San Cristobal de las Casas

Perched high in the central valleys of southern Mexico, the city of San Cristobal de las Casas sits nestled in its own secluded enclave of verdant hills and pine forests, encompassed by Chiapas grazing land and countless tribal villages of Mayan descent.

This remarkably well-preserved 16th-century Spanish colonial town is best explored on foot, with its cobbled alleys and colourful buildings conveniently converging on the Zocalo. Ask your San Cristobal de las Casas tour guide to point out all the major ‘must sees’ interspersed among these —from the glorious face of the Catedral and the weathered Church of Santo Domingo, to the former home of iconic anthropologist, Gertrude Blom or the botanical garden of Moxviquil . Museums, artisan markets and shops abound too, enthusiastically educating the steady stream of visitors about the rich culture and customs of this region. And once you have familiarised yourself, then why not head out to case the earthy Mayan town steads of places like Zinacantan and Chamula, or the fascinating murals at Oventic.