Museo del Ámbar de Chiapas

San Cristóbal de las Casas


Chiapas amber – fossilized pine resin that's around 30 million years old – is known for its clarity and diverse colors. Most is mined around Simojovel, north of San Cristóbal. This small museum explains all things amber (with information sheets in English, French, German, Japanese and Italian).

Note that a number of nearby jewelry shops have appropriated the museum's name, but this is the only place around that's housed in an ex-convent – you can't miss it.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San Cristóbal de las Casas attractions

1. Iglesia de la Merced

0.03 MILES

Dating from 1537, the Iglesia de la Merced is often seen in postcards of San Cristóbal festooned in colorful flags. The interior of the sacristy has an…

2. Museo de Sergio Arturo Castro Martínez

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The story behind this extraordinary collection – that's overseen by an even more extraordinary person, Don Sergio – is as interesting as the museum itself…

4. Cerro de San Cristóbal

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The hot slog up the Cerro de San Cristóbal will pay you back with big views over the city and surrounds.

5. Plaza 31 de Marzo

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The leafy main plaza is a fine place to take in San Cristóbal’s unhurried highland atmosphere. Shoe-shiners, newspaper sellers and ambulantes (mobile…

6. Museo del Cacao

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This chocolate museum runs along an open upstairs balcony of a cafe. Learn about the history of chocolate and how it was used by the Maya. Also on display…

7. Arco del Carmen

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The Arco del Carmen, at the southern end of the Andador Turístico on Hidalgo, dates from the late 17th century and was once the city’s gateway.

8. Centro Cultural El Carmen

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This ex-convent, just east of the Arco del Carmen, is a wonderful colonial building, with a large, peaceful garden. It’s now the Centro Cultural El Carmen…

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