Things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas

Top Things to Do in San Cristobal de las Casas

Things to Do in San Cristobal de las Casas


Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Cristobal de las Casas.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in San Cristobal de las Casas

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.

What travellers are saying

  • Juliepcb
    Panama City Beach, FL618 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The pictures do not do justice to this beautiful cathedral. So gorgeous in the late afternoon and evening. The cathedral is now open. They were celebrating a high school graduation one evening and I was able to take a peak inside. Absolutely stunning. Great evening market in front of the cathedral.
    Written 12 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • faith
    Minneapolis, MN4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Self-guided historical view of a couple whose home has become a museum. This couple have contributed to the historical preservation of the Lacandon peoples through a lifetime of acquired language and skills from archeology to photography. Mapping and promoting the culture of the people of Chiapas and Guatemala were their lifelong goals. A lovely 10-20 min walk up the hill where their home (museum) makes for a good vista as well.
    Written 14 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lollygagger08
    Asheville, NC19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We would definitely recommend this to visitors in the area who enjoy nature and flowers. Carlos was our guide and he was fantastic!! He was a well of knowledge! He showed us some much more than we would have ever seen our our own, pointing out tiny orchids and telling us when to smell them or pointing out other interesting features. He was genuinely interested in sharing the natural history with us and easy to listen to. We loved seeing all the beautiful flowers and exploring the winding trails. A peaceful place to spend a few hours!
    Written 27 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sandy S
    Albuquerque, NM1,047 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    With its white scrolls of vines and flowers covering its tan facade, this church is gorgeous without being ostentatious. Also, the craft market flanking it on three sides has the central Mercado de Artesanias y Dulces beat for both quality and prices. However, the interior of the church has been closed since 2017 due to that year's earthquake damage, and a corrugated metal fence blocks the view of the lower part of the exterior.
    Written 29 April 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rowan H
    Cairns, Australia1,355 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    El Arcotete is a park located 5.5kms outside of the centre of San Cristobol.

    This park has numerous offerings namely - large green spaces, various hikes/walks, a boat ride and zip lining. However, its most famous offering is a small cave system (Follow the sign labeled ‘grutas’) in which one can self explore.

    Logistically you can get here and back via collectivo from town. Look for the collectivo with the name ‘El Arcotete’ on it - you may have to wait half an hour to an hour for this. They are not common. The collectivo drops you off right in the park. Alternatively you can get a taxi for 100 peso one way. It costs 10 peso to get into the park and a further 15 peso if you want to go into the caves. There are also other costs for the other activities listed above but I cannot recall them with confidence.

    The park has bathroom facilities as well as a couple of restaurants selling basic food and drink.

    The big ticket item here is the caves. They are cool to visit and you can self guide.

    Overall a visit takes around 2 hours and so with travel time this is a half day activity.

    It is offered a tour from San cristobol but I cannot see any reason why it cannot be done independently.

    In terms of negatives what I felt this place was really lacking was a mud map which outlined where the hikes all went to. Because this wasn’t clear (Minimal signage and just random bits of tape leading in various directions) we didn’t do them but this felt like a missed opportunity.
    Written 31 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dominic A
    Vancouver Island, Canada6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Was very pleased with my experience.
    An important immersion into sensitive subjects.
    Staff was informative and friendly.
    The proceeds go to the indigenous community.
    The building and grounds were very beautiful and well kept. It is clear that alot of love gets put into this place.
    A very touching experience.
    Written 11 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • lkoneillmx
    San Jose del Cabo, Mexico156 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We really loved this experience. So many beautiful textiles to see. During our visit they also had an amazing installation of marionettes and puppets on the lower level.

    Also, the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán next to the museum is probably the most beautiful (IMO) of all of the churches and cathedrals in San Cristobol de las Casas.

    A must see! But, be forewarned, this place is not easy to find! The tourist map and google maps took us pretty far off off the beaten path. We gave up and accidentally found it on our way back to the city center. The whole property is encompassed by artisan and curio tents. It's hard to find an access point. But, don't give up! It's worth the adventure!
    Written 4 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ian K
    Edmonton, Canada878 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited Grutas de Rancho yesterday. The grounds are absolutely beautiful, quiet, green, the pines are gorgeous. We had a light lunch at the restaurant, great quesadillas. Then we toured the caves, they were exceptional.

    A great place to visit when you are in the region.
    Written 15 August 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sofiap08
    6 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really small museum full of history and ámbar exhibition. Is good for an hour activity and learn a little about ámbar origins and uses.
    Written 25 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JOSE S
    Laredo, TX56 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent Town we have something different to see every day is a 10 block area and we were there for 8 days. one point, If you decided to go in the Cathedrals or Churches remember something, this town and surrounding ones are heavy indigenous people and they have very tight laws for entering a church and they will fine you from 1000 mx pesos to what ever they want. just because you used sun glasses for example and NO pictures inside. they also believe that if you take a picture of them or their kids is bad SO ASK PERMISSION BEFORE TAKING PICS OF THEM! so you do not get in trouble. but other than that is a wonderful esperience. ENJOY
    Written 17 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sandy S
    Albuquerque, NM1,047 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not only does this private museum instruct the viewer (in Spanish only, by the way) in the different varieties of jade, by detailing this precious stone's uses in Mesoamerica, it also offers a window into pre-Columbian cultures, from before the Olmecs on. except for one piece in its own special case, all the "artifacts" are copies.
    Written 29 April 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Juliepcb
    Panama City Beach, FL618 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Inglesia de Guadalupe is a must see when visiting san cristobal. The inside is abolutely crazy and gorgeous. I just loved visiting. You can take a taxi to the top and walk back down if you do not feel like taking the stairs.
    Written 12 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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