San Cristobal de las Casas

Best of San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristóbal de las Casas Essentials

San Cristóbal de las Casas serves as the cultural heart of Chiapas, characterized by 17th-century Spanish colonial architecture and deep-rooted Maya traditions. This selection includes the yellow-facaded Cathedral and the ornate baroque Santo Domingo Church. Cultural institutions like Na Bolom and the Textile Museum Mundo Maya preserve regional history, while specialized museums showcase Chiapan amber and jade. Beyond the historic center, the list features the natural limestone arch of El Arcotete and the botanical collections at Orquídeas Moxviquil.

San Cristóbal de las Casas Essentials — Map

Jami Dwyer / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

House of the Jaguar

Casa Na Bolom is located in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico.

GameOfLight / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Saint Domingo Church

The beautiful 17th-century church is a natural dominant of the charming colonial center. What a beautiful monument!

Daniel Armesto / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Cathedral of San Cristobal

The colorful Baroque facade of this church stands out from its surroundings. It survived many earthquakes and still retains its splendor.

StellarD / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Textile Museum Mundo Maya

The top floor of the convent is occupied by this amazing museum dedicated to traditional local textile techniques.

Talegafrita / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Iglesia de Guadalupe

Located atop a hill at the end of Real de Guadalupe street, this 19th-century church is reached via a long stone staircase. It offers panoramic views across the city’s rooftops and surrounding mountains.

Wolfgang Sauber / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Municipal Market

Busy, colorful, noisy - all this and much more characterizes this municipal market with various foodstuffs as well as practical goods on…

Leogeograph / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Carmen Temple

This 17th-century structure clearly stands out from its surroundings thanks to its faithful adaptation of the Mudejar style.

AlejandroLinaresGarcia / GFDL

H

Amber Museum

Beautiful museum carefully documenting the local tradition of amber mining and crafting: there are some really amazing pieces on display!

AlejandroLinaresGarcia / GFDL

I

Jade Museum

If admiring replicas is enough for you, then a visit to this museum can definitely be recommended.

J

El Arcotete

A beautiful natural recreational park with a rock archway as its main draw. Come here for a pleasant walk.

K

Kakaw Museo del Cacao y Chocolateria Cultural

This museum explores the history and cultural significance of cacao in Mesoamerica. Exhibits detail traditional processing methods and the role of chocolate in indigenous rituals, with an on-site shop selling regional artisanal bars.

L

Scenic lookout Viewpoint

Situated on the hill of San Cristóbal, this viewpoint provides an elevated perspective of the valley and the city's red-tiled roofs. It is accessible via a steep stone staircase leading up to the church of San Cristobalito.

M

Moxviquil

This botanical garden is a real stunner - it preserves beautiful orchids that originate in Chiapas. A must do!

Other Lists

Museums & Art Galleries Historic Churches Local Markets