Car Hire San Cristobal de las Casas
Mini guide to San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal de las Casas is nestled in the state of Chiapas, a region east of Oaxaca and south of Villahermosa. Forested valleys, stunning waterfalls and high mountains with deep gorges, and an impressive wealth of flora, fauna and wildlife make this area one of Mexico's natural paradises. Additionally, the area is rich in indigenous life and culture, and the dense jungles, mountains and valleys have kept Chiapas isolated from the rest of Mexico.
At 2,120m above sea level, San Cristobal is situated in a lush green valley where the air is fresh. Here you can see indigenous people, often wearing traditional dress while going about their everyday lives. Additionally, Chiapas is known for good eco- and adventure tourism.
Red-roofed and white-washed houses line the colonial streets and alleyways of San Cristobal. Locals and visitors alike come together at Plaza 31 de Marzo (the main plaza). San Cristobal's cathedral rests on the northern side of the plaza, while municipal buildings dot the western side. Templo del Carmen, with its grand archway, is three blocks to the south.
Templo y Ex-Convento de Santo Domingo, considered San Cristobal's most beautiful church, is north of the main plaza. The city has an impressive collection of fine museums, including: Museo del Ambar de Chiapas (Amber Museum), which displays Chiapas' amber, known for its purity and clarity; Museo de Trajes Regionales (Regional Costumes Museum); and Museo de Culturas Populares (Popular Cultures Museum).
One of Mexico's premier coffee-growing regions, Chiapas is a good place to relax with a tasty cup. Café Museo Café is a café-museum providing a history of coffee and coffee-growing, and offers visitors the opportunity to taste the genuine article - organic Chiapas coffee.
A great daytrip from San Cristobal is to Cañon de Sumidero, a spectacular canyon which is best experienced by boat. Alternatively, Aguacatenango, famous for its embroidery, is just over an hour away. Less than an hour away, Amatenango del Valle is a great place to see traditional and creative pottery being made.
There are fast roads connecting the Chiapas region to Merida, Cancun, Oaxaca and Mexico City. Buses make the journey from Mexico City to Tuxtla Gutierrez daily, taking 15 hours. San Cristobal has a small airport 16kms outside of town, with flights to and from Mexico City. You can also fly into Tuxtla Gutierrez, which is 1 hour, 30 minutes away by road.
San Cristobal de las Casas is nestled in the state of Chiapas, a region east of Oaxaca and south of Villahermosa. Forested valleys, stunning waterfalls and high mountains with deep gorges, and an impressive wealth of flora, fauna and wildlife make this area one of Mexico's natural paradises. Additionally, the area is rich in indigenous life and culture, and the dense jungles, mountains and valleys have kept Chiapas isolated from the rest of Mexico.
At 2,120m above sea level, San Cristobal is situated in a lush green valley where the air is fresh. Here you can see indigenous people, often wearing traditional dress while going about their everyday lives. Additionally, Chiapas is known for good eco- and adventure tourism.
Red-roofed and white-washed houses line the colonial streets and alleyways of San Cristobal. Locals and visitors alike come together at Plaza 31 de Marzo (the main plaza). San Cristobal's cathedral rests on the northern side of the plaza, while municipal buildings dot the western side. Templo del Carmen, with its grand archway, is three blocks to the south.
Templo y Ex-Convento de Santo Domingo, considered San Cristobal's most beautiful church, is north of the main plaza. The city has an impressive collection of fine museums, including: Museo del Ambar de Chiapas (Amber Museum), which displays Chiapas' amber, known for its purity and clarity; Museo de Trajes Regionales (Regional Costumes Museum); and Museo de Culturas Populares (Popular Cultures Museum).
One of Mexico's premier coffee-growing regions, Chiapas is a good place to relax with a tasty cup. Café Museo Café is a café-museum providing a history of coffee and coffee-growing, and offers visitors the opportunity to taste the genuine article - organic Chiapas coffee.
A great daytrip from San Cristobal is to Cañon de Sumidero, a spectacular canyon which is best experienced by boat. Alternatively, Aguacatenango, famous for its embroidery, is just over an hour away. Less than an hour away, Amatenango del Valle is a great place to see traditional and creative pottery being made.
There are fast roads connecting the Chiapas region to Merida, Cancun, Oaxaca and Mexico City. Buses make the journey from Mexico City to Tuxtla Gutierrez daily, taking 15 hours. San Cristobal has a small airport 16kms outside of town, with flights to and from Mexico City. You can also fly into Tuxtla Gutierrez, which is 1 hour, 30 minutes away by road.
