Exploring the Heart of Chiapas: A Family Adventure in San Cristobal de las Casas

Day 12: A Day of Discovery in San Cristobal: History, Flavors, and Local Finds

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of San Cristobal de las Casas, exploring historical sites and savoring local cuisine.

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Echoes of the Past, Tastes of the Present


Today was a day of diving deep into the heart of San Cristobal de las Casas. From exploring historical landmarks to savoring the local flavors, every moment felt like a step further into the soul of this vibrant city. I am so happy to be sharing these experiences with Hans and Sofia, creating memories that we will cherish for years to come.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Cocoliche. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the promise of a delicious meal was the perfect way to start the day. The restaurant had such a cozy, vintage atmosphere, reminiscent of a 1950s diner but with a Chiapan twist. I opted for the huevos rancheros, a classic Mexican breakfast dish, while Hans enjoyed the salmon pasta, and Sofia, ever adventurous, tried the Thai yellow curry. It’s always a pleasure to find a place that caters to all our tastes, and Cocoliche did not disappoint. The food was delicious, and the ambiance was so relaxing, with live music adding a special touch.

Discover Cocoliche in San Cristóbal de las Casas – where authentic Italian cuisine meets warm Chiapas hospitality.
Discover Cocoliche in San Cristóbal de las Casas – where authentic Italian cuisine meets warm Chiapas hospitality.

After breakfast, we set out to explore Casa Mazariegos Recinto Histórico. This historical site was originally the home of Captain Diego de Mazariegos, the founder of San Cristobal de las Casas in 1528. Stepping inside felt like stepping back in time. The architecture was stunning, and I could almost imagine what life was like during the early days of the city. We learned that after its construction in the 16th century, the house served as a seminary, a residence for bishops, and even a college for young women. It’s incredible to think of all the stories these walls could tell.

Experience the rich history and stunning architecture of Casa Mazariegos, a premier venue for events in the heart of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas.
Experience the rich history and stunning architecture of Casa Mazariegos, a premier venue for events in the heart of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas.

In every corner of San Cristobal, there is a story waiting to be discovered, a flavor waiting to be savored, and a memory waiting to be made.


Next on our list was La Enseñanza, Casa de la Ciudad. This architectural gem, built in 1898 by Carlos Zacarías Flores, once served as a school for girls and later became a cultural center. The building itself is a neoclassical masterpiece, and the exhibits inside offered a fascinating glimpse into the history and traditions of Chiapas. Sofia was particularly intrigued by the displays showcasing the region's indigenous cultures. It was inspiring to see how the museum emphasized the importance of preserving local traditions.

Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of San Cristóbal de las Casas at La Enseñanza, Casa de la Ciudad, a must-visit museum.
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 decided to try Restaurante Sabor a mi. Located in the heart of San Cristobal, this restaurant boasts a lovely terrace where you can enjoy your meal with a view. We started with some refreshing agua de Jamaica before diving into the menu. Hans ordered a traditional mole dish, while Sofia and I shared a plate of enchiladas. The flavors were rich and authentic, and the portions were generous. The staff was friendly and attentive, making our dining experience even more enjoyable.

Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at Restaurante Sabor a mi in San Cristóbal de las Casas - where every dish tells a story.
Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at Restaurante Sabor a mi in San Cristóbal de las Casas - where every dish tells a story.

In the afternoon, I was eager to do some shopping, so we headed to EskarabajoMx. This clothing store specializes in men's and youth fashion with a local flair. I was looking for a special souvenir to remind me of our trip, and I found the perfect item: a beautifully designed hoodie for Sofia. The store had a great selection of trendy attire that reflected the urban lifestyle and the vibrant culture of San Cristobal. I even picked up a stylish t-shirt for Hans, who, despite being a software engineer from Heidelberg, appreciates a good piece of clothing with character.

Discover EskarabajoMx in San Cristóbal de las Casas, a stylish clothing store specializing in men's and youth fashion with local flair.
Discover EskarabajoMx in San Cristóbal de las Casas, a stylish clothing store specializing in men's and youth fashion with local flair.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to LA PEREGRINA COCINA YUCATECA for dinner. This restaurant is known for its authentic Yucatecan cuisine, and I had heard wonderful things about their cochinita pibil. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxing family dinner. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including the cochinita pibil, tamales, and some delicious salsas. Each dish was bursting with flavor, and we savored every bite. It was a wonderful way to end our day of exploration.

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

Reflecting on the day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of San Cristobal de las Casas with my family. From the historical sites to the delicious food and the unique local finds, every moment was a treasure. I am already looking forward to tomorrow, when we plan to visit Castillo Zavaleta and Andador Eclesiástico De San Cristóbal. And, of course, we'll be sure to find some time to relax at Soul Barra Bistro in the evening.

San Cristobal de las Casas continues to enchant me with its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. I feel so fortunate to be able to share these experiences with Hans and Sofia, creating memories that will last a lifetime. As we prepare for our final day in this magical town, I am filled with anticipation for what tomorrow will bring.

Exploring the historical Casa Mazariegos Recinto Histórico was like stepping back in time. The building itself has witnessed centuries of history, having served various purposes from a family home to a seminary. Walking through its halls, I couldn't help but imagine the stories and events that had unfolded within its walls. The architecture was stunning, reflecting the city's colonial past.

After immersing ourselves in history, we decided to explore La Enseñanza, Casa de la Ciudad. This cultural center is housed in a beautifully restored building that once served as a school. The exhibits showcased the rich heritage of Chiapas, with displays of traditional clothing, artwork, and historical artifacts. Sofia was particularly fascinated by the exhibits on the indigenous cultures of the region. It was inspiring to see how the museum preserved and celebrated the local traditions.

For lunch, we ventured to Restaurante Sabor a mi, a local favorite known for its authentic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant had a charming atmosphere, with colorful decor and friendly staff. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole. Each dish was bursting with flavor, and we savored every bite. The ingredients were fresh and locally sourced, adding to the authenticity of the meal.

In the afternoon, I was eager to do some shopping, so we headed to EskarabajoMx. This trendy clothing store offered a unique selection of apparel and accessories with a local flair. I was on the lookout for a special souvenir to remember our trip, and I found the perfect item: a hand-woven scarf with intricate designs. The store had a vibrant atmosphere, with music playing and friendly staff eager to help.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to LA PEREGRINA COCINA YUCATECA for dinner. This restaurant specialized in Yucatecan cuisine, a regional style of Mexican food known for its unique flavors and spices. The restaurant had a cozy and inviting ambiance, perfect for a relaxing evening meal. We ordered several dishes to share, including cochinita pibil, sopa de lima, and papadzules. Each dish was a culinary masterpiece, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of the Yucatán Peninsula. The cochinita pibil, slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote, was especially delicious.

Before heading back to our hotel, we decided to take a stroll through the city center. The streets were alive with activity, as locals and tourists alike enjoyed the cool evening air. Street vendors lined the sidewalks, selling everything from handmade crafts to delicious snacks. The atmosphere was festive and vibrant, reflecting the spirit of San Cristobal de las Casas.

As I reflect on the day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to explore this enchanting city with my family. San Cristobal de las Casas has captured my heart with its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. I look forward to continuing our adventure tomorrow, as we discover more of what this magical place has to offer.

Our final stop of the day was dinner at LA PEREGRINA COCINA YUCATECA, a restaurant recommended by several locals for its authentic Yucatecan cuisine. As someone who loves exploring different regional cuisines of Mexico, I was excited to try this place. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with traditional decor that made us feel right at home. We ordered the cochinita pibil, a slow-roasted pork dish marinated in achiote and citrus juices, and it was absolutely divine. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the accompanying pickled onions and tortillas were the perfect complement. Sofia enjoyed the sopa de lima, a traditional Yucatecan soup with shredded chicken, lime, and crispy tortilla strips. Hans, always the adventurous one, tried the papadzules, egg tacos smothered in a creamy pumpkin seed sauce. We all agreed that it was one of the best meals we had during our trip.

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll through the city center, soaking in the atmosphere of San Cristobal de las Casas at night. The streets were bustling with activity, and the air was filled with the sounds of music and laughter. We stopped at a local bakery to pick up some pan dulce for breakfast tomorrow, and then headed back to Casa del Alma Hotel Boutique & Spa for a good night's sleep.

Experience unparalleled comfort and luxury at Casa del Alma Hotel Boutique & Spa in San Cristobal de las Casas, your ideal retreat for relaxation and adventure.
Experience unparalleled comfort and luxury at Casa del Alma Hotel Boutique & Spa in San Cristobal de las Casas, your ideal retreat for relaxation and adventure.

As I lay in bed, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experiences we had today. San Cristobal de las Casas is a truly special place, and I'm so glad that we had the opportunity to explore it together as a family. Tomorrow is our last day in San Cristobal, and we plan to make the most of it. We'll be visiting Castillo Zavaleta and Andador Eclesiástico De San Cristóbal, and in the evening we're planning to check out Soul Barra Bistro, a local bar known for its cocktails and live music. I can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow brings!

I am so grateful for these moments, and I am excited to see what our final day in San Cristobal de las Casas will bring. We plan to visit Castillo Zavaleta and Andador Eclesiástico De San Cristóbal. And, of course, we'll be sure to find some time to relax at Soul Barra Bistro in the evening.
Go to day 11 A Stroll Through History: Discovering the Heart of San Cristobal
Go to day 13 A Farewell Stroll Through San Cristobal: Reflecting on Chiapas' Magic
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Exploring the Heart of Chiapas: A Family Adventure in San Cristobal de las Casas

Discover the enchanting culture and landscapes of San Cristobal de las Casas on a family adventure in the heart of Chiapas.

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Meet this Featured Explorer

Maria de la Cruz
  • Occupation icon Occupation: Freelance Translator & Travel Blogger
  • Country icon Country: Germany
  • Age icon Age: 44

Hola! I'm Maria de la Cruz, a travel blogger originally from Zacatecas, Mexico, but now living in beautiful Heidelberg, Germany. I'm passionate about exploring the world with my family, immersing ourselves in different cultures, and sharing our experiences with you. Through my blog, I hope to inspire you to travel responsibly, connect with local communities, and discover the beauty and diversity of our planet. Join me as we explore historical sites, savor delicious cuisines, and create lasting memories together!

Interests:
  • History
  • Languages
  • Cultural Anthropology
  • Photography
  • Sustainable Living
More about Maria de la Cruz

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Explore locations from this diary

  • Casa del Alma Hotel Boutique & Spa

    Experience unparalleled comfort and luxury at Casa del Alma Hotel Boutique & Spa in San Cristobal de las Casas, your ideal retreat for relaxation and adventure.

  • Casa Mazariegos Recinto Histórico

    Experience the rich history and stunning architecture of Casa Mazariegos, a premier venue for events in the heart of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas.

  • La Enseñanza, Casa de la Ciudad

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

  • Cocoliche

    Discover Cocoliche in San Cristóbal de las Casas – where authentic Italian cuisine meets warm Chiapas hospitality.

  • Restaurante Sabor a mi

    Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at Restaurante Sabor a mi in San Cristóbal de las Casas - where every dish tells a story.

  • LA PEREGRINA COCINA YUCATECA

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

  • EskarabajoMx

    Discover EskarabajoMx in San Cristóbal de las Casas, a stylish clothing store specializing in men's and youth fashion with local flair.

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