FAQs

YES! Hacienda Valentino has multiple lines of high-speed fiber optic internet running to the property. This means, whether you’re enjoying a drink at El Colibrí or relaxing in your room, you’ll have the fastest internet offered in San Cristobal!

The nearest airport is in Tuxtla Gutierrez, the Capital of Chiapas.
Within Mexico, there are a number of daily direct flights from most major Mexican cities. If coming from outside Mexico, there are a number of connecting options, with Mexico City or Cancun being two of the better options. From there, it’s about a 45 minute to hour ride (depending on traffic) from the airport up the mountain (on a nice, modern toll road) to San Cristobal.

The airport booths (just before you exit) offer private taxis for up to three people, door-to-door.  Prices are subject to change.  However, many of these drivers may not be familiar with San Cristobal, so you should have us on Google Maps to show the driver once you enter San Cris. If you prefer a more known and trusted service who will know where we are located, we are happy to arrange a private car service to pick you up and bring you to Hacienda Valentino.

San Cristobal is approximately 7,900 feet above sea level, so the weather is moderate. During the summers, you can usually get away with shorts and short sleeve shirts during the daytime, but will want warmer clothing as soon as the sun sets behind the mountains. During winter months, it still remains fairly moderate, but you’ll want long pants and shirts, as well as jackets. You may also want to bring a rain jacket just in case. Don’t worry! If you forget something, the vendors (both walking the streets, and in the evening on the main square) have a lot
of warm options and very good prices.

Chiapas is known for its coffee. We have El Colibri café and bar that sits in both our lobby and beautiful courtyard. While drinks are the main feature, we do have a limited menu breakfast, and some tapas style snacks
in the evenings. We will continue to develop these offerings to meet our guests needs and expectations.

At Hacienda Valentino, you are only a few minutes walk to some of the best food and restaurants of all types and cuisines! It is very difficult to find a “bad” meal here! Just about any cuisine you can think of has representation here. Of course, there are many restaurants, large and small, serving local versions of typical Mexican cuisine, and they are worth trying! We’re happy to steer you in the right direction. Just ask!

If you hear fireworks popping throughout the day—or even late into the night—don’t worry! You’re experiencing one of the most distinctive traditions of San Cristóbal de las Casas.

San Cristóbal is a city of historic neighborhoods, or barrios, and many of them have their own church and patron saint. Throughout much of the year, each barrio celebrates its annual fiesta patronal, or patron saint festival. These celebrations bring together religious ceremonies, processions, music, dancing, food, and, of course, fireworks!

The fireworks are a traditional way of announcing and honoring the celebration. They fill the streets with sound and excitement, letting the entire neighborhood know that an important fiesta is taking place. In San Cristóbal, these traditions are deeply connected to the city’s history and the strong community identity of its barrios.

The biggest celebration is the Fiesta de San Cristóbal, honoring Saint Christopher, the city’s patron saint, which takes place each July and culminates around July 25. But you may hear fireworks at many other times of the year as different neighborhoods celebrate their own patron saints.

So, if you wake up to a few loud cohetes (firecrackers), think of it as San Cristóbal’s way of saying: “Today is a special day!”

And if you happen to be here during one of the major fiestas, we encourage you to step outside and experience it. Follow the sound, watch the processions, enjoy the music, and take part in the wonderful traditions that make San Cristóbal such a unique place to visit.

The entire area around San Cristobal is known for
its’ textiles, ceramics, and other crafts. There are wonderful things at really good prices! But yes, it’s also known for the large number of vendors who, primarily along the andadors (walking streets) will approach you, whether you’re walking or sitting at a street side table, to show you their wares. A simple “no, gracias” usually suffices, and, while irritating at first, it becomes second nature after a day or so. And who knows! You might find something you like!

Being high in the mountains, you could get a little rain most any time.  The rainy season is considered to be from May to November with September being the rainiest month.  Most days, even in rainy season, get some sun part of the day.  And don’t worry!  There’s still plenty to do, and we provide umbrellas in all of the rooms for your use while you’re here!