A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Cristobal de Las Casas vs. Aspen for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

San Cristobal de Las Casas

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a charming, colorful, and cultural town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. San Cristobal de Las Casas offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See San Cristobal de Las Casas travel costs.

Aspen

Aspen is a vibrant, artsy, and outdoorsy ski town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Aspen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Aspen travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Aspen: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aspen than San Cristobal de Las Casas, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aspen is better known for its skiing, food, music, resorts, hiking, christmas markets, and impressive beauty, while San Cristobal de Las Casas is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping. San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. Aspen is well known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. Also, Aspen is famous for The Maroon Bells.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is very popular for skiing and snowboarding. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Aspen should be on your list. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Aspen is very popular for its restaurants. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Aspen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

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.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Aspen.

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Aspen is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is a very popular place for live music. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Aspen while you're in town. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a live music destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Aspen is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.

Aspen is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen Better for its Old Town?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Aspen 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.

Aspen does not have a historic old town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen 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 Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen More Beautiful?

Aspen 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.

Aspen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Surrounded by the mountains and set amongst a beautiful natural setting, this town will take your breath away.

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 San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a family-friendly town. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aspen. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Aspen make for a excellent place to visit.

San Cristobal de Las Casas makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Couples visit Aspen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for backpackers. However, Aspen is a ski town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Aspen is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Because it is both a town and a ski resort, there are a couple of more affordable accommodation options. Even so, this is an expensive destination that isn't always ideal for budget travelers.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Aspen.

San Cristobal de Las Casas has some public transit options. Urbano buses are minibuses that connect the town to the outlying residential areas. There are also colectivos that travel to nearby villages.

You'll find some public transit in Aspen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen a more walkable city?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

Aspen is very walkable. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Aspen or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen?

In either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than San Cristobal de Las Casas because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Cristobal de Las Casas, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

Families should spend more time in Aspen than San Cristobal de Las Casas. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aspen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Aspen than San Cristobal de Las Casas. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Aspen 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 Aspen 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 San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen?

Even though San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Aspen, many people enjoy the live music and food that this artsy small town 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.

A weekend in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Cristobal de Las Casas. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Aspen, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful small town offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

Five days in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a fun place to experience. San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

In Aspen, many people enjoy the shopping and skiing that this charming small town offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This ski town offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the beautiful ski town of Aspen. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Cristobal de Las Casas and Aspen, we can see that Aspen is more expensive. And not only is San Cristobal de Las Casas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Cristobal de Las Casas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Cristobal de Las Casas 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 Aspen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aspen than you might in San Cristobal de Las Casas.

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

Which is Bigger, San Cristobal de Las Casas or Aspen?

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Aspen, 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.