Things to do in San Juan Chamula

Tour Cañon del Sumidero National Park (Parque Nacional Cañon del Sumidero) and be enthralled by the wonders of nature. Cañon del Sumidero National Park is the result of geological cracks in the Earth’s core that commenced millions of years ago. It features a narrow gorge and a deep canyon with huge walls draped in fertile vegetation and inhabited by colorful wildlife.

The Catedral de San Cristóbal is a beautiful construction in the old quarter of the colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas, in Chiapas. The building was once a modest church, built in the 16th century and dedicated to the Virgen de la Asunción (Virgin of the Assumption). It was later torn down to build an elegant cathedral dedicated to San Cristóbal, the patron of the city. Visit Catedral de San Cristóbal to discover a fantastic construction full of baroque, Moorish and indigenous influences.

An explosion of color greets you as you enter the Santo Domingo Handicraft Market in San Cristóbal de las Casas. Piled high are rainbow-colored textiles, leather goods and all types of handmade crafts whose traditions date back decades and even centuries. Buy fabulous gifts to take home at this must-see outdoor market.

It might not be an easy climb, but getting to the Guadalupe Church is certainly worth the effort. Rising from Real de Guadalupe, 79 steps climb to the church’s entrance atop a small hill. Make your way to the top to explore the pleasant little church and be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Plaza 31 de Marzo is San Cristóbal de las Casas’ main city square. It provides a perfect starting point from which to explore the historic center and is an easy landmark for daily meetings. Yet it’s more than that. The square is the hub of local life. Take a seat on one of the wrought iron benches and view the beautiful colonial buildings flanking the square as you watch people go by.

Discover the fascinating wildlife of the state of Chiapas at the Miguél Álvarez del Toro Zoo (Zoológico Miguél Álvarez del Toro). Spot everything from big cats to birds, monkey and snakes in re-creations of their natural habitats. ZooMAT, as it is known by many locals, opened in 1942 and is named in honor of an acclaimed Mexican biologist and nature author. It stands in a 343-acre (139-hectare) reserve and focuses solely on regional animals.

The Templo y Exconvento de Santo Domingo de Guzmán (Temple and Former Convent of Saint Domingo) is one of the most visited places by both locals and tourists in the picturesque city of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Marvel at an iconic symbol of Mexican colonial art and view beautiful traditional artworks and colorful weavings.