How to get from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal de las Casas, also known as Mexico’s magic town, is a vibrant bohemian city with something to offer for every traveller. The city has well-preserved, colourful colonial houses that will give you the feeling of jumping back in time. There’s also a remarkable cultural and artisan scene that’s worth discovering.
With a unique mix of indigenous, colonial and contemporary influence, the artisan market is one of San Cristobal’s must-see. Here you’ll find some of the most exquisite textile and jewellery works, and a lot of exceptional handmade items.
If you want to try some of the area’s unique flavours, then the municipal market is the place to go. At night, it’s a must to hit up a bar or resto along San Cristobal’s pedestrian-friendly streets.
New to San Cristobal de las Casas? Our compact San Cristobal de las Casas guide shows you the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss and many more tips for your visit to San Cristobal de las Casas!
2 ways to get from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas
The best way to travel the 619 km (384 miles) from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas is a 13.5-hour bus ride that costs around 992 MXN ($57.00). Alternatively, you can combine a 4-hour indirect flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez and a 1-hour bus to San Cristobal de las Casas with rates from 2,085 MXN ($120.00).
We recommend taking a bus to get from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas. The bus services for this route are reliable and direct. There are 4 departures every day and the vehicles are comfortable and well-equipped.
We understand that sitting on a bus for over 13 hours doesn’t appeal to many travellers, making flying sound like a better option. However, for this route, flying is not much better since there are no direct flights between Puerto Escondido and San Cristobal de las Casas.
We don’t recommend flying from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal doesn’t have an airport and the nearest one is in Tuxtla Gutierrez. This means you can only take a flight from Puerto Escondido to Tuxtla Gutierrez with rates starting at 1,835 MXN ($105.00) and from there take a bus to San Cristobal de las Casas for 250 MXN ($14.50).
Flights between Puerto Escondido and Tuxtla Gutierrez are not direct either, so you will have to make a layover in Mexico City which is way off the path. The waiting time at Mexico City Airport varies depending on the flight you choose but it’s over 2 hours for all flight options, making it quite inconvenient.
Besides that, the buses from Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport to San Cristobal de las Casas don’t run often so they may not fit your flight schedule. This means you may have to wait a couple of hours at the airport until the next bus departure or end up taking a taxi, which will increase the cost even more.
If after considering all of this you choose to fly to Tuxtla Gutierrez, consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas by Bus
Most buses operating from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas travel overnight. So although a bus trip takes around 13.5 hours, you won’t lose a lot of daytime. You can also save a night on accommodation.
The bus company providing the service between Puerto Escondido and San Cristobal de las Casas is OCC, a sub-branch of Mexico’s most popular company, ADO. Their buses are equipped with AC, reclining seats and a toilet.
It is a long journey, so the bus will make a few stops for food and bathroom breaks. That means you can stretch your legs every few hours (if you’re not asleep). It’s also a great idea to prepare a playlist or stock-up on Netflix movies to make the journey more comfortable.
Bus Schedule from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas
Since departures are limited, it is better to book your tickets in advance. Bus fares from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas start from 992 MXN ($57.00).
Bus departure in Puerto Escondido
Buses operating from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas depart from the ADO bus terminal, located just a few blocks away from the main beach and the city centre. You can get there on foot or through a short taxi ride.
Bus arrival in San Cristobal de las Casas
The OCC buses will drop you off at the main bus terminal in San Cristobal de las Casas. This station is located very close to the city centre and it takes only around 10 minutes to walk to the main square.
If your accommodation is further away, there are taxis available outside the bus terminal with rates from 50 MXN ($2.90).
Our favourite places to stay in San Cristobal de las Casas
Hotel Bo - Treating Yourself
Many people say that Hotel Bo is ‘one of the best places they have ever stayed in’. You’re certainly treating yourself if you decide to stay here. Alongside the stunning flower-filled gardens ideal for relaxing in, there are modern and cosy rooms, a gym and onsite restaurant.
The hotel’s restaurant treats guests to upmarket Mexican cuisine and international dishes in an beautifully-designed environment. Their exceptional breakfast is the perfect way to set you up for a day of exploring San Cristobal. Trust us, you won’t want to leave once you arrive at Hotel Bo.
- Stunning and relaxing garden
- Exceptional restaurant
- Onsite gym
- Large and modern rooms
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Casa Lum - Treating Yourself
You couldn’t be more at the heart of San Cristobal than at Casa Lum. The popular walking street filled with restaurants and bars are literally on your doorstep.
Contemporary style and colonial architecture coexist in harmony at Casa Lum. This is clearly exhibited throughout it’s 8 rooms and delicious restaurant. Another thing we love about this place, they’re also a social and environmentally sustainable hotel.
- Onsite, highly rated restaurant
- Excellent location
- Socially and environmentally responsible ethos
- A intricately designed city oasis
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Sereno Art Hotel - Mid Range
This 4 star hotel really does feel like it was designed by artists, with it’s spectacular wall art and intricate details. The decor is an interesting blend of urban and rustic pieces.
The courtyard is truly stunning, with fairy lights creating the appearance of a starry night sky. Another star of the hotel is it’s restaurant. Their food can’t be raved about enough!
- Delicious food served in their onsite restaurant
- Creative and stunning decor
- Great location
- Cosy and large rooms
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Posada del Abuelito - Budget Friendly
Posada del Abuelito is a friendly and colourful hostel situated inside one of San Cristobal’s stunning colonial buildings. The heart of the hostel is the perfect place to chill, surrounded by plants and hammocks.
Their delicious complimentary breakfast sets you up perfectly for a day of exploring the city. The communal kitchen also means you can dabble in a bit of cooking yourself. The best part? The hosts do an excellent job of making everyone feel at home.
- Homely atmosphere
- Great location
- Delicious breakfast included
- Rooms are bright and spotless
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
Puerta Vieja Hostel - Budget Friendly
We’re not quite sure how Puerta Vieja Hostel makes money, but we’re definitely not complaining. For just $9, you get both breakfast and dinner included in the price. On top of that, they even offer a free burger and cocktail night every Friday!
There’s plenty to keep you occupied within the hostel too. There’s table tennis, a TV lounge and a large garden for chilling in. The hostel is also only seconds away from San Cristobal’s main square. It’s the best place to meet other travellers in San Cristobal.
- Free breakfast and dinner
- TV lounge and table tennis
- Great atmosphere
- Close to the main square
Dorm rooms from $9 per night, including breakfast and dinner
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
