San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán

Itinerary

Itinerary

• 09:30 hrs Reception at your hotel or Airbnb.
• 09:50 hrs Departing from San Cristóbal
• 10:10 hrs Indigenous town of San Juan Chamula. 
• 12:00 hrs Zinacantán
• 13:20 hrs Departure from Zinacantán
• 13:40 hrs End of our services in San Cristóbal.

A trip to the heart of Tsotsil culture! 

DESCRIPTION: Experience an unforgettable journey visiting two of the most emblematic indigenous towns of Chiapas, where Mayan traditions remain alive and intertwine with daily life.

Dare to discover the authentic essence of the indigenous towns on a one-day tour of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán. During this experience, you will have the opportunity to closely learn about their customs and ancestral traditions, appreciate their cultural richness, and understand the way of life of their communities.

A journey that invites you to connect, learn, and value the cultural depth that distinguishes the Highlands of Chiapas.

TOUR DESCRIPTION.

We depart from San Cristóbal de las Casas at 9:30 am. Heading to one of the most enigmatic towns in Chiapas, San Juan Chamula, located just 10 km away, this indigenous town is famous for its rich cultural heritage, ancestral rituals, and a unique way of life that has remained almost intact for centuries.

The visit includes a tour of its magical church, where Catholicism and Mayan beliefs merge in a mystical atmosphere filled with candles, copal aromas, and traditional prayers. You will also visit the local market, full of colorful textiles, traditional medicines, and the friendliness of its people.

An authentic experience that connects you with the living roots of Chiapas and allows you to see the world from a different perspective.

We will continue our journey to ZINACANTAN, another charming Tsotsil town surrounded by mountains and fields of flowers. We will visit Doña Catalina Pérez, one of the artisan women who will show us the process of making her impressive textiles with techniques inherited for generations. She will welcome us with a tasting of the ancestral drink (posh) and you will also have the opportunity to try freshly made handmade tortillas. Meanwhile, she will talk to us about her clothing, festivals, and daily life. 

After that, we will visit the Catholic church of San Lorenzo Martyr, founded during the colonial period (around 1582). It is notable for its architecture that preserves features from the colonial period. Inside the church, during festivities, it is adorned with abundant flowers made by the community, turning it into a space of strong experiential, spiritual, and cultural character. Concluding our activity, we will return to San Cristóbal to finish our service. 

NOTE: It is strictly forbidden to take photographs and/or videos inside the church of San Juan Chamula.

Recommendations:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes. 
• Bring hats or caps for sun protection during the activity.
• Out of respect for local traditions and customs, photography and VIDEOS are NOT allowed inside the church of San Juan Chamula.
• To contribute to the local economy, be sure to bring cash, as there are no ATMs available.