San Cristobal de las Casas City Guide

Strong traditional Chiapas food like sopa de pan and tamales. Good mix of international and vegetarian options. Some late-night street food and restaurants.

Relaxed nightlife with bars, pubs, and live music mainly around Real de Guadalupe and central plaza. No big clubs.

Great coffee scene with many specialty cafes and local roasters.

Tipping is customary in restaurants and some services. Usually 10-15% in dining and small tips in other cases.

Buy local SIMs at Telcel, AT&T, or Movistar stores. Telcel has best coverage. Registration needs ID or passport.

Main tourist areas are clean but some neighborhoods vary. Basic waste management in place.

Limited 24/7 services. Convenience stores open all night, but pharmacies and clinics close earlier.

Supermarkets like Chedraui and Soriana have international products but limited variety. Fresh local produce is best at municipal and neighborhood markets. Markets often close Sundays and holidays.

Card payments work in hotels, big restaurants, and supermarkets. Smaller shops and markets usually require cash.

ATMs are common near the central plaza and major streets. Use machines inside banks for better security. Expect local withdrawal fees and possible foreign bank fees.

Local public and private schools available. Some private schools offer bilingual or international curriculum but choices are limited.

A growing nomad community with meetups, cafes, and coworking spaces.

Good access to parks and nature trails within and near the city.

Good running routes in town streets and nearby hills; generally safe.

Several gyms are available, including municipal and larger chain options.

Courts mainly at private clubs and sports centers.

Available at some private facilities; booking required.

Several yoga studios with English-speaking instructors and drop-in classes.

Dojo options include Taekwondo, Karate, and some boxing; English instruction varies.

No skiing, tropical climate.

Limited; possible kayaking in Sumidero Canyon an hour away.

No surfing; mountain inland city.

No diving opportunities here.

Several hospitals and clinics exist, with some private ones offering English-speaking staff. Pharmacies are widespread with some having doctors on-site. Quality is fair.

Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled or filtered water.

Several parks and playgrounds suit kids. Attractions like Amber Museum are family-friendly. Walkable city areas make outings easier.

Generally safe and welcoming with a more progressive vibe than other regional cities.

Pet-friendly city with suitable parks, pet-welcoming places, and vet services.