Puerta Vieja Hostel

Top choice in San Cristóbal de las Casas


A spacious, modern, traveler-savvy hostel in a high-ceilinged colonial building with a large garden strung with hammocks, kitchen, temascal (pre-Hispanic steam bath) and sheltered interior courtyard. Its dorms (one for women only) are a good size, and the rooftop ones have fab views. Six private rooms have one queen and a bunk bed. There's occasional karaoke in the garden.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San Cristóbal de las Casas attractions

1. Museo de Sergio Arturo Castro Martínez

0.11 MILES

The story behind this extraordinary collection – that's overseen by an even more extraordinary person, Don Sergio – is as interesting as the museum itself…

2. Plaza 31 de Marzo

0.12 MILES

The leafy main plaza is a fine place to take in San Cristóbal’s unhurried highland atmosphere. Shoe-shiners, newspaper sellers and ambulantes (mobile…

3. Museo del Ámbar de Chiapas

0.14 MILES

Chiapas amber – fossilized pine resin that's around 30 million years old – is known for its clarity and diverse colors. Most is mined around Simojovel,…

4. Museo del Cacao

0.15 MILES

This chocolate museum runs along an open upstairs balcony of a cafe. Learn about the history of chocolate and how it was used by the Maya. Also on display…

5. Iglesia de la Merced

0.17 MILES

Dating from 1537, the Iglesia de la Merced is often seen in postcards of San Cristóbal festooned in colorful flags. The interior of the sacristy has an…

6. Catedral

0.18 MILES

On the north side of the plaza, the candy-colored cathedral was begun in 1528 but wasn't completed until 1815 because of several natural disasters. Sure…

8. Cerro de San Cristóbal

0.19 MILES

The hot slog up the Cerro de San Cristóbal will pay you back with big views over the city and surrounds.