\nThe cobblestone streets are lovely. The sunsets and sunrises are amazing. The pace is slower. The city feels like something you experience on foot, not something you race through.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n
Coffee Shops, People Watching, and Changing Up My Work Scene<\/h2>\n Nearly every day, I go out and work at a coffee shop or two. Partly because I need to work, and partly because I need coffee. But also because people watching and soaking up the energy in San Cris just feels good and calms me.<\/p>\n
And grabbing a delicious coffee in Chiapas is usually less than $2\u2013$3 USD, so it\u2019s an easy excuse to change up my work scene, get my caffeine, and feel like I\u2019m participating in local life a little instead of just hiding behind my laptop all day.<\/p>\nCoffee workspot vibes from Black Coffee in San Cris.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThat\u2019s one of the things I love most about San Crist\u00f3bal. It\u2019s a place where work and daily life can blend in a way that doesn\u2019t feel so heavy.<\/strong><\/p>\nI can work from Co404 Coliving and then walk to a caf\u00e9. I\u2019ll stop at a market for groceries or flowers on the way home. Later I can go somewhere for dinner, and it\u2019s cheap and delicious. Daily life isn\u2019t complicated, and that\u2019s part of why I love it.<\/p>\n
The Markets Are Part of My Ritual<\/h2>\n One of the first things I do when I get to San Crist\u00f3bal is go to the market and get flowers. I can buy massive bunches of flowers for pennies on the dollar compared to the U.S., so I always decorate my room at the coliving for my entire stay. It\u2019s a small thing, but it immediately makes me feel settled.<\/p>\nOne of dozens of different arrangements I\u2019ve made for my room or the coliving space at Co404 in San Cristobal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nI also shop at the markets in San Crist\u00f3bal almost daily, since I\u2019m usually passing them anyway. I can grab whatever vegetables or fruits I want, with papayas being one of my favorites when they\u2019re in season.<\/p>\n\n\nAnd there\u2019s almost always some kind of pop-up market happening too \u2014 food, crafts, book fairs, sweets, or something else that shows up for a week or a weekend.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\nNight market at the church square in San Cristobal, Mexico.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Indigenous Presence Makes It Feel Different<\/h2>\n The people in San Crist\u00f3bal are kind and gentle, and one of the things that makes the city feel so different from other parts of Mexico I\u2019ve visited is the Indigenous presence.<\/p>\n\n\nA lot of Indigenous people come into town to sell their wares at markets and on the streets, and that creates a completely different feeling than most other states or cities I\u2019ve visited in Mexico. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n
San Crist\u00f3bal sits in the Chiapas highlands, an area very connected to Indigenous Maya communities, especially the Tzotzil and Tzeltal people. You see it in the textiles, clothing, markets, and crafts; pretty much everywhere.<\/p>\nViews from the stairs up to San Cristobalito Church in San Cris.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nI don\u2019t want to pretend I understand all the cultural details of San Crist\u00f3bal, because I don\u2019t. <\/strong>I\u2019m definitely just a visitor trying to be respectful and understand more with each visit. But I do think that Indigenous element is one of the reasons the city feels so unique to me.<\/p>\nWhy I Always Stay at Co404 San Crist\u00f3bal<\/h2>\n Staying at Co404 San Crist\u00f3bal Coliving is definitely a big part of why I keep going back. It\u2019s a great community experience, especially for someone introverted like me, even though there is a premium cost associated with it compared to other long-term options in San Cris.<\/p>\n
For me, the value of being in a place where I can live, work, and be plugged into meeting new people who travel and work the way I do is more than worth the investment. I like to refer to it as the complicated intersection of cost and value. <\/p>\n\n\nSometimes things that cost a little more bring exponentially more value, and that\u2019s how I feel about Co404.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n
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One of the wide rooms at Co404 Coliving in San Cristobal, Mexico. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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My coworking desk setup at Co404 Coworking in San Cristobal, Mexico.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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Chilling with new friends around the back yard fire pit at Co404 Coliving in San Cristobal, Mexico. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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I\u2019ve had so many relationships start and grow because of staying at Co404 \u2014 whether in Oaxaca, San Crist\u00f3bal, or Medell\u00edn, Colombia. From friendships to travel companions, and even years-long romantic\/life relationships.<\/p>\n
Of course I could probably stay somewhere less expensive, but Co404 gives me community, 24\/7 workspace, and a beautiful garden\/yard with a fire pit for chilly evenings. And yes, as of this writing, I\u2019m already booked for a couple more months later this year.<\/p>\n
\nUse the code \u201cJasonR\u201d (case-sensitive) for 5% off a booking at Co404 San Crist\u00f3bal.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
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Tips, Strategies, & Tough Love To Help You Finally<\/em><\/span> Kick-Start Your Travel Life!<\/em><\/h2>\nWant to travel more but don\u2019t really know where to start? Have a friend or family member that keeps talking about travel\u2014but clearly needs a little help<\/em> actually getting off go and making it happen?<\/strong> This is the<\/em> no-fluff, hands-on guide to finally getting unstuck and on a travel path\u2014with confidence, intention, and zero shame.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe Food in San Crist\u00f3bal Is Amazing and Still Affordable<\/h2>\n The food in San Crist\u00f3bal is amazing, and there\u2019s always something new. That\u2019s both good and bad, since that often means a small restaurant I loved last time might have closed, with another taking its place by the next time I visit.<\/p>\n\n\nThe price points go from filling your tum-tum for $2\u2013$3 USD all the way up to \u201cthe sky is the limit,\u201d but typically, going out for what I consider an amazing meal is still less than $7\u2013$10 USD.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n
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Al Pastor tacos in the making. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Esquite from my favorite stand in San Cris. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe key is realizing that some places still cater to tourists, with higher costs, but so many more are on the local side. The food is still delicious if not better, but the energy is different and it\u2019s easier on the budget.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s one of the reasons San Crist\u00f3bal works so well for longer stays. You can eat simply and inexpensively, but you can also treat yourself without needing to financially recover.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Connect & Share This Article<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The chef at Comal preparing four different plates at once, right in front of us. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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Vegan eats at Inina Cafeteria in San Cris. Their homemade relishes are off the hook. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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Can I have a little Gordita with my cheese, por favor?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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Cervecer\u00eda Naufragio serves up legit pizzas, beers, and bands almost every night of the week. El Diablo. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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Yes. Sushi in San Cris. Daisuky FTW. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Yoga, Dance, and the Earthy San Cris Vibe<\/h2>\n San Crist\u00f3bal is definitely known for having a little bit more of an earthy, hippie vibe.<\/p>\n
I go to one of the local yoga studios almost daily when I\u2019m there. I\u2019ve also taken many dance lessons in San Crist\u00f3bal for both salsa and bachata. There are plenty of opportunities to take dance lessons or just go social dancing at a couple of the clubs almost any day of the week.<\/p>\n\n\nThere are always music festivals in nearby parks, small events, pop-up markets, organic markets, spiritual classes, and people doing some version of \u201cI came here to find myself and accidentally stayed three years.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n
People joke that San Cris is a spiritual vortex because the people who go there to find themselves never seem to leave. I definitely get why.<\/p>\n
The Fireworks, Roosters, Dogs, and Other San Cris \u201cNoise\u201d<\/h2>\n One of the charming things I actually love about San Crist\u00f3bal is the fireworks. Daily and sometimes hourly, and definitely ramping up around whatever holiday is approaching or happening that day, there are almost nonstop booms.<\/p>\n
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Terrace sunset views at Co404 Coliving in San Cristobal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Real de Guadalupe, with the church in the background. I walk this pedestrian street daily. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSome people really don\u2019t like this. And I get it. It\u2019s not exactly peaceful in the traditional sense. But honestly, I think it\u2019s part of the charm, along with the roosters and the dogs you can hear almost nonstop.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not white noise, exactly. It\u2019s more like the soundtrack. But after a week or two, it usually almost fades into the background for me. Still very much there when I want to hear it, but no longer as jarring as when I land.<\/p>\n\n\nOne of my absolute favorite memories in San Crist\u00f3bal was getting up on the terrace at Co404 and watching a 360-degree view of fireworks on Christmas and New Year\u2019s Eve.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n
You just can\u2019t see that in the States in the same way because fireworks are so regulated. In San Crist\u00f3bal, you can buy fireworks anytime, but when the big holidays come, there are massive markets, and it seems like every family buys their stash.<\/p>\n\n\nIt felt like every other rooftop had the whole family on it, every barrio had a massive firework show, and all of it went off at once at midnight for easily 20 minutes. An epic memory I\u2019ll honestly never forget.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n
Is San Crist\u00f3bal Safe? The Rough Edges Are Part of the Charm<\/h2>\n Some people say San Crist\u00f3bal is rough around the edges, but I really think that\u2019s part of the charm.<\/p>\nPlandid or candid?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThere are street dogs. The sidewalks and cobblestones are not exactly forgiving. (Always get travel medical insurance! Turned ankles happen!) And walking the quiet streets after dark can go from tranquil to almost eerily quiet in an instant. But on very few occasions, over the different months I\u2019ve stayed there, have I ever felt unsafe in San Crist\u00f3bal.<\/strong><\/p>\nOf course, I use common sense. I don\u2019t walk alone late at night, and I mostly stay in the touristed area or close outskirts. But overall, San Crist\u00f3bal has always felt much more safe than anything else to me.<\/p>\n
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Things to Do in San Crist\u00f3bal<\/h2>\n If you\u2019re looking for Things to Do in San Crist\u00f3bal, there are plenty. You can visit nearby towns, take day trips, go to markets, find yoga classes, take salsa or bachata lessons, work from caf\u00e9s, eat your way around town, or just walk for hours.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve done dozens of day trips from San Cris, including Chamula multiple times, Zinacant\u00e1n, and other trips around Chiapas. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\nI\u2019ve even had a beer in Guatemala while on a trip visiting ruins you could only get to by boat. Again, pretty freaking epic.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n
D\u00eda de los Muertos in San Crist\u00f3bal de Las Casas<\/h2>\n As I write this, I\u2019m planning my next trip back for the fall, likely for D\u00eda de los Muertos, or what you might know as Day of the Dead.<\/p>\nLove the color pop here\u2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nD\u00eda de los Muertos is celebrated around the end of October through November 2. It\u2019s when families honor loved ones who have died, often with cemetery visits, flowers, candles, food, photos, and offerings. <\/strong>And no, it\u2019s not simply \u201cMexican Halloween,\u201d even though the timing overlaps.<\/p>\n
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