Location:
Chiapas State, southern Mexico
Distance from Mexico City: 663 miles
southeast
Population: 135,000
Closest major airport: Tuxtla
Gutierrez International Airport (TGZ)
Time Zone: Central Standard Time
San Cristobal de las Casas is located in the
heart of the Chiapas highlands nestled in
the Valley of Jovel. It is considered one of
the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico
with its unique combination of vice regal
ambiance and Mayan traditions.
Formerly known as the Royal City, San
Cristobal de las Casas was founded in 1528
by Diego Mazariego and was named after Fr.
Bartolome de las Casas, the renowned Indian
defender. During the viceroyalty and until
1829 San Cristobal de las Casas was the
capital of the region, and between the 16th
to the 18th century formed part of several
territories like Yucatan and Guatemala,
before belonging to the state of Chiapas.
Today, San Cristobal de las Casas is one of
the most interesting urban complexes in the
country. It still preserves its traditional
churches, squares, cobbled streets,
red-tiled roofs, baroque facades, houses
with flower-filled patios and magnificent
buildings of Mudejar, Pateresque and
neoclassical architecture constructed
between the 16th and 19th centuries.
Visitors should begin their tour of the city
by strolling through the Plaza 31 de Marzo,
where the Cathedral, the City Hall, the
Iglesia de San Nicolas and the Casa de la
Sirena are located. Other buildings worth
visiting include the Templo de Santo Domingo
de Guzman, Templo de la Caridad, Templo de
San Francisco and the Templo de El Carmen.
Several archeological zones line up along
the city’s surroundings. On the way to
Palenque is the archaeological zone of
Tonina, a settlement where the Mayans left
tall pyramids, temples, palaces and stone
sculptures. San Cristobal de las Casas is
also surrounded by places of natural beauty
such as orchards, forests and stunning
mountain ranges, perfect for ecotourism.
Travelers interested in more adventurous
activities, can either go hiking or
horseback riding in San Cristobal. Mountains
with lush vegetation and attractive scenery
surround the area of Chiapas at places like
Reserva Ecologica de Rancho Nuevo. Horseback
riding is available at Casa de Huéspedes
Margarita and Hotel Real del Valle, offering
horseback riding tours of San Juan Chamula
and its surroundings.
Arts and crafts in Chiapas is one of the
most popular attractions, with San Cristobal
de las Casas producing some of its finest
leatherwork, tin ware and cotton and wool
textiles. Cuisine is another local
specialty, characterized by its subtle
combination of flavors. Its culinary
tradition includes sausages, tamales,
confectionery, pressed or smoked turkey,
eggnog, sweet beer and bread soup.
San Cristobal is synonymous with colorful
handicrafts, exquisite gastronomy, popular
fiestas, refined legends and a brilliant
history. |
