Family Adventure in San Cristobal de las Casas

Discoveries Underground and Above

Today marked the final full day of our family adventure in San Cristobal de las Casas, and we wanted to make the most of it. We packed our day with a mix of natural wonders, historical insights, and, of course, delicious food. It’s hard to believe our time here is almost over. It feels like just yesterday we were landing in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, eager to explore this vibrant region.

Our morning began with a hearty breakfast at Restaurante el Fogón de Jovel. Aisha and I enjoyed traditional Chiapanecan coffee, while Zayn devoured his pancakes. It was the perfect way to fuel up for our first adventure: exploring the Grutas Del Mamut.


Discover the stunning Grutas Del Mamut in Chiapas, a captivating blend of breathtaking caves and lush nature perfect for adventurers and nature lovers.

The drive to the Grutas Del Mamut was scenic, taking us through winding roads with lush greenery on either side. The caves are located about 7 kilometers from San Cristobal, near Ejido Agua de Pajarito. As we approached, Zayn was ecstatic, pointing out the various rock formations and excitedly asking if we would see a real mammoth inside.

The Grutas Del Mamut, named for a rock formation resembling a mammoth, are a series of caves that offer a unique glimpse into the geological wonders of Chiapas. Unlike some of the more developed caves in the area, Grutas Del Mamut are in a more natural, “basic” state, which added to their charm. The entrance fee was quite reasonable, and we rented a lamp to help us navigate the darker sections of the cave.

Inside, the caves were cool and damp, with fascinating rock formations all around us. Zayn’s imagination ran wild as he spotted different shapes and figures in the rocks. We spent a good hour exploring the depths of the cave, marveling at the natural artistry that had taken place over centuries.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found in the most unexpected places.

After our subterranean adventure, we drove back to San Cristobal for lunch at 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.

This restaurant, located in the heart of the city, boasts a lovely terrace where we enjoyed a variety of dishes. Aisha and I shared a traditional Mexican meal, while Zayn opted for a familiar pizza. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was perfect for a relaxing midday break.

Our next stop was the Diocesan Historical Archive.


Discover the rich history of San Cristóbal de las Casas at the Diocesan Historical Archive, a treasure trove of cultural heritage and archival wonders.

This archive, housed in a historic building near the Cathedral, contains a wealth of documents related to the history of the region. As someone passionate about cultural preservation, I was eager to delve into the archives and learn more about the area’s past.

Finding the archive was a bit of an adventure in itself, as it’s tucked away behind the Cathedral of San Cristobal. The archive is located in a tower, accessible via an external stairway. The entrance is near the Chapel, in a rear courtyard, but is not well signposted. Despite the initial challenge of locating it, we eventually found our way inside.

The Diocesan Historical Archive of San Cristobal de las Casas serves as a repository of regional municipal, evangelical, and historiographic records, dating back to its establishment in 1528. The archive is located within the cathedral complex, specifically in a section attached to the back of the main church. The building has suffered damage from earthquakes, which has created a need for stabilization to protect the archival collection from rodents, insects, and water damage.

Inside, the archive was filled with black folder boxes on floor-to-ceiling shelves, portraits of archbishops, and a musty smell that spoke of centuries of history. The archive contains a wide spectrum of colonial documents that survived through the Mexican Revolution, along with the Catholic Church's proprietary collection.

I spent a couple of hours poring over old documents, learning about the history of San Cristobal and the surrounding region. The archive provides insights into the historic municipal, evangelical, and anthropological narratives of the villages near San Cristobal. It also holds documentation on the transnational relationships within the Mexican-Guatemalan pacific.

After immersing ourselves in history, we decided to do some shopping at Mi Arcoiris Boutique.


Explore the colorful world of Mi Arcoiris Boutique, where traditional Chiapas craftsmanship meets modern fashion in San Cristóbal de las Casas.

This charming boutique offers a variety of locally made crafts and clothing. Aisha and Zayn enjoyed browsing the colorful displays, and we picked up a few souvenirs to remember our trip.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Tierra y Cielo Restaurante for dinner.


Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at Tierra y Cielo Restaurante in San Cristóbal de las Casas - where tradition meets flavor.

Known for its regional Mexican cuisine and beautiful ambiance, Tierra y Cielo was the perfect place to celebrate our last night in San Cristobal. The restaurant is located around an open-air courtyard where the kitchen grows some of its own herbs.

We started with the tomato soup, which was absolutely delicious. For the main course, Aisha and I shared the mole, which was some of the best we’ve ever had. Zayn enjoyed a simpler dish, but even he couldn’t resist trying a bit of the mole. To end the meal, we indulged in the hot chocolate and desserts, savoring every last bite.

The service at Tierra y Cielo was excellent, and the staff was attentive and friendly. The restaurant also offers non-alcoholic pairings for its tasting menu, which was a welcome option for me.

As we walked back to Hotel Helvérica, we reflected on our incredible journey through San Cristobal de las Casas.


Experience the heart of San Cristobal de las Casas at Hotel Helvérica, offering cozy accommodations, delightful dining, and convenient access to local attractions.

From exploring ancient caves to delving into historical archives and savoring the flavors of Chiapas, we had experienced so much in just a few short days. I’m grateful for the memories we’ve made as a family, and I know we’ll cherish them for years to come.

Tomorrow, we’ll be packing our bags and preparing for our flight back to Toronto. It’s always bittersweet to leave a place as special as San Cristobal, but I know we’ll carry a piece of it with us wherever we go. Until next time, Chiapas!

Looking ahead, I am excited to share my experiences and insights with my readers, hoping to inspire more travelers to explore this beautiful and culturally rich destination. I also plan to continue supporting sustainable tourism and cultural preservation efforts, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the wonders of San Cristobal de las Casas.

I am already thinking about our next family adventure. Perhaps we will explore more of Mexico's hidden gems or venture to a new continent. The possibilities are endless, and I am excited to see where our travels take us next.