Major city · Mexico
San Juan Chamula
Do a day trip from San Cristóbal de las Casas; one day, no overnight stay needed.
San Juan Chamula is a small, autonomous Tzotzil town in the Chiapas highlands. The main attractions – the church, market and cemetery – are within walking distance, so a single day from San Cristóbal de las Casas is enough. There are no hotels in the town.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- avoid May–Oct (rainy season)
- Airport
- TGZ
- Nights
- 0
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for San Juan Chamula911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about San Juan Chamula, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe for day visitors, but respect local customs, avoid photographing inside the church, and stay aware of the community’s self‑policing.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10 (≈ under US$1).Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police / emergency · 078 Tourist assistance
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportTGZ Tuxtla Gutiérrez International (About 1.5 h by bus to San Cristóbal, then colectivo to Chamula).
- Getting aroundWalk everywhere in Chamula.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at local caféMXN 30–50 (≈ US$2–3)
- Street or quick mealSnack (antojitos)MXN 20–40 (≈ US$2–3)
- Museum or sight ticketChurch entry feeMXN 30 (≈ US$2)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personMX$150 (≈ US$9)
- Mid-range bedDouble room (2 people), a night, per roomMX$900 (≈ US$50)
- High-end bedDouble room (2 people), a night, per roomMX$1,500 (≈ US$85)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$200 (≈ US$11) · Mid MX$300 (≈ US$17) · High MX$500 (≈ US$30)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TGZ Tuxtla Gutiérrez International (About 1.5 h by bus to San Cristóbal, then colectivo to Chamula)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Feb
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Mar
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jun
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: May–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C) low), wettest Jun (15 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
San Juan Chamula: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5 rd
Feb
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7 rd
May
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk everywhere in Chamula. From San Cristóbal, take a colectivo (≈20 min, MXN 22) or a negotiated taxi (≈15‑20 min, MXN 120).
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
San Juan Chamula
goDoor to door: ≈1 h total
Colectivo from San Cristóbal de las Casas, 20 min; fare MXN 22 (≈ US$2) (check)
Walkable town centre; church entry MXN 30.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Day‑trip only
No lodging in Chamula; stay overnight in San Cristóbal de las Casas
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- MXN 150–250 (≈ US$9–14) excl. transport
- Mid
- MXN 250–400 (≈ US$14–25) excl. transport
Trip budget
| Hostel dorm bed1 × 1 night × MX$150 | MX$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × MX$200 | MX$200 |
| Colectivo round‑trip Chamula1 × MX$40 · check | MX$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$39 |
| Trip total≈ MX$429 per person per day, bed included | MX$429≈ US$25 |
2026 estimate; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Colectivo Chamula one‑way | MXN 22 (≈ US$2) |
| Taxi San Cristóbal → Chamulanegotiate price | MXN 120 (≈ US$7) |
| Church entry fee | MXN 30 (≈ US$2) |
| Coffee at local café | MXN 30–50 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Snack (antojitos) | MXN 20–40 (≈ US$2–3) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No photography inside the church; fines or confiscation possible.
- Local police are community‑run; disputes may be settled with force – stay calm and avoid arguments.
- Carry small change for market purchases; many vendors do not accept cards.
Emergency numbers
- Police / emergency
- 911
- Tourist assistance
- 078
Pocket card
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San Juan ChamulaSan Juan Chamula
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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Emergency
- Police / emergency911
- Tourist assistance078
Embassy
My embassy: —
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for San Juan Chamula. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr · avoid May–Oct (rainy season) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 1 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a guided half‑day tour from San Cristóbal for cultural context (09:30 departure).
- Consider a taxi for faster return if time‑pressed.
Sources
Ask about San Juan Chamula
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