The 10 Best Things to Do in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico

Orquideas Moxviquil, OM, began in 1994 with a passionate desire to rescue the fallen flora of Chiapas's ever depleting Forests. NOTE: Please enter through the OM entrance, NOT the Moxviquil entrance to experience the full magic of OM. The desire to maintain a small sampling of the natural flora of Chiapas for future generations was the driving force that created this oasis of the varied lifeblood of Chiapas's living natural wonders. These plants rescued from over 200 locations is a divine testament to the passion of rescuing and the desire to save the diminishing gifts of nature for future generations. The plants are preserved from further squandering of natures most delicate and little protected flora gems. This destruction is manifested in the pursuit of food, financial return and greed. OM continues to seek areas of destruction to preserve for the grandchildren of the world an expanding collection of this diversity in a sanctuary of preservation in the valley of San Cristobal, Chiapas. As of October 2014, the collection has over 25,000 rescued plants, comprising 600 species native to Chiapas. The garden located at 2100 meter above sea level has a hothouse for plants from the tierra caliente, hot lands, 1500 meters above sea level down to sea level, a fern grotto, a Maya Medicinal garden, two lakes one that is home to a rare local fish, Popoyote, several seasonal wetlands, extensive areas to walk, meditate and look for birds and other fauna in the cultivated and native wild Forests of the Moxviquil 100 hectare reserve. OM has just completed the construction of our second greenhouse dedicated to the Lagos de Montebello, the most bio rich area of Mexico. Bring your headphones to tune in and relax, bring a camera to capture the colors, textures and forms available to you a lunch and a drawing pad. Sit on the last bench in the greenhouse and pretend; pretend you are deep in a Chiapas jungles, the birds will call, the wind will blow and your senses will be bathed in the exotic paradise that is OM. OM is dedicated to enriching your knowledge and enjoyment. One way we do this is by asking each person to please touch the plants, to experience with your fingers the delicate forms, the sharpness, the textural richness of the native plants of Chiapas. Smell and listen for the sounds that permeate the Gardens.

The former home of Frans and Trudy Blom, a Danish couple that worked to save the region's Forests and native inhabitants, is now the headquarters of a foundation dedicated to continuing their work and also includes a museum.

This 16th-century baroque church dominates one of the town's main plazas.

A spectacular view from the hill is your reward for reaching the church of San Cristobal.

Established in 2004, the Independent Cultural Forum Kinoki is a place to tell and analize our reality without censorships nor limits, in an open, conscious, comprehensive and intercultural way.3 movie and documentary showtimes per day. We also have a delightful kitchen, a tea parlour, and an art gallery. Open daily / 12.30-24.00

This small amber museum has a cheap gift shop with various objects made from amber.

An important private collection of traditional Mayan textiles which were given to the owner, Sergio Castro, in thanks for his tireless work for the people of Chiapas. The exhibit includes very rare ceremonial costumes from many communities in Chiapas and are a sign of the high esteem the people have for Don Sergio.Personal tours can be arranged by calling Sergio Castro and scheduling an appointment. Tours are conducted in English, French, Italian and Spanish.Visitors are asked to make a donation to help support Sergio Castro's work of building schools and clean water systems and providing wound care to people with serious burns. Sergio does not accept money from the people he helps and instead uses donations from visitors to the museum to buy building materials and medical supplies