San Cristobal De Las Casas is a magical city in Chiapas, located in the southeast corner of Mexico, bordering Guatemala. At 7200 feet above sea level, San Cris is set above white clouds in a valley surrounded by green mountains. It's a mix of culture and languages, inhabited by the indigenous Tzotzil and Tzetzal, with a constant flow of tourists from the U.S., Canada, and Europe. This colonial town, with its cobblestone streets and bright pastel-colored buildings, brings together in open plazas and markets the Mayans and young hippie Euro backpackers in a wonderful blend of world culture.

 

There are traditional tours, including a visit to the 7th century Mayan city known as the Ruins of Palenque, the waterfalls of Agua Azul & Misol-Ha in a tropical jungle, and the cliffs of the Sumidero Canyon. For a closer look at small villages, local guides provide tours of San Juan Chamula and San Lorenzo Zinacantan. Located in autonomous zones of Chiapas, the natives of Chamula and Zinacantan will invite travelers into their homes to observe the process of their beautiful embroidery, and into their humble kitchens where tortillas are prepared by hand, served with fresh cheese, beans, and salsa made from their vegetable garden. With a shot of mezcal or delicious café de olla, visitors are treated to an amazing insight into an ancient culture and an authentic culinary treat.

 

San Cristobal's cool climate makes it a pleasant destination throughout the year. Its greatest treasure is the hospitality of the native people; their genuine kindness always make visitors feel at home on another planet.