Set in a gorgeous highland valley surrounded by pine forest, the colonial city of San Cristóbal (cris-toh-bal) has been a popular travelers’ destination for decades. It’s a pleasure to explore San Cristóbal’s cobbled streets and markets, soaking up the unique ambience and the wonderfully clear highland light. This medium-sized city also boasts a comfortable blend of city and countryside, with restored century-old houses giving way to grazing animals and fields of corn.
Surrounded by dozens of traditional villages, San Cristóbal is at the heart of one of the most deeply rooted indigenous areas in Mexico. A great base for local and regional exploration, it’s a place where ancient customs coexist with modern luxuries.
The ADO bus from Palenque took 8-hours (via the long route) to get to San Cristóbal. Note to self: return using one of the colectivos (via the shorter route)!
The climate in San Cristóbal is completely different to any of my previous destinations, where day time temperatures can reach 37 deg C. At nearly 2,000 metres San Cristóbal can get quite chilly, especially early in the morning. However, it doesn’t take long to reach an acceptable high of 25 deg C, during the middle of the day.
There is a lot to see and do in San Cristóbal; my original plan of two nights quickly turned into four. My private room at Posada Ganesha was ‘compact’ but clean, comfortable, and welcoming. The thick pile of blankets on the bed made for a great nights sleep.
Next stage: Ocosingo.
