San Cristóbal de las Casas, Beautiful Mountain City in Chiapas
This San Cristóbal de las Casas travel guide introduces you to Chiapas’ beautiful mountain city.
The small city of San Cristóbal de las Casas is a cultural jewel located in the mountains of the state of Chiapas. Over the past decades, the city has preserved its unique colonial atmosphere. When walking through the city, you will not feel like you are in a city with almost 250,000 inhabitants as it appears small and almost sleepy.
Nevertheless, the city is a must-see for every Chiapas traveler. Read below to know why.
The city itself is an important cultural and economic center and is a main access point for the indigenous tribes, living in the small mountain villages in the surrounding countryside.
San Cristóbal de las Casas is imbedded in a hilly landscape at round about 2.000 meters above sea level. This also leads to a very mild climate – especially compared to the hot and humid weather at the Yucatan peninsula. When traveling from the coast side to the mountains, you will appreciate the weather conditions at San Cristóbal.
One of the most stunning viewpoints in San Cristóbal de las Casas can be found at the Iglesia de Guadalupe, situated on a small hill called Cerro de Guadalupe at the eastern edge of the city center. The white church with its yellow ornaments, along with the stairway leading up to it, make for a unique photo opportunity. Once you reach the top of the 79 stairs, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscapes.
Other great viewpoints can be found on the southern edge of the city center. The Iglesia de San Cristobalito, located on Cerro de San Cristóbal, offers a view that is equally impressive to the one from the Iglesia de Guadalupe.
The Catedral de San Cristóbal Mártir
When approaching the most popular building in San Cristóbal – La Catedral de San Cristóbal Mártir – the bright yellow color of the building immediately catches the visitor’s eye. The cathedral is located at the city center and directly at the Plaza 31 de Marzo, where a prominent wooden cross stands in the middle. The façade of the church is decorated with many small ornaments, yet the building still manages to look simple. The yellowish-golden color intensifies during sunrise or sunset, making it a perfect time to visit the church and the plaza. Additionally, visiting during these times comes with the benefit of a small night market in front of the church and throughout the plaza, where you can purchase traditional crafts and arts.
Real de Guadalupe
Starting from the cathedral, you will find many small and colorful streets that traverse the whole city center. The best thing to do is to explore these streets without any specific destination. It is easy to just “go with the flow” and allow yourself to get carried away by the atmosphere of the city.
One of the main streets that should not be missed when strolling through San Cristóbal is Real de Guadalupe. It connects the Zócalo and the Iglesia de Guadalupe and can be easily recognized as the main street because of the many shops and restaurants along it. Get swept away by the crowds and enjoy the hustle and bustle of Real de Guadalupe.
Hint: The Real de Guadalupe is framed by many colorful houses, which makes it one of the most photogenic streets in San Cristóbal de las Casas.
When we visited San Cristóbal de las Casas, there was a festive parade moving through the streets, which made it even more vibrant and lively.
One great hotel option in San Cristóbal de las Casas is the Posada Dominnycos. It’s located at the northern end of the city center, which makes it a convenient starting point for a walking tour through the city. The rooms are spacious and colorfully decorated, adding to the unique atmosphere of San Cristóbal.
However, the real highlight of this hotel is its rooftop terrace, which can be used by all guests and offers stunning views over the city and the bustling streets below.
