San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas
Getty Images
This magical town is named after the patron saint of travel San Cristóbal, so that’s got to be a sign to visit.
This is a unique place in Chiapas because it combines the beauty of colonial and colorful architecture with the lush jungle that surrounds the town.
The jungle brings in a fog that gives the place a mysterious feeling. The carefully preserved collection of buildings that date back to the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries with styles like baroque and neoclassical make the town a museum in itself.
As you walk through the streets of the historical center you get to enjoy balconies adorned with flowers and houses with big patios painted in bright colors, along with architectural gems like the Cathedral of San Cristóbal Mártir or the former Convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, a perfect example of Latin American baroque with deep ornamentation and golden interiors.
Several indigenous communities visit the town to sell handmade crafts, offering a unique shopping opportunity. And you must not leave without tasting the traditional tamales Chiapanecos.
If you’re looking for adventure, only 45 minutes from the town is Sumidero Canyon national park and its stunning Grijalva River views.
Sources: T+L / YouTube
