The most recent articles I've read about this area is that it is a must-see/do and you can spend 3 days at minimum in San Cristobal, but most people want to stay way longer once they experience it. Has anyone been there and if so, can you give me your advice on how many days to spend and in what area? We want to see the ruins in Palenque - that is the main reason for us to go. Should we just make San Cristobal our home base and take the bus to Palenque for two nights? Also, question on safety of the area in general and for traveling by bus as we want to end up in Merida - maybe by bus. We appreciate your insights.
In 2019 I took a night bus from Oaxaca to San Cristóbal de las Casas. The bus was brand new but the big comfy seats didn't recline much so I didn’t sleep. If you can fly instead, do it. I wouldn’t say San Cristobal is worth the long bus ride but if you can afford to fly then yes, go. There’s a huge old cemetery that’s worth strolling around (wear sunscreen).
Another highlight was the nicest hotel in town serves the best scrambled egg chilaquiles you will ever taste.
In 2019 I believe travel.state.gov listed the Chiapas state and where San Cristóbal is as a level one meaning "normal precautions" but today it’s a level three “reconsider travel”. Merida is still a level one so no problems there: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html.
I love Mexico and the Mayan history, but no way would I travel to those areas of Mexico without doing a guided tour.
Frankly, not sure I would do it at all.