San Juan Chamula

San Juan Chamula, with its scenic streets, traditional architecture and indigenous people is one of the highlights of any visit to Chiapas. The church of San Juan is a popular site, with ornate wooden statues covered in tiny mirrors to ward away evil. Visitors will find a unique mix of Spanish Catholic traditions and old Mayan ways inside the church, which is free of pews and instead covered in carpets and pine boughs. As many healing ceremonies as Sunday services take place here. 
A local market showcases traditional clothing, blankets and items from Zapatista. Travelers say it’s best to hire a guide to explore this town, since locals are suspicious of visitors and protective of age-old traditions and indigenous ways.

Practical Info

San Juan Chamula is located 10 kilometers from San Cristobal de las Casas. Approximately 99.5 percent of people here speak an indigenous language—typically Tzotzil.