How to Spot Your Guide in San Cristóbal (and What to Expect on Tour Day)

Most travelers do not worry about "how to find the guide" until they are standing in a plaza at 9:55 AM, looking at 30 people who all seem to be waiting for something. This guide fixes that. It is everything you need to know about tour day, written by the people who actually run the tours.

Where we meet (by tour)

Each of our tours has a different meeting point. Here is the honest breakdown:

San Cristóbal Walking Tour — Arco del Carmen

We meet at the Arco del Carmen, the yellow arch at the north end of the Andador Turístico (the pedestrian street). It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in San Cristóbal — you cannot miss it. Your guide will be there 10 minutes before departure, at 09:50 for the 10:00 tour and 15:50 for the 16:00 tour.

Authentic Local Experience, Gastro-Cultural Walk, Spirits from Chiapas, Tuxtla day tour

For these tours, the meeting point is confirmed by WhatsApp after booking. In many cases, we pick you up at your accommodation. This is not a marketing line — it is how we work, because these tours start at local markets or kitchens that are easier to reach together. You will receive the exact address and your guide's name the day before the tour.

How to spot your guide

You are looking for three things:

1. A branded t-shirt. Every guide wears a shirt with the tour name and logo. It is not a generic polo — it is the same shirt in every photo on our site.
2. A sign with the tour name. Your guide holds a small sign or clipboard with the tour name and the departure time. If you see someone with a sign at Arco del Carmen, that is almost certainly us.
3. A small group, not a crowd. Our Walking Tour allows up to 30 people, but most groups are 6–12. If you see a group of 40 with a megaphone, that is not us.

What to bring

Keep it light. You do not need much:

• Comfortable shoes. San Cristóbal is walkable but the streets are cobblestone and uneven, especially after rain.
• A light jacket or sweater. The highlands get cool in the evening, even in the dry season. The Spirits tour especially.
• Cash. For tips, for market snacks, and for anything you want to buy along the way. Most market stalls do not take cards.
• Water. The altitude is ~2,200 m (7,200 ft). You will feel it. Drink water.
• Your camera or phone. San Cristóbal is photogenic. You will want it.

You do not need: a printed ticket (we have your booking on WhatsApp), a formal outfit (dress casual), or a heavy backpack (you will be walking for 3–4.5 hours).

What happens if you are running late

Message us on WhatsApp as soon as you know you are late. For the Walking Tour, we can usually wait 5–10 minutes at Arco del Carmen. After that, we have to start — the other guests have booked too.

For the other tours, we can often adapt the meeting point if you are close. But if you are 30+ minutes late, we may have to reschedule. This is rare, but it happens.

What happens if we are running late

It happens. Markets are unpredictable, kitchens are busy, and sometimes a group wants to stay 10 more minutes at a stop. If we are running late, we will message you on WhatsApp. We do not leave anyone behind.

What if I have dietary restrictions or accessibility needs

Tell us when you book, not on the day. For the Walking Tour, tastings are small and easy to adapt. For the Authentic Local Experience and Gastro-Cultural Walk, we need advance notice because the kitchens prepare specific dishes.

For accessibility: the Walking Tour covers cobblestone streets and some uneven ground. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, message us before booking and we will tell you honestly whether the tour is a good fit — and if not, we will recommend an alternative.

FAQ

Do I need to print my booking?

No. We have your booking on WhatsApp. Just show up.

What language is the tour in?

English or Spanish — your choice when you book. Every tour is available in both.

How many people are in a group?

Walking Tour: up to 30, usually 6–12. Other tours: up to 10, usually 4–8.

What if it rains?

We run tours in the rain — San Cristóbal gets afternoon showers, and the tours are designed to keep going. Bring a light rain jacket. If the weather is dangerous, we will reschedule or refund.

Can I tip my guide?

Yes, and it is appreciated. The Walking Tour is priced as a contribution: minimum $200 MXN per person, with 90% going directly to your guide. If you enjoyed it, feel free to leave extra.

Still have a question about tour day? Message us on WhatsApp — we answer fast, and we would rather answer before you book than after.