays Mexico and some other Central American countries. Thank you for chocolate Mexico!
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