Cultural Exploration in San Cristobal de las Casas

Ascending to New Heights in San Cristobal

Today was a day of reaching new heights, both literally and figuratively, as Lena and I continued our exploration of San Cristobal de las Casas. From visiting a mountaintop church to savoring the local cuisine, it was a day filled with enriching experiences. It's hard to believe that our time here is drawing to a close, but we're determined to make the most of every moment.

Our morning began with a hearty breakfast at Chef Claudia Sántiz. I’d heard amazing things about her innovative approach to traditional Chiapas cuisine. The restaurant was cozy and inviting , and the staff greeted us with warm smiles. I decided to try the *sopa de chipilin*, a local favorite, while Lena opted for the *cafe de olla* and some delicious tamales.

Sometimes, the best views come after the hardest climbs.

Fueled up, we set out to conquer the Iglesia de San Cristóbalito. The church sits atop a hill, and the climb up the steps was no joke! I definitely felt the altitude, reminding me of those hikes back in Costa Rica. Lena, ever the supportive wife, kept me motivated with her cheerful banter. The views from the top were absolutely worth it. San Cristobal stretched out before us, a vibrant tapestry of colorful buildings nestled in the valley. The church itself, also known as El Cerrito, had a certain rustic charm, a testament to the enduring faith of the community. I learned that the church was built in the late 18th century by Friar Juan de Ordoñez. Every year on July 25th, the hill comes alive with celebrations honoring the city’s patron saint.


Discover the charm and spiritual beauty of Iglesia de San Cristóbalito, a captivating Catholic church in the heart of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas.

After descending from the heights of San Cristóbalito, we decided to immerse ourselves in a bit of local history and culture at La Enseñanza, Casa de la Ciudad. This building has quite the story! It was constructed in the late 19th century and served as a school for girls for many years. In fact, it housed several educational institutions, including a primary school, a boarding school, and even a night school for workers. It’s now a cultural center, hosting art exhibitions, workshops, and various artistic activities. We wandered through the halls, admiring the architecture and soaking in the creative atmosphere. It was fascinating to learn about the building's past and its contribution to the city's educational landscape.


Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of San Cristóbal de las Casas at La Enseñanza, Casa de la Ciudad, a must-visit museum.

For lunch, we ventured to LA PEREGRINA COCINA YUCATECA, drawn in by the promise of authentic Yucatecan cuisine. Lena and I shared some empanadas and tostadas. The flavors were a delightful explosion in my mouth, a testament to the region's unique culinary heritage. It was a welcome change from the Chiapas cuisine we had been enjoying, and it reminded me of the diverse culinary landscape of Mexico. I made a mental note to try and recreate some of these dishes back in Berlin.


Discover the best of Yucatecan cuisine at La Peregrina Cocina Yucateca - where tradition meets flavor in every bite.

As the day wound down, we found ourselves drawn to Bangcook Tailandés, a Thai restaurant that seemed a bit out of place in San Cristobal. However, our curiosity got the better of us, and we decided to give it a try. I was intrigued by the idea of Thai food in the heart of Mexico. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere , and the menu was filled with familiar Thai dishes. We ordered some pad thai and green curry, and I have to say, it was surprisingly good. The flavors were authentic, and it was a pleasant reminder of our travels in Southeast Asia. It just goes to show that you can find unexpected culinary gems in the most unlikely places.


Discover authentic Thai cuisine at Bangcook Tailandés in San Cristóbal de las Casas—where every bite transports you to Thailand.

To cap off the evening, we decided to check out Pipiripau, a bar known for its lively atmosphere. The bar was buzzing with energy, and the music was infectious. I ordered a local craft beer, while Lena opted for a *triton* , and we soaked in the vibrant nightlife of San Cristobal. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring. I even struck up a conversation with a local artist, exchanging stories and insights about our respective cultures. It’s moments like these that make traveling so rewarding.


Discover the lively atmosphere of Pipiripau, a vibrant bar in San Cristóbal de las Casas offering craft cocktails and a taste of local nightlife.

Tomorrow marks the last day of our trip, and we plan to make the most of it. We’ll be visiting the Museo de San Cristóbal MUSAC - Palacio de Gobierno and taking a free walking tour to delve deeper into the city’s history. For breakfast, we’re thinking of trying Restaurante Las Pichanchas, and for lunch, Masala Raff sounds intriguing. We’ll end the day with dinner at La Viña de Bacco and perhaps do some last-minute souvenir shopping at Boutique El Camino de los Altos.

As I reflect on today’s adventures, I’m filled with a sense of gratitude for the experiences we’ve had. San Cristobal de las Casas has truly captured our hearts, and I know we’ll be back someday. Until then, we’ll carry the memories of this vibrant city with us, sharing its beauty and culture with the world.