San Juan Chamula Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, accommodations, and food options in San Juan Chamula. Plan your perfect trip with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to San Juan Chamula

San Juan Chamula is a small town located in the Chiapas region of Mexico, known for its rich indigenous culture and traditions. Chamula is home to the Tzotzil Maya people who have preserved their customs and beliefs, making it a unique destination to explore. Visitors can witness colorful traditional clothing and witness ancient religious rituals that revolve around the Catholic churches of the town. Chamula’s natural beauty is surrounded by the lush green hills of the Chiapas highlands that offer a breathtaking view of nature.

List of Places to Visit in San Juan Chamula

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • San Juan Chamula Church, a unique attraction, which is a blend of Catholic and indigenous beliefs practiced by Tzotzil Maya People.
  • Museum of Chamula Culture, which offers detailed insights into local history, culture, and practices of the indigenous communities.
  • Zinacantan, a neighboring town to Chamula that features the famed white-washed church of Our Lady of the Rosary and serves as a prominent hub of embroidered textiles.

Natural Attractions of San Juan Chamula: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Chamula Highlands, which comprise the forested Zinacantán Chapel and the Huitepec volcano, features some of the most scenic hikes and adventure trails.
  • Romerillo Waterfall, located about 20 minutes from the town square, presenting a beautiful waterfall that you can swim in.
  • The Valley of Jovel, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” is surrounded by beautiful vegetation, coffee plants, and sparkling streams that offer breathtaking views and an excellent opportunity for adventure and outdoor activities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of San Juan Chamula

There are plenty of hiking and biking trails in the Chamula Highlands for different levels of trekkers and riders.

  • Hiking Trails:
    • Pine-Oak Forest Trail
    • The Summit Trail
    • Waterfall Trail
  • Biking Routes:
    • Mountain Trail
    • Spresso Tour
    • Chamula to Tenejapa Trail

Best Things to Do in San Juan Chamula: Activities and Tours

  • Walking tour of the town to see murals, churches and markets.
  • Cultural experience: Witness a traditional healing session and spiritual cleansings in the churches.
  • Textile shopping: Apart from Zinacatan nearby, San Juan Chamula offers a collection of locally embroidered clothing and fabrics.
  • Photography: Chamula’s scenic beauty, ancient rituals, and colorful clothing offer great photo opportunities.
  • Food and Drink: Chamula is known for its all-day festival during the annual Day of the Dead Celebration, and, at other times of the year, there are food and drink tours that allow visitors to have local cuisine.

Week-Long Itinerary for San Juan Chamula

Here is a sample week-long itinerary for San Juan Chamula:

Day Activity
1 Walking tour of the town, church visits, and local market exploration
2 Day trip to nearby Zinacantan and exploring the white-washed church of Our Lady of the Rosary and local textile shops and markets
3 Morning Hiking of Pine-Oak Forest Trail and afternoon visit to the Museum of Chamula Culture
4 Cultural Visits, including temple visits for spiritual cleansing, hearing the town’s secrets from a local storyteller, and observing a traditional healing session
5 Day trip to picturesque Tzotzil communities such as Huixtan and Tenejapa, including coffee-tasting and shopping, bike ride, and the valley of Jovel exploration
6 Waterfall Trail hike and Romerillo Waterfall swimming and picnic
7 Relaxing day followed by a nature-watching and birding tour in the valley of Jovel

Food and Drink Scene of San Juan Chamula

Must-Try Dishes

  • Chaluk, which is a hearty stew made with beef and root vegetables, and often served with tortillas.
  • Tacos de Res, a soft taco filled with beef, vegetables, and fresh chili sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Pozol, which is a fermented corn beverage, often served as a refreshing drink in the hot climate.
  • Champurrado, a warm drink made from corn flour, cinnamon, and other spices.

Where to Stay in San Juan Chamula: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are a few places to stay in San Juan Chamula for different budgets and interests. Here are some popular options:

  • Hotel Posada Jovel: A mid-range hotel with a beautiful courtyard and excellent views of the valley.
  • Casa Lum: A budget option with a cafe and balconies, located in the center of town.
  • Sereno Art Hotel: A luxurious option featuring an art gallery for local artists and spacious rooms.

What to Buy in San Juan Chamula: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Embroidered textiles such as blouses, shirts, belts, or woven tapetes furniture.
  • Traditional clothing is often made by hand, including intricate garments such as the tzotzil huipil.
  • Coffee from local Tzotzil communities such as Huixtan and Jovel.

Local Culture and Customs of San Juan Chamula

San Juan Chamula offers an authentic insight into the ancient traditions and customs of the Tzotzil Maya community. Visitors can witness ancient and unique religious rituals that blend Catholicism and indigenous beliefs. One can also learn about traditional weaving and agriculture practices fascinating in the local lifestyle. However, visitors should respect local rules prohibiting photography without consent.

Best Time to Visit San Juan Chamula

San Juan Chamula has a pleasant, warm climate that is typically sunny and dry throughout the year. The best time to visit is between November and March when the climate is cool and the weather is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Visitors can also witness the annual Day of the Dead celebration during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of San Juan Chamula

Do:

  • Respect the local culture, language, and traditions.
  • Dress appropriately when inside sacred places of worship.
  • Purchase handicrafts and textiles directly from indigenous communities to support the local economy.

Don’t:

  • Take photographs of the locals without consent.
  • Wander off from marked trails or in restricted areas.
  • Take part in religious ceremonies unless invited to do so.

Safety and Health

Safety in San Juan Chamula

San Juan Chamula is generally safe, like most of Mexico, but it is essential to take necessary precautions to safeguard one’s belongings.

Health in San Juan Chamula

San Juan Chamula can be a rugged destination with high altitudes and is not well suited for those with respiratory or cardiovascular health conditions. Visitors should travel with ample drinking water, wear comfortable and protective clothing, and use insect repellents to avoid illness.

Getting to San Juan Chamula: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near San Juan Chamula

The nearest major airports to San Juan Chamula are the Tuxtla Gutierrez International Airport and the Angel Albino Corzo International Airport.

Bus Stations Near San Juan Chamula

There are several bus stations near San Juan Chamula, such as Tuxtla Gutierrez Bus Station, San Cristóbal de las Casas Terminal, and Pueblo Nuevo Solistahuacán.

Other Options

Visitors can also take taxis or private cars from nearby cities such as San Cristóbal de las Casas to reach San Juan Chamula.

How to Get Around in San Juan Chamula

San Juan Chamula is a small town that can be easily explored on foot. Taxis and buses are also available for travel to nearby towns.

Where to Go Next from San Juan Chamula: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • San Cristóbal de las Casas, known as a cultural hub for indigenous communities and a center for learning Spanish.
  • Palenque, a beautiful ancient Maya village known for its impressive ruins and pyramids.
  • Agua Azul, a group of waterfalls in the southern reaches of Chiapas that offers a picturesque getaway from towns and cities.

Conclusion

San Juan Chamula is an ideal destination for visitors looking to experience an authentic and traditional lifestyle. With a blend of ancient religious rituals, traditional practices, and natural beauty, the small Chiapas town offers visitors a unique and worthwhile experience. From exploring the Chamula Highlands and valley to learning about traditional weaving and consuming local food and drinks, there is something for everyone in this culturally rich destination.

The market in San Juan Chamula The market in San Juan Chamula The church The church