San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas
“San Cristóbal de las Casas is magical on so many different levels. The buildings, ambiance, crafts, markets. You could stay for months here and never get bored.
San Cris has been somewhat invaded by a number of different countries expats that are sprucing up the place. Gentrifying.
Lots of different ethnic food now supplement the Mexican restaurant diet. Clothing stores, coffee shops as well as a plethora of other tourist services now proliferate the city.
Us? We prefer to sit in the square facing the cathedral chatting to various kids and vendors, travelers or residents. It is a remarkable gift to the world.”
Dorothy Bell
Name: San Cristóbal de las Casas has had a number names:
- Villa Real de Chiapa 1528
- Villa Viciosa in 1529, Villa de San Cristóbal de los Llanos in 1531,
- Ciudad Real in 1536.
- Ciudad de San Cristóbal in 1829.
- de las Casas” was added in 1848 in honor of Bartolomé de las Casas -the first Bishop of Chiapas and called the “Protector of the Indians”
The Tzotzil and Tzeltal people call the city Jovel, the “Place in the Clouds.”
Location: Located in the center of the southern State of Chiapas in mountainous terrain.
Weather: Subtropical highland climate moderated by altitude. Humid and warm year round. June to September is the rainy season.
January Average Highs 20.3C (68.5F) Lows 4.2C (39.6F)
July Average Highs 22.5C (72.5F) Lows 10.6C (51.1F)
Population: 186,000 City, 159,000 metro
Elevation: 2,200 m (7,200 ft)
Founded: 1528 as Villa Real de Chiapa in by Spanish Diego de Mazariegos
Medical: Major hospitals, specialists, doctors dentists
Money: Banks, ATMs
History:
Today:
Getting there:
From Tuxtla drive East on the 190D. You can also drive the 190 but it is very curvy and narrow.
From Palenque and the Gulf Coast drive Highway 199.
Accommodation
HOTELS
RV PARKS
San Cristobal de las Casas
Tuxtla Gutierrez
La Hacienda Hotel Trailer Park
