Exploring the Heart of Chiapas: A Family Adventure in San Cristobal de las Casas
Day 7: A Day of Colonial Charm and Culinary Delights in San Cristobal
Exploring the historical Casa de la Sirena, ascending to Iglesia de San Cristóbalito, and savoring local flavors in San Cristobal.
A Day of Exploration and Flavors
Today was a beautiful blend of history, culture, and culinary delights in San Cristobal de las Casas. With my family by my side, I set out to explore more of this charming city, diving deeper into its rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere. It was a day filled with architectural wonders, delicious food, and the simple joy of experiencing a new place together.
Our morning began with a delightful breakfast at Masala Raff. It's funny, isn't it? Here we are in Mexico, and I'm craving Indian food! But the reviews were too tempting to ignore. The restaurant had a lovely terrace, and the aroma of spices wafted through the air as we approached. Sofia was a bit unsure, but Hans and I were excited to try something different. I ordered the mushroom masala, while Hans went for the aloo chana balti. Sofia, ever cautious, opted for plain chapati. The food was incredibly flavorful, a wonderful blend of spices that reminded me of some of my favorite Indian dishes back in Europe. Sofia even enjoyed her chapati, dipping it tentatively into our curries. It was a great start to the day, and I made a mental note to try their lunch and dinner options sometime during our stay.
Experience authentic Indian flavors at Masala Raff in San Cristóbal de las Casas—where every dish tells a story.
After breakfast, we strolled towards the Plaza Principal, our destination being Casa De La Sirena. This is supposedly the oldest house in the city, built in the 16th century by Diego de Mazariegos. As we approached, I was immediately struck by its colonial architecture. The name, The Mermaid House, comes from a mermaid sculpture on the corner of the building. I learned that the house was later given to Andrés de Tovilla, a companion of Mazariegos. The intricate details of the facade were fascinating, offering a glimpse into the city's past. Sofia was particularly intrigued by the mermaid, asking all sorts of questions about why it was there and what it represented. I tried my best to explain the history and significance, feeling a connection to my own Mexican heritage as I did so. It's moments like these, sharing my culture with my family, that make these trips so special.
Explore Casa De La Sirena, a stunning historical landmark in San Cristóbal de las Casas, where culture and architecture unite.
Every corner of San Cristobal tells a story, and today, I felt like I was finally starting to understand the narrative.
Next on our itinerary was Iglesia de San Cristóbalito. This meant a bit of a climb, as the church sits atop a hill overlooking the city. The 240 steps seemed daunting at first, but we took our time, stopping to admire the views along the way. I must admit, my legs were burning by the time we reached the top, but the panoramic vista of San Cristobal was well worth the effort. The church itself, with its red and white facade, was charming and simple. I learned that it is dedicated to St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. Given our love for exploring new places, it felt like a fitting tribute. We took some photos, enjoyed the cool breeze, and soaked in the peaceful atmosphere before making our way back down.
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.
By this point, we were all quite hungry, so we decided to have lunch at LA PEREGRINA COCINA YUCATECA. I had heard wonderful things about their Yucatecan cuisine, and I was eager to try it. The restaurant had a cozy, family-friendly vibe, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including the cochinita pibil, which came highly recommended, and some fresh salsas. The cochinita pibil was a revelation—slow-cooked pork marinated in achiote and wrapped in banana leaves. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the achiote gave it a beautiful, earthy taste. Sofia, who can be a picky eater, absolutely loved it! Hans enjoyed the tortillas, which were handmade and perfectly complemented the meal. It was a truly authentic Yucatecan experience, and I felt a surge of pride in my country's diverse culinary offerings.
Discover the best of Yucatecan cuisine at La Peregrina Cocina Yucateca - where tradition meets flavor in every bite.
After such a satisfying lunch, we took a leisurely stroll through the city center, browsing the local shops and soaking in the atmosphere. San Cristobal is such a vibrant place, with colorful buildings, bustling markets, and friendly faces at every turn. I couldn't resist buying a few souvenirs—some hand-woven textiles and a small piece of amber jewelry—as reminders of our trip. As the afternoon wore on, we decided to head back to our hotel for a bit of rest before dinner. Casa del Alma is so relaxing, especially after a long day of walking.

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.
For dinner, we ventured out to Restaurante TULUC. This restaurant is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and inviting ambiance. The decor was colorful and warm, reflecting the vibrant spirit of Chiapas. We started with some enchiladas and tamales, both of which were delicious. For my main course, I chose one of their seasonal specialties, which highlighted local flavors. The food was expertly prepared, and the service was attentive and friendly. It was the perfect way to end a day filled with culinary exploration.
Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at Restaurante TULUC in San Cristóbal de las Casas – where every meal is a celebration of flavor.
To cap off the evening, Hans and I decided to sneak away for a quick drink at CALACA CASA DE MIXOLOGIA. Sofia was happy to stay at the hotel and watch a movie. This bar is known for its unique cocktails and lively atmosphere. The mixologists were true artists, crafting drinks with a special touch. I ordered a margarita, while Hans opted for something a little more adventurous. The drinks were fantastic, and the ambiance was perfect for unwinding after a busy day. It was a great way to relax and reflect on all the wonderful experiences we had shared.
Discover the vibrant flavors of Chiapas at Calaca Casa de Mixologia, where grill meets innovative mixology in a lively atmosphere.
As I sit here writing this, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to explore San Cristobal de las Casas with my family. Every day brings new discoveries, new flavors, and new memories. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Museo de Culturas Populares de Chiapas and El Arcotete. I am particularly excited about El Arcotete, a natural archway surrounded by stunning landscapes. It promises to be another day filled with adventure and beauty. I am also looking forward to trying ASIARICO Japon a Corea for breakfast, I saw some great reviews.
San Cristobal is more than just a travel destination; it's an experience that nourishes the soul. I am so grateful to be sharing it with my loved ones. And I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.
For now, goodnight from San Cristobal!
Discover the enchanting culture and landscapes of San Cristobal de las Casas on a family adventure in the heart of Chiapas.
Meet this Featured Explorer
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Occupation: Freelance Translator & Travel Blogger
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Country: Germany
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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!
- History
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