Top Things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas
Top Restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas
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10 Bus Tours in San Cristobal de las Casas That You Shouldn't Miss
A stronghold of Mayan culture, San Cristóbal’s colonial stucco walls and Spanish tile roofs contrast with the surrounding villages, which remain home to an array of Mayan-descendant Indians. The city itself is a delight. Paired with the cultural diversity surrounding it, there’s nothing like it in Mexico.
Restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas
1. 11 Day-Birdwatching Ecofriendly Tour from Cancun
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
On this 11-day tour, you will have the opportunity to see around half of the 1,040 bird species that live in Mexico. You will travel among a selection of the best birding habitats, including mangroves, estuaries, dry tropical forest and dense lowland jungle. We also visit some of the magnificent archaeological ruins in the area. You may find bird species as: the Thicket Tinamou, Great Curassow, Black-throated Bobwhite, Lesser Yellow-Headed, Crane Hawk, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Barred Forest-Falcon, Ruddy Crake, Rufous-Necked Wood-Rail, Yucatan Parrot, Yucatan Poorwill, Yucatan Woodpecker, Yucatan Jay, Mexican Anttrush, Orange Oriole, etc. It is a wonderful birding and nature experience!
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Professional guide, 10-night accommodation, Snacks and Beverages, Airport pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Lunch, Alcoholic beverages, Personal expenses, Gratuities, Airfares (Cancun and Tuxtla Gutierrez)
Reviewed By Christine G
My sister and I took a bird-watching tour with Eco Colors guide Jose Paz. It was a highlight of our trip to the Riviera Maya. Jose took us to two different areas and we saw more than 30 different species. He was an excellent guide and very knowledgeable about all the birds. He recognized them by their songs and could spot them even in the dense trees and shrubs. In the second preserve, he had also arranged a lovely lunch for us, cooked by a delightful woman over a wood fire. Jose's driver joined us and he was also a very likable fellow. It was a great experience and I highly recommend!
2. Agua Azul Waterfalls - Misol Ha Waterfall - Archaeological Zone of Palenque
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
We are the entry portal to Chiapas, and we love that you live every fabulous experience with us, to be able to share with you our culture and our ancient Mayan cities, to be infected by many reasons to travel to Chiapas is always our best work.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Tickets
Exclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Nothing that is not described in the section includes.
Reviewed By Steamboatcarol
We asked for an English speaking tour. The guide did not speak a word of English. So, we enjoyed the nature and views in the canyon. The van he drove us in had a huge crack in the windshield. The guide was late to pick us up after lunch and mistakenly boarded a passenger not on our tour. We had to return passenger. Be aware of this company!
3. Indigenous Villages Chamula Zinacantan Leaving From Tuxtla.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
See the color and traditions as you visit the local indigenous communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan where you will have plenty of time to wander around the local artisan markets and peek inside the beautifully preserved churches. Your tour includes transport, a professional guide, and a "mini-lunch" of beans, handmade tortillas, organic coffee, and a drink typical of the region.
Inclusions: Driver, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Mini traditional lunch (beans, organic coffee, hand made tortillas and drink typical of the region), Professional guide, Entrances Fees to the Villages
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By lfreede
So beautiful, an amazing experience and a perfect day! Almost didn't see it because of the wind, so it is not always a guaranteed excursion. The government can close it, even if it is a beautiful day, but the winds are higher. They opened after we thought we would miss it. Don't miss it!
4. Chiapa de Corzo: tradition, gastronomy and Cañon del Sumidero
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
The town of Chiapa de Corzo is much more than a jetty to take the boat to the Cañon del Sumidero! This town has history and tradition from pre-Hispanic times that its people proudly celebrate every year during the two weeks of January: the Fiesta Grande. The Parachico dance has been designated an Intangible CULTURAL HERITAGE by UNESCO since 2009. This year the Parachicos parade and dances have been CANCELED due to the pandemic, but the town will celebrate during January with family and friends. We invite you on a tour all year round to learn about the history of the Parachicos and legends, to visit traditional houses and the ARTISANS who work to prepare the Fiesta Grande. We are going to savor local dishes such as pepita con tasajo and pozol which have their origin in pre-Hispanic times! We will start with a tour on the BOAT (2.5 hours NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE) through the Sumidero Canyon.
Inclusions: Private transportation
Exclusions: Speed-boat in the Sumidero Canyon, Lunch
Reviewed By Charlotte C
It was definitely a great idea to book this tour to discover more about the surroundings of San Cristobal and the traditions of the people who live there. My favorite part was the visit of the hand-made textiles managed by amazing entrepreneurs women. We got the chance to dress with traditional clothes as you can see on the picture! Rudy is a true passionate guide, which made the tour even more interested. The fact that it’s only very small group (we were 3 and I think the maximum is 4) made it more interactive between us and also less intrusive for the people who live in the towns we visited.
5. Customs of indigenous villages of Chiapas
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 19 reviews
I grew up with the traditions and legends of indigenous and mestizo peoples of Chiapas, where I come from. I learned them from my grandparents, parents and later, during my university career, I delved into diferent historical and social aspects. I also lived a historical moment in my town, witnessing the armed revolution of the EZLN (Zapatistas). My passion for traditions and legends continues to be more and more alive and I enjoy sharing it with visitors from Chiapas. I have shared it for 10 years, receiving very positive comments.
Inclusions: entrances, Private transportation, Breakfast
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 321phoebea
Words cannot describe how amazing this tour with Experiencias Chiapas is. I would recommend it to everyone. Rudy is the most kind, knowledgable and patient guide. He is so happy to answer all of your questions (in perfect English!) and he allows the day to flow very naturally allowing time for each person to complete their pottery and ask anything! Also it was great that he just takes small groups (only 3 of us when I went) because this makes the experience feel a lot more relaxed and authentic. I came away with not only an insight into the ladies' clay pottery techniques but knowledge on their culture too. Not to mention the BEST food I've had in Mexico that the ladies prepare for you to sit around a table and enjoy with them! The ladies do not push it at all (because they're just passionate about their art) but I would recommend bringing some cash because once you get there you'll definitely want to buy some of their beautiful pottery. I don't want to give too much away... but long story short YOU HAVE TO DO THIS EXCURSION. I will be sure to recommend this experience for years to come! Thank you!
6. Sumidero Canyon - Lookouts - Chiapa de Corzo
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 3 reviews
One of the natural destinations that attracts tourists of all nationalities year after year. A ride that takes place aboard a boat that we will board at the Cahuaré jetty, with some luck you can observe native species of the Canyon and a great diversity of birds and flora. During the trip you can see a waterfall considered one of the most beautiful natural jewels of Chiapas, the Christmas tree-shaped waterfall, 250 meters high, was created because the water polished the stone, the same moisture caused that the moss would grow, which allowed the pine shape to be created. During the rainy season it is a natural attraction that any visitor who board a boat and travels through the waters of Sumidero Canyon can admire.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Life Jacket on the route to Sumidero Canyon
Exclusions: Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast
Reviewed By Steamboatcarol
We asked for an English speaking tour. The guide did not speak a word of English. So, we enjoyed the nature and views in the canyon. The van he drove us in had a huge crack in the windshield. The guide was late to pick us up after lunch and mistakenly boarded a passenger not on our tour. We had to return passenger. Be aware of this company!
7. Tour to San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Join this original tour of San Cristobal de Las Casas, a mix of Indigenous and local villages full of colors and traditions. San Cristobal is made up of a series of traditional barrios (neighborhoods), each of which is known for a particular trade or custom, such as ironworking, carpentry, and woodcarving. On this tour, you will visit San Juan Chamula village who owns a church unlike any other. The picturesque, centuries-old Iglesia San Juan has whitewashed walls and a brightly painted entrance that looks out upon the town square. After you will visit Zinacantan village, you'll have the opportunity to learn all about the work of the women of Zinacantán, who weave uniquely beautiful textiles with a special loom attached to their belts. Having admired the traditional hupiles (ponchos) and blankets, you'll then have the opportunity to taste the local fare and try a local dish.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Professional guide
Exclusions: Food and drinks
8. Lagos & Chiflon Tour
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
Visit to the spectacular Velo de Novia Waterfall. Visit to 5 different lakes with the possibility of rafting or kayaking.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Snacks, Lunch, Breakfast
9. Sumidero Canyon - Chiapa de Corzo
Overall Ratings
3.8 based on 13 reviews
From San Cristóbal de Las Casas we will venture to the Cahuaré pier where we will board a boat to navigate the waters of the impressive Grijalva River, which will lead us to know the incredible geological fault that year after year gathers thousands of tourists, the Canyon of the Sumidero, do not waste a moment and admire the endemic flora and fauna of Chiapas, spider monkeys, crocodiles and a great variety of birds, feel the wind on your face, cool off with the Grijalva breeze. After such a fascinating experience, we will travel and tour the beautiful Magical town of Chiapa de Corzo, famous for its Pila or Fuente de Múdejar architectural style, unique in the entire state of Chiapas. At the end you will stay in San Cristobal de Las Casas, a magical town full of culture, history and tradition, a dream city that will be the starting point of many more adventures.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Shared Boat
Exclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Snacks, Bottled water
Reviewed By 41lillyu
Sima de las cotorras is a very mystical place. As soon as the sun rises the parrots start their concert. It's a place full of biodiversity. The tour guide, Valentin, was a very funny and knowledgeable guy who tested our nerves and fears. We learned a lot from him. Chiapas viajes is a reliable company, they were in touch with me the whole time I was in San Cristóbal. The drivers have a good sense of humor and are also very knowledgeable about Chiapas. Thank you Eliezer for your very good service. I take Chiapas in my heart and I hope I can come back to see more about this beautiful and rich State.
10. Day Trip to Agua Azul Waterfalls and Palenque from San Cristobal
Overall Ratings
3.8 based on 20 reviews
This day let yourself be impressed by the beautiful natural beauties of the waterfalls of Agua Azul and the wonderful Mayan constructions in the archaeological site of Palenque.
Inclusions: National Park fees, Hotel pickup, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Spanish driver
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel drop-off, Guide
Reviewed By Tigerlileeee
My only regret in all my time in Mexico. Was told I’d be picked uo at my hostel at 8 AM and dropped off at my hostel at 8 PM. Was told to bring a swimsuit. First half of day was fine, driving then enjoying El Chiflon (although the tour description says that the lakes come first and the waterfall after). The nature itself is incredible but DO NOT take this tour from this company. My advice - if at all possible take a collectivo, go on your own & camp there!! After the waterfall, it was more driving and then our driver says we are going to stop for lunch. He pulled over on the side of the highway where there are a lineup of five eateries that literally have photocopied the exact same menu on their wall. Which means you have the option of one. This photocopied menu had only four options. Meat, meat, meat, or cheese. I bought a beer and since I didn’t have smaller change, handed the lady a 50 pesos bill. She cracked open the beer for me, took my money, walked away, I took a sip and she never came back. 50 pesos for a beer. I was expecting 20 tops! Truly highway robbery. Incidentally, only about half a kilometer further down the highway there are numerous restaurants with vegan, vegetarian, meat, and seafood options available to please everyone’s pallet but this was not offered as an option. WHY? We continued on our way driving until eventually coming to the Montebello Lakes. We were told ahead of time that there would be an option to rent a small wooden boat to take you around the lake. We arrived at the lakes at 4:10 PM. This can be confirmed by the timestamp on the first photograph I took there which was the first thing I did upon arrival. You get out of the bus and are funneled down a staircase which leads to a concrete platform that ends in water with all the wooden boats lined up against it. No beach, no sand, no water access. We were told we had one hour. One hour to choose to pay the additional for the boat or sit on our butts on the concrete platform and do nothing. No swimming allowed. In order to swim, you have to pay the additional for one of the boats who then will take you to a beach where they permit you to swim. It is a monopoly. Everyone was under the impression that after sitting in a hot bus sweating for 8 hours minus the 2 hrs @ the waterfall in order to reach the lakes, of course we would be able to swim in the “crystal waters”! This is not the case. 7 persons in our group, after being really upset by this, eventually decided to give in and just rent the boat. That meant they were a couple minutes late returning. But only a couple. Meanwhile, Antonio the driver loads the rest of us into the van and drives away. Since I was the only one on the tour who didn’t speak a word of Spanish, I was not in a position to stop him. He drove up the highway a ways and told people they could get out and take a photo before coming back approximately 20 minutes later. The group of 7 were ranging between furious and about to bawl. They were absolutely freaking out because they thought that they had been altogether abandoned near the Guatemala border. Antonio laughed. We then left around 5:30 to drive back to San Cris where we arrived at 8:40 PM. Antonio at that time then Merli parked the van somewhere in the city and told us to get out. When I protested that I had paid to be dropped off at my hostile he extremely sarcastically said, “Finished!” & told me to get out of the van. Interesting that he knew this word since the entire day I hadn’t a clue what was going on as he made no effort to tell me even through sign language where we were, where to go, how long we would be there or anything. I had to ask for interpretation from fellow guests. At this point, having taken multitude of photos throughout the day, the battery on my phone was at 4%. I rely on my phone for directions. If my phone had of been dead I would’ve had no way to message anyone or find my way back to my hostile that night. Thankfully, it held out to 2% battery power by the time I found walked back to my hostel. I followed up this tour with a visit to their office and spoke with who I presume to be the manager. He listened to me and then he called Antonio. He came back and told me that “Antonio said” we were at the lakes for four hours, that drop off to the hostel was not included, and that no one ever told me I could swim at the lakes. Clearly Antonio knows he can lie and say whatever he wants about what happens on the trips and that his boss will believe him over any customer. Even when faced with proof of my photographs timestamp. The manager couldn’t care less that his driver was rude to me, he couldn’t care less about the suggestion of having more options to eat that would please more people would make his business better, he couldn’t care less that his trip description is misleading and has no intention of changing it, and he couldn’t care less that Antonio left seven people behind to think that they were stranded. Lagunas de Montebello is absolutely stunning. El Chiflon waterfall is the prettiest I’ve seen in my life. That’s Gods work. This review is for the company and the men. They deserve zero stars. Please don’t support such bad business.
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