San Cristobal is surrounded with so many stunning ecoparks that have been designated for tourism, hikes, picnics and other activities.
Arcotete Ecopark
Arcotete is known as a portal and is a place many of the spiritual residents of San Cristobal are very drawn to. Nestled in a pine forest and boasting multiple activities and a cave system, Arcotete is a great place to spend a sunny day.
💰 Costs: There is a very small fee of $10 MXN to enter the park.
There are many things to do at Arcotete. Aside from admiring the huge arch (portal), you can:
- Explore the cave system including some interesting formations – $15 MXN
- Ziplining – $150 MXN
- Have a picnic
- Explore the trails and suspension bridges
- Rock climbing the arch – you’d need to bring your own gear
Getting there:
- 🚕 You can take a taxi which costs about $200 MXN.
- 🚌 Taking a colectivo is very simple. To get there wait on the corner of Calle Nicolas Ruiz and Avenida Remesal for a colectivo that says Arcotete on the front. It should cost $10 MXN and come very frequently. There’s a bus stop in the park for an easy return.
El Encuentro Ecopark
El Encuentro is another ecopark closer into the city with many hikes you can find on AllTrails. There are often music events held here on major festivals and on Sunday afternoons.
💰 Costs: There is a $10 MXN entrance fee.
Getting there:
- 🚶 The walk there was very nice and meant we got to walk through some of the nice and richer areas of San Cristobal. There are two options, walking through Prol. San Nicolas and turning left when you get on the highway (this is the way we took), or walking along Francisco Leon and turning right at the highway. It takes just under an hour.
- 🚌 You can take a colectivo from Calle Chiapa de Corzo, next to Plaza del Cerillo for $10 MXN.
Moxviquil Orchid Garden and hike
The Jardín de Orquídeas Moxviquil is a lovely place to visit on a sunny day. The orchid garden has a number of sections including two greenhouses, and from the garden you can take a hike up the hills behind the garden and back down. The hike is relaxed, has places to stop for a picnic and also passes by a cave which you can explore.
💰 Costs: Entry to visit just the orchid garden is $50 MXN and to do the hike is another $50 MXN.
Getting there:
- 🚶 It’s easy enough to walk to the garden from the Mercado Viejo, it takes about 25 minutes. Walking along Avenida Yajalón is very nice. Just take care when walking along the highway as there’s no footpath.
- 🚕 You can hail a taxi which shouldn’t cost more than $100 MXN.
- 🚌 To catch a colectivo costs $10 MXN. Take one that says x from Mercado Viejo and one that says Centro for the return.