Casa Na Bolom, San Cristobal de la Casas, Mexico - Explore & Book

"Staying at the Casa Na Bolom museum is guaranteed to enhance your visit to San Cristóbal. Founded in 1951 by archaeologist Frans Blom and photographer and conservationist Trudy Blom, the house has become a cultural centre for studies into indigenous cultures and the conservation of the Lacandon Jungle and its people.Volunteers run the house and continue the Bloms’ work (money from guests goes towards various community projects in the jungle), and tours of the museum are included in the price of your stay. Throughout the house you’ll see photos taken by Trudy Blom chronicling her explorations and excavation work. Rooms are characterful, with antique wooden furniture and multi-coloured textiles. You can talk to members of the Lacandon villages (if they’re in town), attend one of the regular candle-lit piano concerts in the museum’s small chapel, or simply swap stories with other enthusiastic guests over delicious communal meals. Afterwards, cosy up before bed in front of your own fireplace. Highs Money from guests directly benefits the Lacandon peopleYou get a free guided tour around the museum - an architecturally and culturally fascinating building with many artefactsLying in bed, warm and cosy from your open fireThere are fascinating trips to the local villages, where you'll visit markets, dress up in traditional Mayan clothes and try the local hooch Lows Non-central location, about 7 blocks from the Zócalo (main sqaure)Rooms have no central heating and can feel damp and chilly in the morningsYou’re not staying in a boutique hotel but a museum, so be prepared for people wandering about the courtyardsNo safe boxes in the rooms, although you can leave valuables in the reception/office" - Lucia Appleby