If you want to experience Mexican culture at it’s best you can’t miss this gem.
Starting at Yucatan at 60 m, it took us a 16-hour bus ride to reach San Cristóbal, which is situated at an altitude of 2,200m. During the trip the scenery and climate changed from palm trees and thick humid and tropical air to the mountainous, rugged hills of the Chiapas state with it’s cool air and high pine trees. As soon as we arrive I can feel the ride was worth it. As I breathe in the fresh mountain air I feel immediately energised.
Indulge yourself in San Cristóbal’s rich coffee culture. Start off your day with a good cup of coffee at Carajillo. Continue with an afternoon of shopping on the local markets, where you can find hand-made Mexican products. In San Cristóbal the days are warm and the nights are cold. So when the sun starts to set, light up your fireplace, open a bottle of red wine and order a spicy tortilla.Fill your days walking around town, visiting the Guadalupe church or the San Cristóbal Church, where you can enjoy amazing views over the city below and the surrounding mountains. Once I made it up the steep stairs I enjoyed the serenity and peace at these viewpoints before slowly venturing back to the maze of streets and speeding cars
Where to sleep?
Hotel Villas Casa Morada
This traditional boutique hotel makes you feel right at home. The rooms are spacious and some even have their own kitchen. At night you can light up the fireplace and nestle yourself in front of it with a glass of red wine. All 10 rooms are decorated with influences of Chiapas crafts. In the middle there’s a private garden filled with plums and fruit trees where you can enjoy the sun. The super friendly staff is there 24/7 to help you out with anything you need and a delicious breakfast is served every morning in the restaurant.
Casa Lum
This stylish 8-room boutique hotel is right in the middle of center.
Where to eat?
Carajillo
If you want to have the best coffee in town, then you must go to Carajillo. Their coffee comes from a local coffee farmer and they are specialized in slow coffee. They even offer tours around the coffee plantations with guidance and explanation from a micro coffee farmer from the highlands of Chiapas.
Asiarico 7
For the best sushi in town go to Asiarico 7. The small setup (there’s room for eight people sitting at the bar) is inviting and gives the place a personal touch. While you’re waiting you can see the chef prepare your dishes. Tip: try a Maguli, a traditional cocktail from Korea.
Kukulpan
At Kukulpan you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian lunch. They have the best local ingredients and most of the food is homemade. Kukulpan has a sunny terrace and it’s on a quiet street just a few blocks from the main street. They have a vegetarian workshop as well as creative workshops from local artists.
Te Quiero Verde
This vegan restaurant offers a variety of vegan dishes from salads, to tacos to burgers and pasta’s. Definitely try one of the healthy and super tasty smoothies. The place is built with recycled wood and glass. Signature for this place; real Belgian fries!
Bangcook
A great spot set in San Cristobal’s lively food court. Bangcook serves traditional delicious Thai dishes like pad-thai and curries. It’s a change from the Mexican dishes but don’t be fooled into thinking you’re having a night off from chili however – they like spices at Bancook. The dishes are paired with good wines and make sure to keep some room for a dessert! Vegan and vegetarian options are available.
BRASA
This is your best choice to start of a Friday night in style. Brasa is also part of San Cristobal’s food court, which is especially hot and happening in the weekends. The fine menu has a wide range of Mexican food and a variety of fish, meat and vegetarian dishes. Definitely order a G&T. A car full of ingredients and different gins is rolled to your table so you can mix and match your favorite cocktail.
