What to do in San Juan Chamula

Activities, attractions and tours

Old church
Old church
A very unique place close to San Cristóbal de las Casas. The reason to go is the church. The religion of the people of Chamula is a very special mix between Mayan religions and Christianity. When you enter the church you find yourself in another world. There are no benches, the floor is covered in pine needles and there are thousands of candles on the floor. Shamans murmur spells, there are chicken sacrifices and the whole atmosphere is a bit surreal. (Btw photography is prohibited)
// Made the trip to Chamula to visit an infamous temple (?)/ former church that is home to the indigenous people of the area. Their customs are familiar yet so original, it was an honour to be allowed inside their place of worship to observe. \\ This was a very different experience which we’ll be explaining in detail on the blog. Just know it involves vast quantities of Coca-Cola , pine needles and some chickens. // No photography is allowed inside, which we respectfully adhered to. So my colourful play by play will have to suffice.
Yes, it's México.....but it's another world!

San Juan Chamula Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that San Juan Chamula has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to San Juan Chamula, 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 Juan Chamula 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 Juan Chamula

San Juan Chamula is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in San Juan Chamula, and make it a breeze to explore San Juan Chamula 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 Juan Chamula 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 Juan Chamula, 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 Juan Chamula.

San Juan Chamula attractions

San Juan Chamula 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 Juan Chamula 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 Juan Chamula.

Looking for things to do in San Juan Chamula 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 Juan Chamula or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to San Juan Chamula attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Top places to visit

1. Canon del Sumidero National Park

Tour Cañon del Sumidero National Park (Parque Nacional Cañon del Sumidero) and be enthralled by the wonders of nature. Cañon del Sumidero National Park is the result of geological cracks in the Earth’s core that commenced millions of years ago. It features a narrow gorge and a deep canyon with huge walls draped in fertile vegetation and inhabited by colorful wildlife.
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Canon del Sumidero National Park showing a river or creek and a gorge or canyon

2. 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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San Cristobal de las Casas Cathedral showing heritage architecture and night scenes

3. 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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Handicrafts Market which includes markets and interior views

4. 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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Mesoamerican Museum of Jade

5. 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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Templo de Santo Domingo which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

6. Miguel Alvarez del Toro Zoo

Discover the fascinating wildlife of the state of Chiapas at the Miguél Álvarez del Toro Zoo (Zoológico Miguél Álvarez del Toro). Spot everything from big cats to birds, monkey and snakes in re-creations of their natural habitats. ZooMAT, as it is known by many locals, opened in 1942 and is named in honor of an acclaimed Mexican biologist and nature author. It stands in a 343-acre (139-hectare) reserve and focuses solely on regional animals.
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Miguel Alvarez del Toro Zoo featuring cuddly or friendly animals and zoo animals

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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Plaza 31 de Marzo featuring heritage elements and a church or cathedral as well as a small group of people

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Recommended things to do in San Juan Chamula

Number of things to do
80
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán Indigenous Communities: £15
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in San Juan Chamula

 

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Day trip destinations from San Juan Chamula

San Cristobal de las Casas Cathedral showing night scenes and heritage architecture

San Cristóbal de las Casas

Frequently asked questions

Is San Juan Chamula worth visiting?
Renowned for its festivals and culture, discovering fun things to do in San Juan Chamula is easy. Make sure to add San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in San Juan Chamula?
Begin your day with a visit to Na Bolom Cultural Museum and Grutas de San Cristóbal. Then, check out different parts of San Juan Chamula for tasty eats and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Juan Chamula?
The top tourist attraction in San Juan Chamula is San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in San Juan Chamula?
Three days will be enough time to check out some popular city highlights, including San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral, Na Bolom Cultural Museum and Grutas de San Cristóbal. The average stay in San Juan Chamula is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Tuxtla Gutierrez isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in San Juan Chamula with kids?
Planning what to do in San Juan Chamula with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly attractions to keep them busy here.

What to do in San Juan Chamula for adults?
There are loads of things to do in San Juan Chamula, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Café Museo Café or Mesoamerican Museum of Jade.
Are there free things to do in San Juan Chamula?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in San Juan Chamula. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. San Cristóbal de las Casas Cathedral is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing activities.