San Cristóbal de las Casas: Overview

Climb through the clouds into a world of cobbled streets and craft markets.

This handsome colonial city in the pine-clad Valle de Jovel is surrounded by delightful Tzotzil and Tzeltal villages where age-old customs are spiced with modernity. It's a magnet for travelers wanting to learn a little Spanish, absorb the bohemian atmosphere and soak up the lively bar scene.

San Cristóbal has a fine plaza and a swag of churches including the strikingly pink Templo de Santo Domingo. Popular pursuits include stocking up at the local weavers' co-op, sampling delicious organic coffee, horse riding in the hills and breathing in the amazingly clear highland air.

Fast Facts

Population

129,000

Currency

Name: Mexican Peso
Code: MXN
Symbol: $

Electrical Plugs

American-style plug with two parallel flat blades above a circular grounding pin Japanese-style plug with two parallel flat blades
127V 60Hz

Languages Spoken

Official: Spanish

Time Zones

GMT/UTC -6 

Country Dialing Code

+52

Weights & Measures

Metric

Mexico - Pick & Mix Chapters

Mexico - Pick & Mix Chapters

Download the free Getting Started chapter or buy individual chapters from our Mexico guide, in our online Shop.
› Go to the Mexico download page.

Traveller Tips & Discussion

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