San Cristóbal de las Casas is a city and municipality located in the Central Highlands region of Chiapas. As a municipality, the city functions as the governmental authority for 83 other rural communities outside the city proper.  The municipality borders the municipalities of Chamula, Tenejapa, Huixtán, Teopisca, Totolapa, Chiapilla, San Lucas and Zinacantán.

The city, especially the historic center, has maintained its Spanish colonial layout, with narrow cobblestone streets, roofs covered in red clay tile and wrought iron balconies with flowers. Although the political capital of Chiapas was moved to Tuxtla at the end of the 19th century, San Cristóbal is considered to be the “cultural capital” of the state.  Much of this culture is associated with the large indigenous population, which is mostly made up of Tzotzil and Tzeltal communities. One aspect of traditional culture associated with these indigenous groups is the making of textiles. A common area for crafts is the open-air market at Santo Domingo. 

The city’s attraction for tourists has also led to many making San Cristobal their permanent home, which has had an effect on the local culture, especially in the historic center. Many foreign residents have opened up restaurants with Italian, French, Thai, Indian, Chinese and vegetarian options.