San Cristobal de las Casas
Travel Guide > North America > Mexico > Chiapas > San Cristobal de las Casas
In this Article
- Introduction
- Neighbourhoods
- Sights and Activities
- Events and Festivals
- Weather
- Getting There
- Getting Around
- Eat
- Drink
- Sleep
- Work
- Learn
- Keep Connected
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Introduction
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.
Neighbourhoods
Sights and Activities
- 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.
Events and Festivals
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.
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
Eat
Drink
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.
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| B&B Le Gite Del Sol | Francisco I. Madero 82 esq. con Vicente Gerrero | Guesthouse | 90 |
| Casa Jardin | Calle Dr Jose Felipe Flores 26 | Hostel | 84 |
| Casa Mayambe | Number 4 Diego Dugelay | Hostel | - |
| Casa y Cabañas Mirador Moxviquil | Calzada Ojo de Agua | Guesthouse | 60 |
| Hostal Maria Bonita | Maria Adelina Flores 24 | Guesthouse | 92 |
| Hostal Plaza Central | Flavio A. Paniagua #2 | Guesthouse | 40 |
| Hostel Las Palomas | Guadalupe Victoria # 47 Barrio de la Merced | Hostel | 93 |
| Hotel Dulce Luna | Av. Benito Juarez Barrio de Santa Luci�a | Hotel | 56 |
| La Casa de Jose | Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez 32 a, Centro Histórico | Hostel | 77 |
| La Casa di Gladys | 5 de Mayo 47 | Guesthouse | 57 |
| La Catrina Posada Bed & Breakfast | Francisco I. Madero 35 Esquina con Av. Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez | Guesthouse | 50 |
| Posada 5 | Calle Comitan 13 | Hotel | 84 |
| Posada Ganesha | Calle 28 de agosto Av 5de mayo #4 | Guesthouse | 80 |
| Posada Mexico | C/ Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Centro Histórico Chiapas | Hostel | 85 |
| Posada Mi Casa | Calle Ejercito Nacional 14 | Guesthouse | 100 |
| Rossco Backpackers Hostel | Real de Mexicanos # 16 | Hostel | 87 |
Mid-Range
Upscale
Work
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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