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San Cristobal de las Casas

Travel Guide > North America > Mexico > Chiapas > San Cristobal de las Casas

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Quick Facts

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Coordinates
  • Latitude: 16.738578
  • Longitude: -92.633281

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Introduction

San Cristobal - 19

San Cristobal - 19

© All Rights Reserved dontrobus

San Cristóbal de las Casas is located in the central highlands of Chiapas. The city is located at 2100 metres (6890 feet) and is named after Bartolome De Las Casas who was a Spanish priest that defended the rights of Indigenous people and was the states first bishop. The city is the third largest city in Chiapas with a population of around 140,000 people. The city has a wonderful colonial feel and the nearby Mayan ruins are stunning.

For many millennia many different Mayan peoples inhabited the area around the city. In 1528 the Spanish took over area made the city the capital, which was later moved. Since this time there has been on going tension between the Spanish population and the Mayan population. Most recently this exploded in the Zapatista conflict, when the Zapatista Army of National Liberation actually took over the city in January 1994. The conflict has settled down and the city is safe to visit, even though the Zapatistas are present in the markets and other parts of town.

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Neighbourhoods

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Sights and Activities

Sunset church

Sunset church

© All Rights Reserved tommydavis

  • Palenque Ruin is an ancient Mayan city located only a 30 minute drive away from town.
  • Mayan Culture is strong and thriving in the city.
  • Santo Domingo Church is the main church in the city and a must see.
  • San Cristobal Church
  • Santa Anita Holy site is located to the west on Mt Huitepec.
  • Agua Azul is an amazing waterfall located nearby.

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Events and Festivals

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Weather

Because of its altitude it rarely gets really warm in San Cristobal de las Casas. The warmest time is during the summer months from May to September. From November to February nights can get pretty cold, so bring warm clothes.

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Getting There

By Plane

Tuxtla Gutiérrez is the nearest airport with regular passenger flights.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

For Guatemala, most agencies offer daily van service to Quetzaltenango (eight hours), Panajachel (10 hours), Antigua (12 hours) and Flores (via Palenque).

By Boat

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Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

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Eat

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Drink

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Sleep

In recent years hostels, B & B's, hotels and resorts have seemed to explode across San Cristobal. It is possible to find any kind of accommodation for any kind of budget in this town now. Remember that many places can fill up during the high season so it might be wise to book in advance. Some of the more budget places can get cold in the winter because of the lack of heating.

Budget

  • Posada Ganesha is a chill yoga theme hostel located near the city centre. The central courtyard is decorated with Hindu and Mexican fusion art and the common areas around the back courtyard are very nice. Dorms are 100 pesos per bed and private rooms range from 200 pesos to 400 pesos depending on the number of beds. This is a great place and relax while enjoying San Cristobal. The friendly staff also sell tours to nearby areas. Hot water is 24 hours but has to be requested. The hostel is located at calle 28 de Agosto #23, phone: 678-02-12.
  • Posada Mexico is an IH hostel located around a central courtyard. It has a good view and has dorms starting at 70 pesos a night. During the evenings this place can get a little wild. Internet and breakfast is included in the rent. Posada Mexico is located at Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez #12, phone: 678-00-14.
PropertyAddressTypePopularity
B&B Le Gite Del SolFrancisco I. Madero 82 esq. con Vicente GerreroGuesthouse90
Casa JardinCalle Dr Jose Felipe Flores 26Hostel84
Casa MayambeNumber 4 Diego DugelayHostel-
Casa y Cabañas Mirador MoxviquilCalzada Ojo de AguaGuesthouse60
Hostal Mari­a BonitaMari­a Adelina Flores 24Guesthouse92
Hostal Plaza CentralFlavio A. Paniagua #2Guesthouse40
Hostel Las PalomasGuadalupe Victoria # 47 Barrio de la MercedHostel93
Hotel Dulce LunaAv. Benito Juarez Barrio de Santa Luci�aHotel56
La Casa de JoseJosefa Ortiz de Domínguez 32 a, Centro HistóricoHostel77
La Casa di Gladys5 de Mayo 47Guesthouse57
La Catrina Posada Bed & BreakfastFrancisco I. Madero 35 Esquina con Av. Josefa Ortiz de DominguezGuesthouse50
Posada 5Calle Comitan 13Hotel84
Posada GaneshaCalle 28 de agosto Av 5de mayo #4Guesthouse80
Posada MexicoC/ Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Centro Histórico ChiapasHostel85
Posada Mi CasaCalle Ejercito Nacional 14Guesthouse100
Rossco Backpackers HostelReal de Mexicanos # 16Hostel87

Mid-Range

Upscale

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Work

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Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

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This is version 7. Last edited at 14:23 on Nov 5, 09 by Utrecht (+745). 2 articles link to this page.

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