Indigenous Villages

Zinacantan & San Juan Chamula, indigenous villages

San Juan Chamula, at 7 km distance from San Cristobal, is the best known indigenous village in Chiapas, mainly being famous for its unique blend of traditional Maya rituals and Catholicism to be seen in their church. The chapel is lit by hundreds of candles placed in front of statues of various saints and spread out on the church floor; the air is filled with the smoke and sweet smell of incense and there are groups of people kneeling on the floor amidst pine needles performing prayers and rituals.

Zinacantan, at another 4 km beyond San Juan Chamula is also a predominantly Tzotzil Maya community, but has its own traditions, its own rituals and its own traditional clothing, very different from San Juan Chamula, despite its proximity.

The trip to these two indigenous communities includes visits to the churches, the market and a visit to the home of a local family.