Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas tickets

How to get from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de Las Casas

Trading Puerto Escondido's beachside lure for a mountain town might seem difficult at first, but the charming atmosphere of San Cristobal de Las Casas will prove that you made the right choice.

Thanks to the 483-kilometer (302-mile) distance between the two destinations, it's a lengthy odyssey. However, you’ll quickly fall in love with the beautiful mountainous town, and the long journey will become a distant memory.

Travelers can either take a bus, which is a 12 to 14-hour journey or hop on a flight and take a taxi from the nearest airport, Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport.

Whichever option you choose to reach this pine forest-surrounded city nestled in a beautiful valley, it’ll be almost impossible to tear yourself away after arrival.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas worth visiting?

Sitting 2200 meters above sea level, San Cristobal de Las Casas is close to the Guatemalan border and has been gaining popularity among local and foreign tourists.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a colorful and welcoming city that is part of the Pueblo Mágicos program, showcasing historically and culturally significant towns across Mexico. Its historic center was founded in 1528 and still holds onto its old charm with cobbled streets, markets, and Hispanic architecture.

Making the lengthy trek to visit this town might seem daunting. Still, it’s absolutely worth the effort to explore. 

The city is also a fantastic launching pad for various adventures in the surrounding area.

Seven unmissable activities to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas

Visitors to San Cristobal de Las Casas will fall in love with the magical adventures here, but it’s hard to choose between all the options! Here’s a breakdown of the best bits to help you build an itinerary:

1. Meander the historic center: Visit the local markets, try Mexican cuisine, and walk the cobbled streets searching for eye-catching adventures. The area of Zocalo, the city center, is a particular highlight thanks to its historic buildings. 

2. Explore the canyon: Book a day trip to the Canyon del Sumidero and the town of Chiapa de Corzo for a peek into the surreal landscapes surrounding the city. You can also book a tour with a serene boat ride down the Grijalv River, which cuts down the middle of the vast jungle canyon.

3. Visit indigenous communities: Visit indigenous towns like Zinacantan and San Juan Chamula to learn about the manufacturing process of local textiles and the history and religion of indigenous people living there. Book a guided excursion to ensure you’re not invading the peace of the locals!

4. Wander the Tonina Ruins: Located less than 100 kilometers from San Cristobal de Las Casas, these fascinating ruins, known for their pyramids and terraces, are much more peaceful than other famous sites in the country because they’re so remote.

5. Swim in the El Chiflon Waterfalls: Also an adventure to reach, this collection of five waterfalls all fall into the same vast blue pool. The highest is 120 meters tall, making it a spectacular sight.

6. Explore mountain caves and go horseback riding: Rancho Nuevo is a local park in the mountains with caves, horseback riding, and other activities. Spend a day trying out all the activities.

7. Find the perfect viewpoint: Hike up the zigzag walkway to La Iglesia de San Cristobalito to get a viewpoint of the entire city. This is the best spot to take vacation pictures and see the sunset.

How to get from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de Las Casas?

When traveling to San Cristobal de Las Casas from Puerto Escondido, you have two options: a bus or a flight paired with a taxi.

By bus 

The cheapest way to travel from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de Las Casas is by bus, but brace yourself for a long journey!

The journey takes between 12 hours and 45 minutes and 13 hours and 45 minutes to complete. Still, it is a unique odyssey — a trip you’ll remember forever.

Most buses depart from Terminal de Autobuses OCC in Puerto Escondido and arrive at the Autobuses OCC Terminal or San Cristobal de las Casas Station.

Most buses depart in the evening, saving you money for a night’s accommodation.

Bring lots of snacks and water to stay well-fed and hydrated throughout the journey.

The buses come in two travel classes: standard and executive. 

Most buses include: 

The main difference with the executive bus is the seats are more comfy and recline more. And it may have Wifi. 

Pro tip: Keep all your valuables on your person instead of stowing them beneath or above you. Put air tags in your luggage to keep track of it at all times.

By flight and taxi

A more expensive but far more direct option is to take a flight to Chiapas’ Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport (TGZ) and then hop in a taxi for about one hour and 15 minutes to reach San Cristobal de Las Casas.

Or, skip the taxi and hop onto a colectivo outside the airport to San Cristobal de Las Casas to save money.

What you’ll see on the trip from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de Las Casas

Unfortunately, despite being a long ride, there aren’t many highlights to look out for on this journey, especially if you travel by night.

You’ll spend a lot of time on highways and driving between remote cities and destinations, so pack a good book and your earphones to keep yourself entertained.

However, wake up with the sunrise to see the valley that cradles San Cristobal de Las Casas edge into your sightline, giving you a teaser of the incredible views to come.

When is the best time to visit San Cristobal de Las Casas?

The best time to visit San Cristobal de Las Casas is between November and December when the weather is pleasant and there are few rain showers.

The temperatures average around 66°F (18°C), making it the perfect climate for enjoying all the outdoor experiences and adventures here.

Pack plenty of layers, though, because the city is 2200 meters above sea level, so you’ll get chilly in the evenings.

In March, temperatures can become unbearable, with peaks of 104°F (40°C), so avoid booking your trip if you struggle in high heat. 

How many days should I spend in San Cristobal?

You’ll need at least three days to see everything San Cristobal de Las Casas offers, including fascinating museums, beautiful churches, and sprawling plazas.

It’ll take at least one day just to meander around the city center and soak up the atmosphere before beginning your other adventures.

You could stay longer, but three to four days are enough to see the top sites before moving on. 

Where should I go after San Cristobal de Las Casas?

Head to Mexico City or Oaxaca to explore more vibrant Mexican cities with just as much to entertain you as San Cristobal.