There is a town in southern Mexico that is a pleasure to visit and should be included on your travel agenda in Mexico. As with many of the delightful places in Mexico, San Cristóbal has a wealth of natural beauty in its flora, fauna and geography. Here one can see splendid valleys, rivers and mountains including the magnificent Sumidero Canyon. This dramatic canyon is about 10 miles outside of Tuxtla Gutierrez and is best seen from Los Chiapas where the view of the canyon and zigzagging river below is unforgettable.
This is one of the regions where the Mayans flourished during the Classic Period and where today you can visit the incomparable ruins of Palenque, mysteriously rising from the thick surrounding jungle, or Bonampack, with its famous murals, both offering silent testimony to the eloquent customs and religion of the ancient Mayan towns. The complex cultural patterns of the Mayans are seen today in various forms including: marimba music, folk dances, arts and crafts, ceramic designs, embroidery and weaving.

The jewel of Chiapas is San Cristóbal de las Casas, founded in 1528 by Diego Mazareigos. Originally it was called the “Royal City” but the name was later changed to honor Father Bartolome de las Casa whose labor on behalf of the indigenous population is legendary.

Some believe that San Cristóbal is the shining example of colonial architecture in all of Mexico. The town, with its 200,000 people, works to preserve the beauty of this lovely city which proudly displays its narrow cobblestone streets, tile roofs, and Spanish design. The artistry seen in the buildings of San Cristóbal reflect the greatness of many diverse styles: Spanish, Arabic, Italian and French where their baroque and neo classic forms blend into an exceptional symbiosis. The ex-Convent and Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman is a striking example of this blended style. It was started in 1547 by Francisco Marroquin, who was at that time the Archbishop of Guatemala. Over time the church has had several “make overs”. The current façade is one of the most elaborate examples of the heavy Salamanca Baroque style to be found in the whole Continent. Among the many decorative elements one sees eagles, angles, mermaids, symbols, images of Saints, lions, shells, flowers and vegetables… all elaborated in great detail.

When night falls in San Cristóbal the clouds reach down to touch the Earth and the streets are lit by the soft glow of street lamps, yet amid this apparent tranquility the townsfolk live the intense life of a small town that has become cosmopolitan.
This charming town in Chiapas invites the visitor to come discover its charms, both old and new.