Cultural Family Adventure in San Cristobal de las Casas

A Day of Discovery in San Cristobal

Today was a beautiful Sunday, filled with cultural immersion and natural beauty right here in San Cristobal de las Casas. I was excited to explore more of what this vibrant city has to offer, and I knew Anika would enjoy the day’s planned adventures. Vikram, as always, was ready with his camera, eager to capture every moment.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Restaurante Sabor a mi. The restaurant is located in the heart of San Cristobal, and boasts a unique terrace where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I opted for a traditional Mexican breakfast, savoring the flavors of Chiapas with every bite. Anika enjoyed her pancakes, while Vikram appreciated the strong, locally sourced coffee. It was the perfect way to start our day of exploration.

After breakfast, we made our way to the Museo Mesoamericano del Jade. I’ve always been fascinated by jade, and I was eager to learn more about its significance in Mesoamerican cultures. The museum is located in the Casa del Jade, a cultural center dedicated to the knowledge and use of jade in Mesoamerica. As we entered, I was immediately struck by the beauty of the jade artifacts on display. Replicas of masks, statues, and jewelry filled the exhibit rooms, each piece telling a story of ancient civilizations.

Sometimes, the most beautiful stories are etched in stone.

Anika was particularly captivated by the replica of the mausoleum of K'inich Janaab' Pakal, the 11th ruler of Palenque. The intricate details and vibrant colors of the stucco work were truly impressive. I learned that jade was considered a mystical stone by the ancient Mesoamericans, symbolizing wealth, power, eternity, love, and immortality. Even the poorest individuals were buried with a small jade bead in their mouths to help them reach the heavens. Leaving the museum, we headed towards Reserva Ecológica y Jardín de Orquídeas Moxviquil. The reserve is a short drive from the city center, and as we approached, I could feel the air getting fresher and cooler. The name 'Moxviquil' comes from the Tsotsil language, meaning 'tripas de gato' (cat's guts), but in a territorial context, it signifies a crossroads or meeting point. This place was once a pre-Hispanic center where the ancient Mayans traded with nearby communities. Today, it invites visitors to encounter nature and promote environmental preservation in Chiapas.


Explore the enchanting Moxviquil Ecological Reserve and Orchid Garden, a botanical haven in San Cristóbal de las Casas, rich in biodiversity and tranquility.

The reserve is a haven of natural beauty, with walking trails winding through lush vegetation. The main attraction is the interpretive trail, where you can appreciate a wide array of orchids and immerse yourself in nature. We followed the path, marveling at the vibrant colors and delicate structures of the orchids. Anika was thrilled to spot several hummingbirds flitting among the flowers, their iridescent feathers shimmering in the sunlight. We spent a couple of hours exploring the reserve, enjoying the tranquility and serenity of the surroundings. The air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers, and the sounds of birdsong created a peaceful atmosphere. It was a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. We learned that the reserve also offers guided tours, environmental education workshops, and camping.

For lunch, we visited Restaurante TULUC. This restaurant is known as one of the best places to eat, have breakfast and dinner in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. The food was delicious, and the ambiance was cozy and inviting. Anika enjoyed a quesadilla, while Vikram and I savored some traditional Chiapanecan dishes. The service was excellent, and the prices were reasonable.

After lunch, it was time for some shopping at Artesanias de los Altos de Chiapas. I was eager to find some unique souvenirs to take back home. The market was bustling with activity, vendors displaying their colorful textiles, pottery, and jewelry. I was immediately drawn to the intricate embroidery and vibrant colors of the traditional clothing. I spent hours browsing the stalls, admiring the skill and artistry of the local artisans. I purchased a beautiful hand-woven shawl for myself, as well as some small gifts for friends and family back home. Anika picked out a colorful bracelet, while Vikram found a unique piece of pottery to add to his collection. It’s wonderful to support the local economy and take home a piece of Chiapas culture. The textiles of El Camino de los Altos are the result of a deep collaboration between 8 French textile designers and 130 weavers from the Highlands of Chiapas.

As the day drew to a close, we decided to have dinner at Cardamomo Cocina Hindu. I had heard great things about this restaurant, and I was excited to try their Indian cuisine. The restaurant has a serene atmosphere, an extensive tea menu, and flavorful dishes. The butter chicken and tandoori pork are highly recommended. We ordered a variety of dishes, including butter chicken, palak paneer, and vegetable biryani. The food was absolutely delicious, and the spices were perfectly balanced. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was cozy and romantic. We finished our meal with a tasty crème brûlée, which was the perfect ending to a perfect day. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Museo de los Altos de Chiapas Ex Convento de Santo Domingo and El Arcotete. I’m particularly excited about El Arcotete, as I’ve heard it’s a stunning natural archway with beautiful hiking trails. I’m also looking forward to trying the local cuisine at Restaurante La Lupe for breakfast, LA PEREGRINA COCINA YUCATECA for lunch, and Casa de Willy Restaurante for dinner. And, if we have time, we might just stop by Bar y Restaurante El Rincón del Vino for a relaxing evening drink.

Today was a day of cultural immersion and natural beauty, and I feel so grateful to be able to experience the wonders of San Cristobal de las Casas with my family. It’s days like these that remind me why I love to travel, to discover new cultures, and to create lasting memories with the people I love.