Amigos de San Cristóbal, A.C., are local volunteers — Mexican and foreigners — living in San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas. As a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization (NGO), we find and develop funding for proven not-for-profit groups directly serving Chiapas' most disadvantaged people.

Our goal is to help finance worthy organizations and the services they provide. Will you help? Local membership dues cover Amigos' adiministrative costs, so we guarantee 95% or more of your gift goes directly to beneficiaries. They, in turn, must prove their overhead reasonable to qualify as beneficiaries.

Donations are tax-deductible in the United States and in several other countries. The people we serve, those who benefit from your gift, will be forever grateful.

Chiapas is home to Mexico's second largest indigenous population. Many families lack basic human necessities. In their rural, agricultural villages, mud-floor homes often lack running water and sanitation; open indoor cooking fires provide heat. In towns, displaced and underprivileged families lack proper food, clothes and shelter. Often, children work to help provide for their families, so they cannot go to school.

Through Amigos, your gift will directly address such needs.

San Cristóbal de Las Casas is nestled in the Jovel Valley, in a region known as the Highlands of Chiapas in Mexico's southernmost state. Founded in 1528, the Spanish colonial “royal city” now has over 100,000 residents and is the Chiapas highlands' commercial center.

Mayan indigenous villages dot the landscape in the pine mountains, green valleys and tropical jungles surrounding San Cristóbal . Each new day is welcomed in Spanish, Tsotsil, Tseltal, Zoque, Chol, Mam, Mocho, Lacandon, Tojolabal and Kanjobal, reflecting our diverse culture and traditions.

Chiapas is home to abundant Mayan archaeological sites: glorious 16th and 17th century churches and historic buildings, the soaring Sumidero Canyon , the mighty Grijalva River , several

biospheres and thousands of square miles of virgin jungle. We take pride in the masterful weaving, embroidery and pottery-making skills of the local living Maya, and in the culinary arts and musical traditions of Spanish descendants.