Day trip from:

San Juan Chamula

Living Maya-Catholic syncretism with unique church rituals

2-3 hours (often combined with Zinacantán for half-day)

25 MXN(Church entry; STRICT no-photo policy with 4,200 MXN fines)

Overview

San Juan Chamula hosts the **only church in the world** with active Maya-Catholic syncretic rituals—an extraordinary experience that defies description. Inside the whitewashed colonial church, there are **no pews**; the floor is covered in **fresh pine needles** and lit by **thousands of candles** arranged in patterns meaningful only to the practitioners. Tzotzil Maya shamans conduct healing ceremonies involving **live chicken sacrifices**, chanting, eggs, pox (corn liquor), and Coca-Cola (believed to have spiritual properties for inducing purifying burps). Saints line the walls, each dressed in mirrors and local textiles. **Photography inside is absolutely forbidden**—violators face fines up to **4,200 MXN ($240 USD)** and possible jail time. The community enforces this seriously. Outside the church, the main plaza hosts a daily market selling textiles, handicrafts, and food. The village operates autonomously under traditional Tzotzil governance separate from Mexican federal law. Colectivos depart frequently from San Cristóbal's market (18 MXN, 20 minutes). Most visitors combine Chamula with nearby **Zinacantán** for textile demonstrations in a half-day tour costing **$22-32 USD**.