After spending quite a few months on Island Holbox, Mexico I was seeking a new adventure with no idea of what to do. “Go to San Cristobal, you will love it.” said my good friend. So the next day I left and took a 24 hour ADO bus from Cancun to San Cristobal (950 pesos) and arrived in this lovely city high in the mountains.
I really had no idea what to expect from San Cristobal but safe to say, its a city worth visiting full of art, textiles, mayan culture and a load of cafes with vegan food. After spending 1 month in this awesome place, these are my tips to the city.
Places to Stay
Hostel Iguana is a lovely hostel located near the main food markets. With an amazing garden and view over the mountains, its great to chill or party. They have yoga daily, a funky bar and cooked breakfast that changes everyday. Beds range from 150 to 180 depending of the seasons.
http://iguanahostel.com/
Vegan Places to Eat
San Cristobal is a vegan’s heaven, which a nice change while traveling in Mexico. While there are any endless amount of cafes, these are my top picks.
Todo Vegano
Located on the main tourist street, this place has so many vegan snacks and even sell VEGAN CHEESE to take away. Try the chicken dumplings 30 pesos and delicious.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/todo-vegano-san-crist%C3%B3bal-de-las-casas
Falafel
As the name states this places is the best town in town to get your falafel fix. Head there on a Sunday or Tuesday to get 2 for 1. A falafel wrap will sent you back about 65 pesos.
Jardin Tonantzin
This place is next door to Todo Vegano, with quiet a few vegan options. But please do yourself a favor and have a hot chocolate with coconut milk. It is amazing. Vegan burger is also good but ask for it with no mayo!!!
https://www.facebook.com/Jardin-Tonantzin-1535575426751776/?rf=253604561508638
Cocolicie
While this restaurant its my personally they best place to eat in the city. Their pasta is amazing but they also sell curry. You have to ask to have things made vegan. The wine list is great and vegan friendly. During weeknights, they have live music from jazz to rock. Its a lively funky place. You feel like your in funky bar in Berlin, New York or even Melbourne.
Places to Party
Revolucion
One of the main bars/clubs to out this place is funky. Tuesday night is Salsa night so get your grove on. Upstaris is really fun also dont forget to check it out.
La Vina De Bacco
Love this wine bar with a epic range of wines from all over the world this place is great. If you get a bottle of wine you also get free tapas. Glass of great wine start from 25 pesos.
Places to sightsee and explore.
Free Walking Tour
There is a free walking tour that runs at 10 am and 5pm from the town center. It goes from about 4 hours and is a great way to get some knowledge of the city.
Centro De Textiles Del Mundo
Amazing place if your interested in Textiles from the local Mexicans.
Mercado Municipal
This is the main food market in San Cris and its heaven. Local vendors sell an endless amount of fresh fruit and vegetables at prices you cant believe. Spend your time walking around. Also you can find an endless amount of beans and dry soy. If your vegan just avoid the meat section.
Sna Jolobil
Great place to do some shopping for local Mexican things.
https://www.google.com.mx/maps/place/Sna+Jolobil/@16.7425011,-92.6381457,18z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0xc43d0f8cdea76a99!2sIguana+Hostel!8m2!3d16.741746!4d-92.6360482!3m4!1s0x0:0x954a8c096d312495!8m2!3d16.742123!4d-92.6379941
Day Trips
San Cristobal is so close to many amazing national parks and adventures to explore the beauty of Chipas.
Canon Del Sumidero
This is a amazing Canon, a few hours from the city, where you can see monkeys and variety of wildlife. You can ask tour companies in the center for a tour. Its will sent you back around 200-400 pesos. The tour is worth it.
Chiflon Falls
Another waterfall about two hours from San Cristobal, you can do a tour or get a collectivo from the ADO station. I stayed the night here and was worth it. Camping cost 30 pesos per person or cabins start from 500 pesos. There is nothing better then waking up next to these amazing waterfalls. A collective plus entrance is around 140 pesos.
Palenque and Aqua Azul!!!!
Many people do a few days in Palenque, however I just stayed the day there. Aqua Azul are amazing waterfalls that are clear blue and will take your breath away. Then once you get to Palenque spend your time walking around one of the biggest Mayan Ruins in the world. Its great to get a guide for the park, they are full with so much information and take you places that you cant go without it. It was 100 pesos for 14 people to do the tour in the park. However if coming from San Cristobal to Palenque its great to get a tour from the city. As you get to see two waterfalls and the park with all transport. This costs around 350 to 500 depending what company you go through compared to the ADO bus which is already starting at 320 pesos.
http://www.turismochiapas.gob.mx/sectur/palenque
Overall San Cristobal de Las Casas is a city that cant be missed in Mexico. With so much culture and things to do it is a must for everyone. Get blow away from how people from all around the world come to this charming and call it home.
If you have any questions or tips please free feel to message me.
Enjoy
Bella's Space 