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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Baltimore?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Baltimore? 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 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.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Baltimore travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baltimore than San Cristobal de Las Casas. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Baltimore is very popular for its big city activities, while San Cristobal de Las Casas attracts visitors for its historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. San Cristobal de Las Casas is famous for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. Baltimore is famous for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also well known for the National Aquarium.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Baltimore

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Baltimore.

San Cristobal de Las Casas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Baltimore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Baltimore

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Baltimore offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Baltimore

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Baltimore.

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.

Baltimore is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Baltimore

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its old town. However, Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of San Cristobal de Las Casas. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Baltimore

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Baltimore 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Baltimore More Beautiful?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Baltimore

San Cristobal de Las Casas is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Baltimore Better for Families?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Baltimore

Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is a very family-friendly destination. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 San Cristobal de Las Casas or Baltimore Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Baltimore

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit San Cristobal de Las Casas frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Baltimore is a good town for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Baltimore

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Baltimore

Baltimore is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Baltimore is fairly effecient and thorough. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

You'll find some public transit in San Cristobal de Las Casas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Urbano buses are minibuses that connect the town to the outlying residential areas. There are also colectivos that travel to nearby villages.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Baltimore

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Baltimore. In our opinion, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Baltimore. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Baltimore. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Cristobal de Las Casas that are great 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 Baltimore 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.


  • How many days in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Baltimore? Ideal Length of Stay
    San Cristobal de Las Casas 2-3 
    Baltimore 2-3

One day in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Baltimore?

Even though San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Baltimore, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this vibrant destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Baltimore?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Baltimore, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Baltimore?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Baltimore. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Baltimore?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Baltimore. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Baltimore or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • San Cristobal de Las Casas Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Baltimore Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $107
    Baltimore $217

The average daily cost (per person) in San Cristobal de Las Casas is $107, while the average daily cost in Baltimore is $217. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for San Cristobal de Las Casas and Baltimore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $42
    Baltimore $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $84
    Baltimore $186
Compare Hotels in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Baltimore

Looking for a hotel in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Baltimore? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in San Cristobal de Las Casas


Hotels in Baltimore


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: San Cristobal de Las Casas Hotel Prices and Baltimore Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $29
    Baltimore $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Cristobal de Las Casas

Also for San Cristobal de Las Casas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas to TGZ Airport: $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Dulles International Airport: $240
  • Private Transfer from BWI Airport ⇄ Washington DC : $199
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
  • Private Airport Transfer from Baltimore to DCA or vice versa: $300
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $135
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $77
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $154
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI: $114
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Transfer: $172
  • Airport transfer to or from Silver Spring, MD and Dulles Airport: $275
  • Airport Transfer Downtown Baltimore to BWI Airport: $160
  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Baltimore, MD: $245

Is it cheaper to fly into San Cristobal de Las Casas or Baltimore?

Prices for flights to both Baltimore and San Cristobal de Las Casas change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $37
    Baltimore $79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Cristobal de Las Casas

For San Cristobal de Las Casas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • City Tour with Dinner Pizza and Wine: $71

Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.

  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Baltimore: $75
  • Pasta Making Cooking Classes at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $78
  • City Cruises Signature Dinner Cruise: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $13
    Baltimore $18

Tours and Activities in San Cristobal de Las Casas

For San Cristobal de Las Casas, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Rancho Nuevo Caves and Arcotete Ecotourism Center: $23
  • Tour of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan: $28
  • Tour to San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan Indian communities: $35
  • Adventure through the Grottos del Arcotete, and Rancho Nuevo: $39
  • Tour Sumidero Canyon and Magic Town of Chiapa de Corzo: $42
  • Adventure to the Sumidero Canyon Viewpoints and Chiapa de Corzo: $42
  • Maya Cultural Tour From San Cristobal: Chamula, Zinacantan: $45
  • Private Tour in San Cristobal de las Casas: $48
  • Montebello Lakes and Chiflon Waterfalls Tour: $48
  • Tour to the Viewpoints, Sumidero Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo: $50
  • Tour to the Chiflón Waterfalls and Montebello Lagoons: $50
  • Sink Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo Tour : $50

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Assateague Island Cruise Departs from Ocean Pines: $40
  • Baltimore Bewitched: Raven's Revenge, Bones & Ballads Ghost Tour: $32
  • Baltimore Downtown Poe Ruth and More GPS Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $96
  • Baltimore Ravens Football Game Ticket at M&T Bank Stadium: $109
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $49
  • Baltimore Walking & Driving Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point: $104
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
  • Baltimore's Historical Sightseeing Tour: $44
  • Baltimore's Private Cultural Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $27
    Baltimore $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Baltimore Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Cristobal de Las Casas and Baltimore, we can see that Baltimore 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 Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive?.


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

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of San Cristobal de Las Casas. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Baltimore, 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.

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