Do I need insect repellent in Chiapas & Zih?
 

I'm going to San Cristobal de Las Casas and then Zihuatanejo in early April. Anyone know if I need to bring goo with deet?

We were just in San Cristobal - no insects at all that I was aware of. It was cold at night and very pleasant during the day. But that was end of February, not sure about early April.

Susan, did you happen to take any tours while there? If so, can you recommend a tour agency. We want to visit some of the villages and beauty spots in the area.

I always have Ultrathon, but often it's unused.
M

Don't know about Zihuatanejo, but I would have thought San Cristóbal was too high to need insect repellent at any time of year - though I have only been there in Nov. Certainly not a insect in sight then.

As for tours. There are loads of agencies in San Cris lining up to take you on trips to villages, etc. But you can just as easily take a local bus.

One trip I would recommend is out to the Cañón del Sumidero. Two agencies on Real de Guadelupe just off the main square sell a good day out. Just book in person the day before you want to go.

Cheers.

Robbie, we took one tour with Alex and Raul. The guide was a man called called Cesar. The tour was a day trip to Chamula and Zinacantan. We didn't book in advance. If you go to the main square, in front of the cathedral (by the big cross) around 9:15 AM, they'll find you. The tour was excellent. It cost 130 pesos and we left at 9:30 and got back to SC around 2:15 in the afternoon. Cesar takes the English speaking tourists. There were my husband and myself, 2 couples from France (only one of whom spoke much English), 3 Germans, 2 Swiss and 2 other Europeans (they didn't talk or smile at anyone, so not sure where they were from!).

I'd highly recommend that tour. We got loads of information from Cesar, and it gave us a good perspective into the area. We did this the day after we arrived.

We loved San Cristobal - had a great time there.

Thanks for your input. I now feel well prepared.