Introducing San Cristóbal de las Casas
Set in a gorgeous highland valley surrounded by pine forest, the colonial city of San Cristóbal (cris-toh-bal) has been a popular travelers’ destination for decades. It’s a pleasure to explore San Cristóbal’s cobbled streets and markets, soaking up the unique ambience and the wonderfully clear highland light. This medium-size city also boasts a comfortable blend of city and countryside, with restored century-old houses giving way to grazing animals and fields of corn.
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Surrounded by dozens of traditional Tzotzil and Tzeltal villages, San Cristóbal is at the heart of one of the most deeply rooted indigenous areas in Mexico. A great base for local and regional exploration, it’s a place where ancient customs coexist with modern luxuries.
The city is a hotspot for sympathizers (and some opponents) of the Zapatista rebels, and a central location for organizations working with Chiapas’ indigenous people. In addition to a solid tourist infrastructure and a dynamic population of artsy and politically progressive foreigners and Mexicans, San Cristóbal also has a great selection of accommodations, and a cosmopolitan array of cafés, bars and restaurants.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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RE: Assistance on itenerary in Yucatan
by mclarjh 12 September 2011
Oct. 2; you're traveling from Merida to Valladolid, why not stop in Chichen Itza on the way? Oct. 3: you're traveling from Valladolid…
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Mayan religious ceremony, shamanism, curanderismo, etc?
by smsbailey 11 September 2011
I would really like to observe or experience something of the traditional Mayan spiritualism/religion in the Yucatan while I'm there next…
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RE: Hiking around the Yucatan?
by chris0daniel 08 September 2011
Thanks Cascade Bob. La Encrucijada looks interesting. But, I'm always a bit skeptical when operators promote the expectation that with…
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