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Before you go
Your trip to San Juan Chamula.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
San Juan Chamula – Chiapas Destination San Cristóbal de las Casas and the Sumidero Canyon about 70 km from Tuxtla Gutiérrez
How to get there
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Aeropuerto Internacional Ángel Albino Corzo (TGZ) Tuxtla Gutiérrez · 90 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
From San Cristóbal de las Casas it is about 10 km, roughly 20 minutes, by shared vans that depart near the municipal market, taxis, and guided tours that often include Zinacantán.
How many days
Half a day, on a trip from San Cristóbal, often combined with Zinacantán.
When to go
Any time of year. On Sundays there is a market and more activity in the square. The Maya Carnival, before Lent, and the feast of Saint John in June are the biggest festivals.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. There are shared vans and taxis from San Cristóbal.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in San Juan Chamula
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Morning
Church of San Juan Bautista
Enter the church of San Juan Bautista, buy the ticket at the town hall, and watch the rituals silently, without photographing.
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Afternoon
Chamula Market
Walk through the square and the market, with vegetables, woolen textiles, and traditional Tsotsil clothing.
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Late afternoon
Zinacantán
In the afternoon, continue to Zinacantán, about 8 km away, known for its flowers and colorful embroidery.
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Evening
Return to San Cristóbal
At the end of the day, return to San Cristóbal, about 10 km away, to dine in the center.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Can you photograph in Chamula?
Inside the church photographing is usually prohibited. In the village, ask permission before photographing people.
What happens in the church of Chamula?
Residents perform healing and prayer rituals with candles, pine needles, soft drinks, posh (the local cane spirit), and sometimes chickens, mixing Maya and Catholic beliefs.
Is Chamula far from San Cristóbal?
About 10 km, roughly 20 minutes by van or taxi.
When is the Chamula market?
On Sundays, in the square in front of the church.