San Cristóbal de las Casas: Cultural Capital of Chiapas

Welcome to San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, one of Mexico’s most vibrant and culturally rich destinations! In this travel vlog, I explore the top things to do in this magical city, from discovering its indigenous culture and Mayan heritage to climbing its steep hills to the iconic churches. Whether you're planning a backpacking trip or looking for a peaceful getaway, San Cristóbal de Las Casas has something for every traveler!
In this video, I’ll take you on a walking tour through the best places to visit in the city, including historical sites and their relevance to the city, the city’s link to the indigenous Tzotzil people, hike up the two hills, plus tell you how my camera was stolen in the indigenous village of Chamula!

#SanCristobalDeLasCasas #Chiapas #TravelMexico #ThingsToDoInSanCristobal #IndigenousCulture #BackpackingMexico #BestPlacesToVisit #WalkingTour #hiddengems

00:00 Intro
01:46 Getting There
04:05 KukulPan Cafe
05:24 Santo Domingo de Gúzman Church
08:00 AirBnb
09:55 Zapatista Movement
11:07 Catedral de San Cristóbal
13:11 Vendors/Plaza de la Paz
15:12 My Stolen Camera Sob Story
18:32 Templo de Nuestra Seńora de Guadalupe
22:47 Haircut
23:56 Cafe La Selva
24:55 Hill and San Cristobalito Church
27:35 Arco del Carmen
28:15 Cocoliche
30:20 Final Thoughts

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My Main Setup:

Secondary Cameras:

My Travel Essentials:

[bradmcbride]

Alfie, this was another outstanding video and this one caused me great desire to return to San Cristobal where I have not been for almost 15 years. Among many qualities, I especially enjoy your selection of music which accompanies specific sites you visit. Please continue to post these videos of Mexico, a country in which I have happily lived for over 30 years and which you help me to appreciate even more. Gracias, mi querido Alfie.

[FelixDiaz-yxgf]

I live there and it's spectacular to walk while it's raining.

[DanaDana-fnff]

I've been there several times. This is a beautiful and informative video I learned things I never knew about the area. It's very nice there. Thank you for a great video!

[kathleenrodriguez]

Hi Alfie, I can understand why you left the USA to travel throughout México. It's an amazing country full of history, culture, and beautiful scenery. I think I've watched most of your videos, and you are my favorite Utuber to watch, and your great at editing your videos and play good music. I love how you show and talk about history, food, etc. You're also funny and make me laugh . Always looking forward to your new downloads.

[jaime]

Really nice narration and amazing shots. Such a magical place. Thanks for showing all this beauty!

[debfothergill]

My wife & I have been following your channel for a couple of months now and we love all the information you provide. You’ve given us a different perspective on life in Mexico, thank you for sharing your adventures. Sorry about the loss of your camera but we sure hope you keep entertaining and educating us.

[ringedplanet]

great video. Your respect for the indigenous people comes through. Kudos to you for your music choices. We visited San Juan de Chamula during the so called "Running of the Bulls" last year. Unique beyond words...

[samuelrruiz]

Muchas gracias por tus videos, aprender de mi propia patria de un extranjero se me hace curioso cundo menos pero por lo que veo a estas alturas eres tan Mexicano como uno, bienvenido seas y gracias

[ernesthenderson]

Ahh Alfie Alfie, I’m sorry your camera was stolen and I’m sorry we missed out on the valuable footage contained therein. I was reminded of the times you left your phone where you ate breakfast in Guanajuato and in the taxi in Mexico City and you left your sun glasses in the taxi at Monte Alban. You may know that Saint Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of lost and stolen items (he is also the patron saint of lost souls and travelers). When something is missing, you say, “Tony Tony Tony, Please come around! Something has been lost and must be found!”

San Cristobal de las Casas looks beautiful and feels so far away. I do, personally, remember Subcomandante Marcos and the Zapotista uprising in Chiapas in 1994. I really like that in your videos you visit and show us the churches of Mexico. When we are in Mexico, we love visiting the many beautiful churches. I love the historical and factual info you give about them.

Keep up the great work Alfie, I love the videos and your style!

[kirbyesque]

No way I’m so sorry about the camera and the footage. As always, you bring Mexico to life. I’m heading to CDMX this coming weekend for my first time in Mexico, and your work inspires me to make it the first of many. Thank you so much for all your hard work and creativity!

[veronicamartinez]

Thank you! I loving learning about my country of origin.

[gabrielorigelbonilla]

Hola Alfie! Que mal lo de tu cámara, pero al mal tiempo buena cara, es una de tus fortalezas, muy propio de ti.

[Asergiobv]

What a great video, my family is from Tapachula and they go to San cristobal all the time I was there in early January and had a great time.

[ronnielynnholley]

Fantastic stuff Alfie. Thanks for sharing another very informative and entertaining video.

[rociomondragon]

Que cosas! Lo siento mucho lo de tu cámara, sin palabras. Gracias por tu video. Bendiciones donde sea que te encuentres.

[zoraberman]

Another great video with excellent music selection! Who won the bracelet?!

[freespiritfriendly]

Hey! I hope you remember me 🥹 we met in Oaxaca in February of this year at one of its natural wonders (I forgot the name) and we spoke about the Sony ZV-1, and life in general. I just wanted to say congratulations!!! I’ve gotten to watch your channel grow and it’s so impressive seeing how far you’ve come. All the best to you and your journey. I’m back in Mexico haha and plan on visiting Chiapas soon, so thanks a lot 🥰‼️🇲🇽♥️

[CasitaParaiso]

Really enjoying your videos, Alfie! You do a great job highlighting the culture as well as the beauty of each place you visit. I’m adding San Cristobal to my list of places to visit this winter or spring.

Sorry about your camera. I have lost two cameras during my travels by leaving them behind. Once in the restroom at the airport in Anchorage where I left it hanging on the door (it was a darkly lit stall - I checked back for several weeks before giving up) and once in Zihautenejo where I left it out on a blanket at the beach and everyone in our group must have had their head turned. This was a reminder to always be aware of your personal belongings when you’re out and about.

[lauragreen]

You could make a great resource list of where to stay. You find the cutest affordable airbnbs. I Enjoy your videos!😊

[jeannetteweisskopf]

Just fabulous filming and narrative. Music terrific. Im here now in San Cristobal and I’m understanding more from your filming…. than being here…haha. Love your humor. Are you still in Mexico?