Indigenous villages: Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula
Departure from San Cristóbal de las Casas to the community of Zinacantán.
See options & experienceAbout Indigenous villages: Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula
This tour takes you to two indigenous communities near San Cristóbal de las Casas: Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula. It's a daily experience designed to bring you closer to the living traditions of the Tsotsil Maya people of Chiapas.
In Zinacantán, known as the place of bats, you'll visit a local family. There you can watch women work with the backstrap loom — a pre-Hispanic tradition — taste Pox (a traditional drink), and see handmade tortillas made over an open fire.
You'll then head to San Juan Chamula, a village where Tsotsil is spoken. Inside its church you'll witness rituals and ceremonies performed by shamans: a unique blend of religion and ancient customs.
Departure is at 9:30 am and return is around 2:00 pm, with drop off at the central park in San Cristóbal de las Casas.
The experience
Gallery
What's included?
Included
- Entrance fees
- Shared transportation
- Basic travel insurance
- Guide in Spanish and English
Not included
- Drinks
- Food
- Tips for guides and driver
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation
What to expect
Departure from San Cristóbal — We depart from San Cristóbal de las Casas heading to the community of Zinacantán.
Visit to Zinacantán — Meet a local family, watch backstrap loom weaving, taste Pox, and see handmade tortillas made over an open fire.
Visit to San Juan Chamula — Explore this Tsotsil-speaking Maya village and witness shaman rituals and ceremonies inside the church.
Return to San Cristóbal — Return at approximately 2:00 pm, with drop off at the central park in San Cristóbal de las Casas.
Good to know
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light clothing and a layer for the mountain climate
- Sunscreen
- Cash for drinks, food, and tips
- A minimum of 2 people is required to run the tour.
- Book before 8:00 PM the day before the tour.
- Food and accommodation are not included.
- Availability is subject to change.
- Maximum group size of 20 people.
- Please follow photography guidelines inside the church at San Juan Chamula.