What to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic building with ornate architecture, a paved square, and a cyclist.
A bustling street with pedestrians, a parked car, and traditional buildings.
A crowded street with a prominent church and a staircase leading up to it.
A bustling street with a row of red and white columns, bicycles, and people walking.
A courtyard with a central fountain, arches, and a building with a dome and bell towers.

San Cristóbal de las Casas Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that San Cristóbal de las Casas has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to San Cristóbal de las Casas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to San Cristóbal de las Casas with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in San Cristóbal de las Casas

San Cristóbal de las Casas is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in San Cristóbal de las Casas, and make it a breeze to explore San Cristóbal de las Casas and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in San Cristóbal de las Casas to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to San Cristóbal de las Casas, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in San Cristóbal de las Casas.

San Cristóbal de las Casas attractions

San Cristóbal de las Casas has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in San Cristóbal de las Casas to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Looking for things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of San Cristóbal de las Casas or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to San Cristóbal de las Casas attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán Indigenous Communities

San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán Indigenous Communities

£15
per adult
San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán Indigenous Communities
Rancho Nuevo Caves and Arcotete Ecotourism Center

Rancho Nuevo Caves and Arcotete Ecotourism Center

£17
per adult
Rancho Nuevo Caves and Arcotete Ecotourism Center
From San Cristobal: Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula Tour

Chamula & Zinacantán Indigenous Village with English Guide

£18
per adult
Chamula & Zinacantán Indigenous Village with English Guide
Tour of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan

Tour of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan

£20
per adult
Tour of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan
Indigenous villages; Zinacantan and San Juan Chamula.

Indigenous villages; Zinacantan and San Juan Chamula.

£16
per adult
Indigenous villages; Zinacantan and San Juan Chamula.
San Cristóbal: Indigenous Communities&CityTour English Guide

San Cristóbal: Indigenous Communities&CityTour English Guide

£21
per adult
San Cristóbal: Indigenous Communities&CityTour English Guide
Picture 1 for Activity San Cristobal: Arcotete, Mamut & Rancho Nuevo Caves Day Trip

San Cristobal: Arcotete, Rancho Nuevo Caves Day Trip

£28
per adult
San Cristobal: Arcotete, Rancho Nuevo Caves Day Trip
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Top places to visit

1. San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral

The Catedral de San Cristóbal is a beautiful construction in the old quarter of the colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas, in Chiapas. The building was once a modest church, built in the 16th century and dedicated to the Virgen de la Asunción (Virgin of the Assumption). It was later torn down to build an elegant cathedral dedicated to San Cristóbal, the patron of the city. Visit Catedral de San Cristóbal to discover a fantastic construction full of baroque, Moorish and indigenous influences.
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A historic church with ornate architecture and a clock tower, surrounded by a cobblestone plaza and streetlights.

2. Santo Domingo Handicraft Market

An explosion of color greets you as you enter the Santo Domingo Handicraft Market in San Cristóbal de las Casas. Piled high are rainbow-colored textiles, leather goods and all types of handmade crafts whose traditions date back decades and even centuries. Buy fabulous gifts to take home at this must-see outdoor market.
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A vibrant market filled with colorful textiles, jewelry, and accessories.

3. Mesoamerican Museum of Jade

Be dazzled by the pieces of carved jade at the Mesoamerican Museum of Jade and discover just how important this stone was to the region’s ancient peoples. This delightful museum holds hundreds of items of jade, including replica masks and statues and jewelry. Visit the store where you can purchase beautiful jewelry items made on site.
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A collection of colorful, textured sculptures.

4. Guadalupe Church

It might not be an easy climb, but getting to the Guadalupe Church is certainly worth the effort. Rising from Real de Guadalupe, 79 steps climb to the church’s entrance atop a small hill. Make your way to the top to explore the pleasant little church and be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of San Cristóbal de las Casas.
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An ornate church interior with a central altar, statues, and a dome ceiling.

5. Na Bolom Cultural Museum

The Na Bolom Cultural Museum provides a fascinating insight into the lives of the Lacandón indigenous people of Chiapas. The building was the home of Swiss-born Trudi Duby and her Danish husband Frans Blom, who dedicated their lives to researching and documenting the culture of these ancient Mayan people. Spend some time exploring the museum and cultural center to appreciate their dedication and skill.
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A courtyard with yellow walls, arches, and potted plants.

6. Ex-Convent of Santo Domingo

The Templo y Exconvento de Santo Domingo de Guzmán (Temple and Former Convent of Saint Domingo) is one of the most visited places by both locals and tourists in the picturesque city of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Marvel at an iconic symbol of Mexican colonial art and view beautiful traditional artworks and colorful weavings.
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A detailed facade of a historic church with ornate carvings and a large central doorway.

7. Plaza 31 de Marzo

Plaza 31 de Marzo is San Cristóbal de las Casas’ main city square. It provides a perfect starting point from which to explore the historic center and is an easy landmark for daily meetings. Yet it’s more than that. The square is the hub of local life. Take a seat on one of the wrought iron benches and view the beautiful colonial buildings flanking the square as you watch people go by.
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A historic square with colorful buildings, including a church with a cross on top.

Recommended things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas

Number of things to do
81
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Native Communities Tour in Chamula & Zinacantán: £15
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas

Stay near popular San Cristóbal de las Casas attractions

A historic church with ornate architecture and a clock tower, surrounded by a cobblestone plaza and streetlights.

San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral

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This 18th-century baroque cathedral dazzles with its vibrant yellow and orange façade adorned with intricate stucco details. Visit late afternoon when the setting sun illuminates the gold-leafed altarpieces inside.
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Where to stay in San Cristóbal de las Casas

Find the best San Cristóbal de las Casas areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Cristóbal de las Casas
Learn more about San Cristóbal de las Casas
A historic yellow and red church with arched doorways and a prominent bell tower.

Zona Centro

Unique features of Zona Centro include the museums and gardens. Make a stop by Plaza 31 de Marzo or Mesoamerican Museum of Jade while you're exploring the area.

A crowded street with a prominent church and a staircase leading up to it.

Barrio de Guadalupe

While Barrio de Guadalupe may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Na Bolom Cultural Museum and Santo Domingo Handicraft Market.

A historic yellow building with a red archway and a bell tower.

Barrio de La Merced

While visiting Barrio de La Merced, you might make a stop by sights like Amber Museum of Chiapas and Regional Costume Museum.

A historic church with intricate architecture and a bell tower.

Barrio del Cerrillo

If you're spending some time in Barrio del Cerrillo, Na Bolom Cultural Museum and Ex-Convent of Santo Domingo are top sights worth seeing.

A plaza with colorful flags, a building with a tiled roof, and people walking.

Santa Lucía

If you're spending some time in Santa Lucía, Santo Domingo Handicraft Market and Arches of Carmen are top sights worth seeing.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from San Cristóbal de las Casas

A white church with green accents and a wooden door, surrounded by a plaza with people and a palm tree.

San Juan Chamula

A white church with green accents and a wooden door, surrounded by a plaza with people and a palm tree.

Teopisca

Frequently asked questions

Is San Cristóbal de las Casas worth visiting?
With a blend of nature and festivals, there are plenty of things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas. When you're here, visit San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in San Cristóbal de las Casas?
Na Bolom Cultural Museum and Grutas de San Cristóbal are two excellent places to kick-start your adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and retail options in San Cristóbal de las Casas while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Cristóbal de las Casas?
San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral is one of the top tourist attractions in San Cristóbal de las Casas and deserves a spot on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San Cristóbal de las Casas?
Three days will give you time to tick off popular city sights, such as San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral, Na Bolom Cultural Museum and Grutas de San Cristóbal. The average stay in San Cristóbal de las Casas is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Chiapa de Corzo isn't far away.
Is San Cristóbal de las Casas a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, San Cristóbal de las Casas is a good destination to see on foot. Have fun wandering between San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral and Na Bolom Cultural Museum. Then take a stroll around Zona Centro, located 0.16 kms (0.10 miles) from downtown, and De La Merced, which is roughly 0.80 kms (0.50 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas with kids?
Deciding what to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly attractions to keep them busy here.

What to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas for adults?
There are lots of things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Café Museo Café or Mesoamerican Museum of Jade.
Are there free things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without reaching for your wallet. San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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