San Cristobal de las Casas

Before we left Palenque, we watched an interesting documentary (probably from the 60s or 70s) on the indigenous people of Chiapas. Gave us a good insight into their culture and their constant struggle with the PRI governing party of Mexico. Tired of the night buses, we took a day bus to San Cristobal de Las Casas. It is the most curvy road I have every been on in my life, and I was sick to my stomach. It was worth it though, because we arrived into San Cristobal in the early evening. And also because we were able to see much of what we saw in the documentary.


All I can say is WOW. This city is full of life. We stayed one night at Hotel Media Luna, owned by some Italians, and priced at $35-night.


We´ve since then moved to a budget hotel at $20-night. Today we wandered the mercados and then took a combi to a nearby village, San Juan Chamula.



Eric will probably describe in better detail than me, so I´ll let him blog about it in our next post. But we are very happy to be in San Cristobal.

Subcomandante Marcos gave a voice to the poorest of the poor, and perhaps in a unique way, brought tourism to this section of Mexico. While we were in the village of San Juan Chamula, we saw photos of the development going on, which fortunately benefits the local villages.

The city of San Cristobal is lively, the plaza is enjoyed by all, the accommodations fit all budgets, and the shopping in the mercados is endless. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes. Last night I had a craving for pasta (needed a break from Mexican food) so we dined at a restaurant listed in our book. I couldn´t wait to leave though, as soon as the live band started playing Eric Clapton´s ´Tears in Heaven´. The place seemed to cater to the type of tourists that like to be surrounded by other tourists. We eat better at the local cocina economicos, at $1.50 per person.



I would gladly return to San Cristobal in a heartbeat though. Glancing at the news, it looks like we just missed an earthquake too. We´re both fine, stomach wise, and probably a little skinny too from all the walking. We´re just slightly sad knowing that our trip is soon coming to an end.

Tonight we´re going to enjoy a nice dinner and maybe an after-dinner tequila. Tomorrow we hope to travel to Tuxtla Gutierrez to catch a combi to Sumidero Canyon.