Chiapas, San Cristobal and Palenque: Walking tour of San Cristobal de las Casas

Walking tour of San Cristobal de las Casas

At the epicentre of a richly indigenous area still deeply in touch with its Mayan roots, the charming highland town of San Cristóbal de las Casas lies swaddled in the blue and green hues of the Chiapas mountains.

The town has been the stage for dramatic and diverse historical events right up to recent times, when it was a stronghold for the Zapatista movement of the 90s which campaigned for land rights for indigenous peoples. You'll learn about the town's past and present on a leisurely walking tour of its pretty, atmospheric streets, bustling with handicraft stalls and galleries.

After visiting the beautiful plazas and baroque churches of San Cristóbal, continue to the Indian village of San Juan Chamula, notable for its traditional local costume and intriguing religious practices involving fizzy drinks (burping is believed to rid the body of evil spirits). Finally, visit rural Zinacantán, home to an almost exclusively Tzotzil community.

View all holidays

Signature Mexico: Cultural heartlands to Caribbean coast

Private journey

14 days from £2,298pp

View all things to do nearby

Visit remote Mayan ruins

Visit Palenque, ruined Mayan city

Swim in the Agua Azul waterfalls

What our clients say

97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour rating: Excellent

The church in San Juan Chamula was a major highlight

DW, Stone | December 2017 | 65 and over | With Partner

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour rating: Excellent

One of the highlights of our tour was to mingle with the indigenous community.

JD, Porthcawl | February 2017 | 65 and over

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour rating: Excellent

Knowledgeable and interesting guide who went out of his way to answer our many questions and to show us real life in the villages.

DS, Paisley | December 2016 | 65 and over | With Partner

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour rating: Excellent

Wonderful churches!

FA Edinburgh | November 2014 | 50 - 65 | With Friends

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour rating: Excellent

"San Cristobal is a lovely town - lots of beautiful buildings."

RL, Belper | January 0001

Tailor-made holiday

Speak to an expert Travel Consultant or send us your enquiry today.

Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for over 37 years.
We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.

Design my trip

03098589426

97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

Articles you may like

Browse our inspiration area of the site. It's packed with insider travel tips, Top5s, competitions, events, recipes and holiday ideas for Central and South America sure to whet your travel appetite.

Q&A: Konrad Mludzinski and Dom Billin...

Konrad Mludzinski and Dom Billins at Palenque

Day of the Dead Delicacies

Top Waterfalls Featured in Movies

Mexico: a beginner's guide

More inspiration

Chiapas, San Cristobal and Palenque: Walking tour of San Cristobal de las Casas

Visit Us

Walking tour of San Cristobal de las Casas

Our holidays including Walking tour of San Cristobal de las Casas

Signature Mexico: Cultural heartlands to Caribbean coast