San Cristobal de las Casas: Humidity, Heat, and a Whole Lot of Dust

okay, so i just stumbled into San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico, and honestly? it’s a bit of a sensory overload. not in a bad way, just… a lot. i’m currently fueled by questionable street tacos and a desperate need to upload photos before my phone dies.

I’m here scouting locations for a friend’s indie film - she’s obsessed with finding places that look “authentically crumbling,” which, let me tell you, this place delivers on. It’s like time forgot to send a cleaning crew.

The weather? i just checked and it’s… clinging to everything right now, a warm, thick blanket. 26 degrees Celsius, feels like 26, which is basically the definition of oppressive humidity. The air pressure is a solid 1011, and the humidity is sitting pretty at 63%. It’s the kind of heat that makes you question all your life choices, especially the one where you decided to wear black.

I’ve been wandering around the *zocalo, which is predictably chaotic. Mariachi bands are battling for sonic dominance, vendors are hawking everything from embroidered textiles to questionable “authentic” Mayan artifacts, and there’s a constant stream of people just… existing. It’s good. It’s messy. It’s real.

Someone told me that the best coffee is at a tiny place called “Café El Puccino” - apparently, the owner is a bit of a grump, but makes a mean cortado. I’m definitely going to investigate. I’m a coffee snob, okay? It’s a problem. You can find more coffee shops on Yelp.

I overheard a couple of backpackers arguing about hostels. One was raving about “Hostal Posada del Angel,” saying it had the best rooftop views, while the other insisted it was overrun with mosquitos. Classic. You can check out hostel reviews on TripAdvisor.

My neighbors, or rather, the people who live in the building next door, seem to be having a perpetual fiesta. Loud music, lots of laughter, and the occasional rogue firework. If you get bored, Tuxtla Gutiérrez and Comitán are just a short colectivo ride away.

I’m trying to blend in, which mostly involves wearing a lot of layers and pretending I know what’s going on. It’s not going well. I keep accidentally making eye contact with street vendors and then feeling obligated to buy something. Send help (and pesos).

I heard from a local that the market on Real de Oro is where you can find the best deals on textiles, but you have to be prepared to haggle. Like, really* haggle. Apparently, they start high and expect you to walk away before they lower the price. It’s a game.

I’m also trying to learn some basic Spanish, but my progress is… slow. I mostly just know how to order tacos and ask where the bathroom is. Which, honestly, is probably enough to survive.

I’m thinking of taking a day trip to Sumidero Canyon. I saw some photos online and it looks incredible. You can find tours on GetYourGuide. I’m also checking out local forums like Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree for tips.

Anyway, i’m going to go get lost in the streets again. Wish me luck. And send coffee.