Other than 5 long hours of narrow, twisting, winding roads, through the cloudy Sierra Mountains, the bus ride from Paleneque to San Cristobal was uneventful. A brief cab ride to the center of town and I am at the Hostel Casa Real. A couple at the Palenque bus station had just come from San Cristobal and spent a couple of nights here. Taking other travelers recommendations is much easier than going from hostel to hostel, checking each room or avoiding any surprises if booking in advance.
San Cristobal de Las Casas is a Spanish Colonial was first established in 1528 by the Spanish Conquistador Diego de Mazariegos and was renamed San Cristobal in 1535 by the Spanish Crown. It is 6900 feet above sea level and was kind of chilly. Although I did hear it spoken a few times that, “it is never this cold here.” It is typical of a Spanish Colonial town, with the plaza in the middle being the center of activity. On the four sides of a plaza you will find; the City Hall, a Catholic Church and two other buildings with hotel, restaurant and shops. Center of this plaza had a pavilion where a market is held, bands playing nightly and was surrounded by benches, trees and gardens.
I spent the better part the days there exploring the streets, seeing the Churches and a University. My intention was to only stay there for a day and leave the next morning. On the second night I was in a café and spoke with two guys from Mexico City. They suggested I do a river tour of the Canyon del Sumidero. Easily convinced, I delayed leaving San Cristobal for another day. Pictures of the tour in next post. San Cristobal photos
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