Sights and landmarks in San Cristóbal de las Casas

Sights and landmarks in San Cristóbal de las Casas

1. See

   Museo Mesoamericano del Jade

   La Casa del Jade

   This small museum displays ancient jade artifacts and jewelry, and sells high-quality contemporary pieces.

   Mon-Sat 12:00-20:00·M$30 (adults), M$15 (students)

2. See

   Museo Na Bolom

   The former home of Swiss anthropologist/photographer Gertrudis Duby Blom, the wife of Danish archeologist Frans Blom, continues to be an inn and museum managed by her supporters and associates. The museum also includes an extensive library of research on the Maya.

   Tue-Sun 09:00-20:00·M$45 adults, M$25 concessions

3. See

   Museo de la Medicina Maya

   Maya Medicine Museum

   Not to be missed, this museum is operated by a collective of indigenous healers and herbalists. Information is available in English and Spanish and there are also healers on site to treat whatever ailment you may suffer.

   Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat Sun 10:00-16:00·M$25

4. See

   Museo de los Altos de Chiapas

   Exconvento Santo Domingo de Guzmán

   Housed in the former convent, this museum displays artifacts illustrating the history of Chiapas and the region. On the first floor is the Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya, also known as the Francesco Pellizzi Collection, a remarkable collection of historic and contemporary Mayan textiles from Chiapas and Guatemala.

   Tue-Sun 09:00-18:00·Free of charge

5. See

   Museo del Ámbar

   Amber Museum

   Housed in a former convent, this small museum displays more than 300 specimens of amber, and also offers some beautiful pieces for sale. This is a good place to visit if you intend to purchase amber in Chiapas, as staff can explain how to identify real vs. fake amber: real amber is always warm to the touch, and emits a faint resin smell when rubbed.

   Tue-Sun 10:00-14:00, 16:00-19:30·M$20

6. See

   Orquídeas Moxviquil

   Established in 1994, this garden grows orchids and other plants rescued from nearby areas undergoing deforestation, and is dedicated to preserving and displaying all varieties of orchids native to the state of Chiapas. Nearby, on property owned by the gardens, is the unexcavated Mayan site of Moxviquil. All that remains of the structures are the foundations, which can be reached via a short hiking trail beginning from the garden area The trail pass through the forest where squirrels, butterfly and native plants can be seen. The gardens are best visited in the spring beginning in April, when most of the orchids are in bloom.

   Mon-Sat 09:00-17:00, Sun 10:00-16:00·M$50 (gardens only / hiking trai only), M$90 (gardens + archaeological site-hiking trail )

7. See

   Templo de Guadalupe

   Cerro de Guadalupe

   Situated up a long flight of stairs on a hill to the east of town, this church is not especially noteworthy but does offer good views of the town. This area is not safe after dark, and even during the day solo women may be harassed.

8. See

   Templo de San Cristóbalito

   Cerro de San Cristóbal

   Located on a hill to the just southwest of the town center, this church offers good views of the town below. This area is also not safe after dark.

9. See

   Templo de Santo Domingo Guzmán

   Built in the mid-16th century, this is the most notable of San Cristóbal's many churches. The Baroque façade is a mix of Oaxacan and Guatemalan styles, and the ornate interior is richly gilded. The interior is especially beautiful in the evening with candlelight.

   Daily·Free

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to San Cristóbal de las Casas (CC BY-SA 4.0).