San Cristóbal de Las Casas

San Cristóbal de las Casas, previously known, as Cuidad Real was the old colonial capital of Chiapas 400 years ago. Today, this beautiful, town perched 7,000ft high (2,100m) on the Chiapan hills is a hive of activity with it colourful markets attracting indigenous farmers from surrounding villages to sell their artisans, textiles, fruit and vegetables and flowers. Narrow cobbled streets wind past ancient porticoed buildings with tall barred windows and tiled roofs, and old Spanish churches are found around every corner.
After the Zapatista rebellion in 1994 San Cristóbal de las Casas became a favorite place for tourists and travelers to visit. There is a real sense of freedom in the air of this wonderful multicultural city. In the main square, in front of the cathedral jugglers throw fire sticks, travellers play their drums, the sound of the Marimba echoes in the background, indigenous people sell their brightly coloured carpets while the ever lingering smell of hot corn on the cob rises in the cold mountain air.

Attractions

Na Bolom (House of the jaguar)

Beautiful old colonial house with 3 magical organic gardens, Na Bolom, was once home to famous Dutch archaeologist Franz Blom and his Swiss photographer wife Trudy Blom. The Bloms were great explorers and were some of the first outsiders to come into contact with the Lacandon Indians hidden in the midsts of the dense Lacandon rain forest of Chiapas . The Lacandones are the only people who managed to escape Spanish colonization. They lived so far into the dense jungle that the Spaniards could not penetrate such dense vegetation and never found them.

Frans and Trudy established very close friendships with the Lacandones and decided to make their large colonial house a museum and research centre dedicated to informing people about the Lacandones while at the same time making it a place where Lacandones themselves can stay when they come into the city to sell their artisans etc. Today Na Bolom is a museum, hotel, restaurant, research centre and library. You can stay in the old colonial house, each room has it's own fireplace and small library and you can eat at the large banquet table often shared with a Lacandon family.

Cathedral of San Cristóbal

Construction of the cathedral, located on one side of the main town plaza, was begun in 1528. It has undergone many restorations over the years; the present façade, with tiles, columns and statuary, dates from the early 1700´s . Of note is the Chapel of the Virgin of Guadalupe, paintings of Saint Peter and Mary Magdalene and the Last Supper, and the main altarpiece with paintings of the Passion of Christ, dedications to the Three Kings, a Guatemalan crucifix and a number of fine statues and other elaborate works of art. Dominican father Bartolomé de las Casas, a great defender of the Indians, served in this place of worship as its first bishop.

Church of San Francisco

Located on Calle Libertad near the center of town, the Church of San Francisco once was part of a Franciscan Monastery. With a simple façade and roof of tiles and wooden beams, this church holds a fabulous collection of colonial art.

Church and Ex- Convent of Santo Domingo

An elaborate baroque structure built on the site of the original adobe church that dates from 1547. Its glowing, pinkish façade and ornamentation, the golden carvings and paintings in its interior, make it San Cristóbal 's most fascinating and beautiful church. The Ex-Convent of Santo Domingo now houses an excellent museum of Mayan culture, and close by are stalls where the local indigenous sell their handcrafts and other wares.

 

 

Ámbar Museum

The richness of amber can be beautifully appreciated at the Amber Museum located on Diego de Mazariegos and 12 de Septiembre streets, in the Ex-Convent of the Iglesia de la Merced. Open Tuesday through Sunday 10am - 2pm and 4 - 7pm . Closed Mondays.

The amber beds of Chiapas are the third most important in the world along with those of the Baltic Sea and the Dominican Republic . The most common colour of amber is a clear yellow, although amber can range from deep red to green and blue. The Amber Museum of San Cristobal offers guided tours, a cafeteria, gift shop selling amber, postcards and books, amber workshops and studios and a conference room.

Jade Museum

Virtually in front of the main square the Jade Museum hosts a collection of exquisite jade jellewery made on the premises. Here you can go down into the tomb of king Pakal (the best replica of the famous tomb of Palenque) and see the finest copy of the magnificent jade mask which king Pakal was found wearing when he was discovered in the Tomb of the Inscriptions in Palenque in 1952.

Day Trips from San Cristóbal de las Casas

While staying in San Cristóbal de las Casas there are many magical places you can visit just a short drive away. Perhaps the most famous of these places are the Tzotzil villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. You may visit these two villages in the same morning. Although both villages are Totzil Indian villages they are extremely different in character. Chamula is famous for it's church where the locals practice a unique religion; a combination of the old Maya religion with elements of Catholicism and some rituals, which have a very Paganesque feel to them. It is a fascinating place to visit and unlike anywhere else on earth.

Zinacantán is much more traditionally Catholic. This village is dedicated to the cultivation of flowers. As flowers are their source of income the local women wear traditional Huipiles (blouses), which they decorate by hand with brightly coloured embroidery depicting the flowers they grow. Here you can visit a local house where you can see them making their artisans.

Other villages that you may like to visit from San Cristóbal are the Tzeltal villages of Tenejapa (famous for its weaving), Amatenango, Aguacatenango and Teopisca (Pottery and ceramic village).

Other trips you can do from San Cristóbal in a day may be a visit to the Sumidero Canyon ;one kilometre deep canyon with frequent boat trips along the 100 m deep river, once the stage to a spectacular battle between the Spanish and Chiapanecan Indians. The vegetation here is rich due to the high humidity of the area and the fertile soil. During a boat trip it is possible to observe an abundance of bird life such as Snowy Egrets, Herons, Neo- Tropical Cormorants, King Fishers, Black Hawks and if you are lucky the odd Osprey or two. It is also possible to see Howler Monkeys and Green Iguanas.

In the opposite direction are Los Lagos de Montebello famous for their incredible colours ranging from turquoise to emerald green, there are said to be over 52 lakes or lagoons in this area. Originally formed by ancient cenotes (underground limestone pools) these lakes make an excellent day trip from San Cristóbal . You can take a picnic or eat in a local restaurant overlooking the largest lake in the area. You can also do a horse ride passing through the forest on the shores edge.

In the same vicinity is the enormous waterfall known as El Chiflón meaning the whistling one. This awe-inspiring waterfall of 120m comes crashing down out of the nearby mountains. Here you can swim in the numerous turquoise water pools, picnic, or BBQ or eat at a local restaurant. From El Chiflon it is only hours drive to the nearby colonial city of Comitán de Dominguez a quiet but attractive colonial town, which is interesting to make a quick stop at if passing through.

Tuxtla Gutiérrez and Chiapa de Corzo

Capital of Chiapas , Tuxtla Gutierrez is a bustling, modern, metropolis which hosts the closest airport to San Cristóbal de las Casas (although in the coming year San Cristóbal will have it's own international airport). Tuxtla is not a postcard image at all, however it is a great example of a modern Mexican city and has a low crime rate. The Parque de Marimba is a great place to visit in the evenings from 7pm. This park has live marimba music every night and locals go to meet up with friends and dance.

Close to Tuxtla, just a 20 min drive is the more attractive old colonial town of Chiapa de Corzo . This was the first town established by the Spaniards when they conquered Chiapas but they did not stay too long due to the high humidity and intense sun. Chiapa de Corzo today is a sleepy, Mexican town with a small local market and a tradition for serving the famous maize drink called Pozol. Chiapa de Corzo is also the main exit for the Sumidero Canyon .

Our Speciality
La Selva Lacandon (The Lacandon Rain Forest )

There are three main communities in the Lacandon forest; Metzabók, Najá and Lacanjá. Metzabók is the smallest of the Lacandon communities and the least visited. Here you can visit any one of the three lagoons exploring them in Kayak. Other activities include rock climbing, exploring the caves, jungle walks and of course learning how the local Lacandones live. Najá is the second smallest of the communities which also has a picturesque lagoon which you can cross in Kayak arriving at the houses of some of the elders of the community. Here you can visit with a family, hear stories of the forest and pick oranges in their natural orchards. Lacanjá is the most visited of the communities. Here there is an eco-tourist centre run by a company called Explora. Explora specialise in white water rafting trips, horse riding, climbing and other adventure activities.

If you would like to take part in any of these activities we can help arrange them. If you are looking for a more relaxing experience, however Na Bolom offers the opportunity for you to stay with a local family, eat with them and hear their myths and stories. You can visit the river Lacanjá where you can swim or explore in Kayak. Visiting the Lacandon rain forest with Na Bolom is something you will never forget. No tour agency can offer you the history, friendship and confidence that Na Boom has built up with the local people.

A Bit Further Away

Toniná small archaeological site close to the town of Ocosingo . Here is the temple of the 4 suns and a wonderful view of the valley. A couple of hours are sufficient to visit this small site.

Agua Azul Awe inspiring, thundering turquoise cascades in a beautiful tropical forest setting. Here you can swim in designated areas although the water is a little chilly! Great place to have lunch on the way to Palenque .

Misol Há An hour's drive from Agua Azul. 90ft high waterfall in a Chol Indian community.

Palenque Most famous of all Maya archaeological sites in Chiapas, Palenque was built at the height of the Classic period becoming one of the most important kingdoms of the Maya between 600-800AD. Here you can see the mysterious Temple of the Inscriptions where the body of King Pakal was discovered in 1952 buried with over 900 jewels including a magnificent jade mask, which he was still wearing. Palenque is one of the most beautiful of all Maya sites, cradled in the middle of dense tropical forest it is home to the howler monkey, many birds and the most spectacular butterflies such as the enormous Turquoise Blue Morpho.

Yaxchilan Enchanting ruins located on the banks of the Usamacinta river separating Mexico from Guatemala . To get to the ruins you must take a 40min. canoe trip (with outboard motor) up the tuberous river. Along the riverbanks you will see an abundance of wildlife. Suddenly out of nowhere appears a

landing point and if you are quick you get a glimpse through the trees of the land of "green stones", Yaxchilan. Completely isolated from the whir of civilization this is one of the few places where you will be totally alone, just you and the buzz of the tropical jungle. Climbing to the highest, excavated building you can see across the river to Guatemala . In the main plaza you will be awe struck by the majestic splendor of the sacred Ceiba trees reaching over 30m high above the canopy. A magical place which should not be missed.

Bonampak Famous for its spectacularly preserved paintings inside three main buildings. These paintings depict different moments in the history of the people who lived here and suggest a strong connection between Bonampak (meaning "painted walls") and it's neighboring city Yaxchilan, a relationship which was at times was of allies and other times foes. These ruins were not discovered until 1940 when American explorers were said to have been taken to them by a local Lacandon Indian.

Hiking and Wildlife Tours

Jaltenango

Small non - descript Mexican town at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains . Main source of income is coffee farming. Meeting place for groups who go up to El Triunfo - Biological Research Station in the Cloud Forest. Arrive here early evening, meal at local house and early night to rest for the all day hike the next day.

El Triunfo Reserva Biosfera.

Biological Reserve. Cloud forest, transitory forest of pine and tropical rainforest. One of the best places in the country to observe the Quetzal and Black Guan. Many scientists and students visit here to study the activity of the Quetzal. Magnificent, mystical land, far away from the hustle and bustle of civilisation. The perfect place for those who love wildlife, bird life and walking.

El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve is run by Ecobiosfera which is a non governmental organisation dedicated to the protection of the Chiapas cloud forest and the Quetzal (often known as the Resplendent Quetzal, this is the national bird of Guatemala . It   is a large bird with iridescent emerald plumage and a long tail used by governors and kings of the ancient world). To visit El Triunfo you must be accostomed to walking. The only way to get to the base camp is a 4 hour hike and the descent is a 7-hour hike. Excellent place for bird watching. A specialist ecologist/guide will accompany you the entire trip and will explain everything from the bird life, brightly coloured fungi, flora and fauna. There are mules and porters to help with your luggage and a cook who accompanies you and will prepare all food on a traditional log stove. The camp is dormitory style with bunk beds and solar powered hot water.

La Encrucijada

National Park on the pacific coast. To get to La Encrucijada you must take a boat trip through red mangroves where you can observe many water bird species, caimen and if you are lucky the crab eating raccoon. Once through the mangrove the waters open out onto the Pacific Ocean . Here there are many small islands where the local people survive from fishing. There is a small biological research station where herpetologists come to study the marine turtles such as the green turtle that come to the beach to lay their eggs during the months of June and July. Here we offer a day´s boat trip including a visit to the turtle station. You can swim in the Pacific Ocean and relax in a hammock plus visit the local island communities.

Los Lagos de Colón

Great place to picnic, the lakes of Colón is a real local's hang out. At weekends these lakes, ideal for swimming, are bursting with local Mexican families who want to escape the turmoil of the cities. If you walk to the furthest of the lakes there is a set of small cascades, which if you sit under is like being in a natural spa.

Ruins of Chinkultic and Tenam Puente

Both small archaeological sites. Possible to visit in the same morning. Interesting and relaxing places to stop off on the way to Los Lagos de Montebello, Tzimol or Comitán de Dominguez.

Tzimol

Very small, non-tourist, rural village just a twenty minute drive from Comitán de Dominguez. This small town is dedicated to the making of a toffee like sweet called Panela, made from sugar cane. Here you can visit a house where they make Panela observing the whole process from how they chop the sugar cane to actually tasting the final product. In the dry season it is possible to do an all day hike along the crystal clear river until you eventually come out at the magnificent falls of El Chiflón . This walk however does involve some scrambling and is not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo or are not good hikers.