A Farewell to San Cristóbal de las Casas

As I mentioned in my last post, I’m heading back to Toronto. For the past two and a half years, I’ve been living in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico. A city of heat, hustle, and endless life. But whenever I needed a breath of fresh air, a change of pace, or simply a reason to throw on a light sweater, I’d escape to a nearby jewel of Chiapas: San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Nestled high in the mountains at over 2,200 meters above sea level, San Cristóbal feels like stepping into another world. Founded in 1528, the town has held onto its colonial charm with an elegance that time hasn’t quite managed to erode. Cobblestone streets wind through neighbourhoods lined with pastel coloured houses, and no matter where you turn, the silhouette of a church seems to greet you. In fact, the town has around 19 of them, each with its own personality, history, and quiet presence. I haven’t seen them all, but the few I did explore left me with a sense of calm and wonder.

The climate was always part of San Cristóbal’s magic for me. Cooler than Tuxtla, the town has that crisp mountain air that makes coffee taste richer and evenings linger longer. Speaking of coffee, San Cristóbal is a café lover’s paradise. Thanks to its mix of indigenous culture and international influence (many foreigners have made it their home), you can sip everything from locally roasted coffee beans to a glass of good Italian wine, sometimes in the same café. And if your taste buds crave adventure, the variety of restaurants is equally impressive, offering flavours from every corner of the globe.

What I loved most, though, was the culture woven into everyday life here. Artisan markets brim with vibrant textiles, music spills out from narrow alleyways, and the town pulses with an authenticity that welcomes you whether you’re passing through for a day or settling in for a lifetime.

Tourists who base themselves in San Cristóbal are spoiled for choice. From here, you can set off to explore the majestic ruins of Palenque or the turquoise waters of Montebello Lakes, all while returning to the comfort of a town that feels both timeless and alive.

Yesterday, I took what may have been my last trip there. It was a quiet farewell, one filled with gratitude for the weekends spent wandering its streets, the conversations had over steaming mugs of café de olla, and the countless small memories that stitched themselves into my time in Mexico.

Will I ever be back? I don’t know. Life has a way of surprising us. But what I do know is this: if you ever find yourself in Chiapas, San Cristóbal de las Casas is a magical town worth visiting.

Want to see more behind-the-scenes moments? Head over to my Instagram @umbfitness (link on the main page) and check out my stories—I’ve shared extra clips, photos, and little details that didn’t make it into the blog!