A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Foz do Iguacu vs. San Cristobal de Las Casas for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Foz do Iguacu and San Cristobal de Las Casas can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu is a scenic, breathtaking, and spectacular park. Foz do Iguacu is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Foz do Iguacu travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a cultural, charming, and colorful town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. San Cristobal de Las Casas is a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See San Cristobal de Las Casas travel costs.

Foz do Iguacu and San Cristobal de Las Casas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Foz do Iguacu than San Cristobal de Las Casas. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Foz do Iguacu is very popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while San Cristobal de Las Casas attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Foz do Iguacu is more touristy than San Cristobal de Las Casas and is popular for its spectacular beauty and incredible volume of water. It is also well known for Iguacu National Park. San Cristobal de Las Casas is famous for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches.

How is Foz do Iguacu different from San Cristobal de Las Casas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Cristobal de Las Casas and Foz do Iguacu. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Foz do Iguacu is a park with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into San Cristobal de Las Casas. The town is filled with historical churches such as the main Cathedral of San Cristobal. While this is the most notable church, there are also smaller churches worth visiting like the Templo Santo Domingo, Iglesia de Guadalupe, and Iglesia de San Cristobal. For museums, make sure you check out the Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya, Na Bolom, and Museo de Ambar.

While most people don't head to Foz do Iguacu specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a handful of museums and nature parks in and near town.

Is the Food Better in Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Foz do Iguacu is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas. The cuisine is a mix of Spanish-influenced cured meats such as ham and sausage, as well as indigenous flavors like tamales and burritos. There's also a lot of great pizza around town as well as several Asian restaurants.

Foz do Iguacu is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find a variety of restaurants around town where you can sample the regional cuisine. A popular item on the menus is Surubí (a local river fish). Also make sure you try the Mbeyú (fried bread), and paraguayan soup (more like bread than an actual soup).

Is Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Foz do Iguacu is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in San Cristobal de Las Casas know how to have a good time. There's an active nightlife scene that includes everything from late night clubs to salsa lessons. Most tourists who want to party head to the pedestrian streets around the plaza. There are countless bars where you'll likely find a crowd late into the night. Some clubs have a cover charge on weekends but, in general, drinks are cheap and getting around is easy.

If you're looking for night time activities Foz do Iguacu has a few options to choose from. Head to the intersection of Avenida JK and Avenida Jorge Schimmelpfeng for the most lively nightlife scene in town. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants and bars, many with outdoor areas or live music.

Is Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas Better for its Old Town?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its old town. However, Foz do Iguacu does not have a historic old town.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

Foz do Iguacu does not have a historic old town.

Is Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas Better for Hiking?

Foz do Iguacu is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Foz do Iguacu. There's a network of trails and walkways at the foot of the falls as well as above the falls. You can also venture into the surrounding rainforest or hike to Devil's Throat for a great view.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Foz do Iguacu is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in San Cristobal de Las Casas make it a world-class shopping destination. The nearby villages are famous for their weaving, leather, pottery, and embroidery, so many visitors pick up souvenirs at the colorful markets around town. This is one of the best towns in Mexico to purchase local items, and you should definitely set aside time to explore and shop.

Foz do Iguacu has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's shopping in the center of town, particularly around Avenida Brasil, Rua Barbosa, Rua Almirante Barroso, and Quintino Bocaiuva.

Is Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas More Beautiful?

Foz do Iguacu is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Foz do Iguacu is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The falls is absolutely breathtaking. The volume of water and enormity in size is something that you can only experience in person.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a beautiful place to visit, too. Set against the backdrop of mountains, this town is colorful and charming.

Is Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas Better for Families?

Foz do Iguacu is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Foz do Iguacu is a very family-friendly destination. Of course, the highlight for everyone is a visit to Iguacu National Park, which also offers boat rides, hiking, and spectacular views. In addition to this impressive park, the whole family will also enjoy a visit to Parque das Aves, which is a bird park that includes information on wildlife species and conservation.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas. While kids may not appreciate the town's beauty and culture, they will have fun exploring the night market or taking a chocolate-making class. There are pedestrian streets where everyone can explore without fear of traffic and pizza restaurants that appeal to the kids as well.

Is Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas Better for Couples?

Both Foz do Iguacu and San Cristobal de Las Casas are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Foz do Iguacu frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. While the town itself has limited entertainment, the waterfalls is a spectacular sight that has inspired more than a few marriage proposals.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy culture, markets, traditional cuisines, and new experiences will love their time here. It's a fun place to simply wander. You can explore the markets and then eat at a local restaurant before making your way back to your boutique hotel.

Is Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Foz do Iguacu and San Cristobal de Las Casas are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Foz do Iguacu is a great park to visit for backpackers. This is one of the country's most popular backpacker destinations so you'll find plenty of hostels and young travelers to hang out with. The falls itself is truly incredible and well worth the trip.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Cristobal de Las Casas. There are a number of hostels in town as well as budget-friendly hotels. Backpackers love the laid back nature of this town as well as the many markets and nature-oriented activities.

Is Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Foz do Iguacu and San Cristobal de Las Casas.

You'll find some public transit in Foz do Iguacu, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. It's 12 miles between the park and the town so you'll need to take either a taxi or a public bus. On your way to the park, you should arrange for a ride back because finding a taxi as you leave can be challenging.

While San Cristobal de Las Casas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Urbano buses are minibuses that connect the town to the outlying residential areas. There are also colectivos that travel to nearby villages.

Is Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas a more walkable city?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is terrific for its high level of walkability. However, Foz do Iguacu is a park with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Getting around San Cristobal de Las Casas on foot is easy. Walking is the best way to experience the town. Most of the sights can be reached on foot and there are pedestrian-only streets that let you avoid the traffic.

Foz do Iguacu is generally not a very walkable park. There are walkways near the waterfalls, but the city isn't particularly walkable and you'll need transportation to travel between the park and the town.

For even more information, also check out Is Foz do Iguacu Worth Visiting? and Is San Cristobal de Las Casas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Foz do Iguacu?

How long in Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Foz do Iguacu and San Cristobal de Las Casas. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Foz do Iguacu than in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Foz do Iguacu, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Cristobal de Las Casas.

Couples should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Foz do Iguacu. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Cristobal de Las Casas that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Foz do Iguacu if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in San Cristobal de Las Casas.

One day in Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

In Foz do Iguacu, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this spectacular destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Even though San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

In Foz do Iguacu, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Foz do Iguacu. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This park offers something for everyone.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful park of Foz do Iguacu. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Foz do Iguacu and San Cristobal de Las Casas, we can see that San Cristobal de Las Casas is more expensive. And not only is Foz do Iguacu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Foz do Iguacu is in South America and San Cristobal de Las Casas is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Foz do Iguacu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Foz do Iguacu and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in San Cristobal de Las Casas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Cristobal de Las Casas than you might in Foz do Iguacu.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Foz do Iguacu Expensive? and Is San Cristobal de Las Casas Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

Foz do Iguacu has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of San Cristobal de Las Casas. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu and San Cristobal de Las Casas, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.