San Cristóbal, Mexico

. . . . . about the location.

San Cristóbal is in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico's southernmost state. Few places on earth rival the region for pure dramatic beauty and variety of peoples. San Cristóbal itself offers a myriad of wonders for the photographer. For centuries, this has been the place where indigenous traditions meet Spanish colonial culture and the modern Mexico. Visually the mixture is astounding, with the bright notes of traditional indigenous aesthetic contrasting delightfully with the more staid yet elegant influence of Europe.

Outside of the city high, rounded and jagged peaks lead south towards Guatemala, carpeted in every shade of green imaginable. Here, life is everywhere flowing and wanting to be photographed, digging into and sprouting out of the dark earth. Ringing the highlands are the warm flat lowlands where the ancient Maya built great temples to their gods and the living manifestation of god, their kings. The untamed Chiapaneco coast frames the west.

The vivacious people of Chiapas play host to the visiting student. They are the catalysts for wonderful experiences and strikingly open and honest photographs. The enormous variety of people in the region reflects the diversity of the land. Over ten different tribes of Maya lineage live in the area, each with its own dress, language and traditions. Encounters with the fascinating people of Chiapas are often the highlight of our students' experience.

The frequency of colorful festivals assures you that during each session at least one festival will be taking place in San Cristóbal or one of the neighboring villages.

Birds are certainly an attraction in Chiapas, with over seven hundred species; residents and migrants. Wild flowers and trees along with a profusion of orchids and bromeliads offer a bonanza for the nature photographer. Butterflies come in every possible color, size and design. Insect life is as varied as the snowflakes of colder climates. It all adds up to a marvelous palette for the photographer.

The diverse state of Chiapas is our classroom and our playground.

Where we go during the nine day long workshop is entirely up to the group.
Here are a few possibilities:

Ancient Maya Ruins:  Unlike other more frequented ruins, the ruins at TONINA, CHINKULTIC and TENAM PUENTE receive few visitors. In stunning settings, they offer unique photographic opportunities.

Lagos de Montebello:  Close to Tenam Puente and Chincultik, in the temperate rain forest near Guatemala lie lakes of dazzling blue and green. Nestled within a national park, the surrounding area shelters rare birds, diverse plant life and sacred caves still used as places of worship. This is an overnight trip where a 19th century colonial-style hacienda, Parador Museo Sta Maria, serves as our resting place after the day's exploration.

Pacific Beaches:  Very different from the famous beaches of Cancun or Acapulco, an expedition to the moody coast of Chiapas yields much for the intrepid photographer. Hundreds of kilometers of mangrove estuaries shelter a bizarre mix of flora and fauna and isolated villages. Giant waves crash at your feet while beach combing deserted stretches of sand. Enjoy fabulous freshly caught fish while you contemplate the perfect spot to hang your hammock.

Indigenous Villages:  One of the attractive qualities of San Cristóbal is its intimate relationship to the neighboring indigenous communities. Fascinating and accessible, the markets, churches and festivals of CHAMULA, ZINACANTAN and TENEJAPA offer a glimpse of living Maya culture.

Water Trip:  Water is one of the forceful elements that rules Chiapas. Here, the summer rains green the land and refresh wildflowers and forests. We explore the energy of water on this day trip, from a crystal clear pool that wells from deep in the earth to a powder blue river cascading through an isolated valley, ending with a swim in a vitalizing natural whirlpool.

Steam Baths: San Cristóbal's oasis for the traveler's weary muscles.

Shopping:  The intricate textiles made by the indigenous women of Chiapas are the pride of Mexico. Trained from young girlhood in the art of weaving, women use the designs of their ancestors and the backstrap loom to spin flawless chuks and huipiles from the wool of their own flocks.

. . . . . about transportation.

Several major airlines offer non-stop flights to Mexico City or Cancun. Delta seems to be one of the best. From Mexico City or Cancun, you will fly to Tuxtla Gutierrez, the capital city of Chiapas. From Mexico City there are four options Mexicana, Aviacsa, Aero Carribe and Click. Once in Tuxtla, there are two options for the 1.0 to 1.5 hour ride to your home in San Cristóbal:

1. Shuttle service from the airport directly to your home for about $90 pesos per person, with 6 in shuttle.

2. Private taxi, which can be shared, for about $650 pesos total.

Please prices may change; these prices are as of 1, 1, 2008

. . . . . about the food.

Mexican food is wonderful, not the tried and tired tacos and burritos usually found north of the border. At Aper Tours, Rufina will start your day off with a delicious and hearty breakfast. San Cristóbal offers many restaurants to appeal to your taste and budget.

. . . . . about the weather.

San Cristóbal is the land of many months of spring-like weather. Temperatures vary from 40 degrees in the early morning to a high of 75 degrees. The rainy season is from May to November. The rains are of the tropical type, coming late in the afternoon, heavy for a brief period, and then clearing for a dramatic sunset. It rarely rains for a whole day. The sun is intense, so hats and sunscreen are recommended.

. . . . . about safety and security.

San Cristóbal is a safe and comfortable location from which to explore the wonders of Chiapas. All seasoned travelers are careful in new and unfamiliar surroundings, whether one is in London, Chicago or San Cristóbal. But you will find that Chiapas is as safe as, or perhaps even safer than, many of the cities which visiting students call home.

. . . . . about fitness and health.

Every care will be taken to provide a healthful environment, but bear in mind that San Cristóbal is at 7,100 feet and most of the trip will be above 5,000 feet. Also note that there will be several hours of walking per day. People in reasonably good shape should experience no problems.