La Pared (Av. Miguel Hidalgo 2, tel. 967/678-6367, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 4–8 p.m. Tues.–Sat., 3–7 p.m. Sun.) is San Cristóbal’s best source of English-language books, offering an excellent selection of new and used novels, Maya history and art books, textbooks for learning Spanish, and current travel guides and maps. You’ll find both used and new books, and trades are accepted.

Specializing in used books, Liberinto (Guadalupe Victoria 30-C, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. and 4–9 p.m. Mon.–Sat.) not only sells, but also rents its inventory (US$0.50 per book per day). Coffee drinks, sandwiches, wireless Internet, and chess boards make this a relaxing place to hang out too. Literary events are hosted most weekends.

For a great selection of left-leaning Spanish-language books—including children’s books—check out Librería Mayambé (Av. Diego Dugelay at Real de Guadalupe, tel. 967/678-6967, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 5–9 p.m. Mon.–Sat.). There’s a good variety of music CDs and art books too.

Librería Soluna (Real de Guadalupe 13-B, tel. 967/678-6805, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Sun.) has a decent selection of guidebooks and maps plus Maya and Mexican history books. A number of titles are available in English, French, Italian, and German.

El Kiosko (5 de Febrero near Av. 20 de Noviembre, 8 a.m.–9 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Sun.) has a good selection of international news magazines, including Newsweek and The Economist. For international fashion and gossip mags, head to Librería Chilam Balam (General Utrilla 3, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. daily), which also has a smattering of guidebooks near the cash register.