Get your bearings in San Cristóbal on a walking tour, on which you’ll learn more about the city’s often-overlooked history as you stroll cobblestone streets. Alternatively, capture sharable snaps of the city’s colorful architecture and political street art on a photography-focused tour.

Dive deeper into San Cristóbal’s cultural heritage on a visit to its markets and museums. The Santo Domingo Artisan Market is a great place to purchase souvenirs, while the Mayan Medicine Museum, Kakaw Museum, and Casa Na Bolom reveal much about Mesoamerican culture.

Just before sunset, take a walk up to Iglesia De Guadalupe to enjoy sweeping views of the region in the last light of the day. Afterwards, wander back along Real de Guadalupe, the main pedestrian strip where dinner and drink options are plentiful.

Take advantage of full-day tours and dedicate your second day to discovering wider Chiapas. Not far from the city, smaller towns such as San Juan Chamula or Zinacantan reveal the culture of indigenous Mexicans, while surrounding valleys, canyons, waterfalls, and sinkholes offer offer thrills in abundance. Hailed as Chiapas’s crowning glory, the ancient city of Palenque is another popular day trip option; the rural ruins come with far fewer crowds than Chichen Itza and Tulum.

Day tours from San Cristóbal typically include round-trip transfer, though not all include lunch. Most tours drop off at the Zócalo, with some arriving back to town quite late. Fortunately, a short walk north of the center reveals side streets full of upscale restaurants and traditional taquerias that stay open late into the evening.