The market in San Cristóbal, where not only the locals get their things, but where you can also find EVERYTHING you could ever need, is bustling, colourful, crowded, completely confusing and absolutely worth the experience. Just like any typical local Mexican market. They’re all slightly different, of course, but mostly have the same principle. However, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen prices as cheap as in San Cristóbal. At most in a small village, maybe. Because honestly, you can get everything for a penny at a local market in Mexico.
Just like all other local Mexican markets, this one is honestly confusing, but still has sections. So: fruit/vegetables, meat, fish, an area where you can eat at the market, clothes, shoes, flowers, household goods, electrical goods, jewellery…. I’ve probably forgotten something, but that’s how markets are organised. You walk through and each room, or each section, offers a category of things. Which category you walk into next – no idea. Only those who go there every day or more often and always know where to get what they want probably know.

For the vegans, vegetarians and animal rights activists among you: you will see things there that you don’t want to see and don’t expect to see at a market. Mexico is simply a completely different world – just so you know.
Back to the topic. I personally love markets. Everything is colourful and full of life, a thousand new impressions and there’s something to see everywhere. And I’m still of the opinion that you have to have been to at least one Mexican market – if not several. Just for the experience. So of course you don’t have to go, but I would highly recommend it. Nowhere else will you be closer to local life, get cheaper stuff and experience more genuine Mexican diversity than at a local Mexican market.