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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Beaver Creek?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Beaver Creek? 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 colorful, cultural, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. San Cristobal de Las Casas is a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See San Cristobal de Las Casas travel costs.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a charming, active, and adventurous town. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Beaver Creek travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Although San Cristobal de Las Casas and Beaver Creek are both popular with visitors, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Beaver Creek is known for its skiing, theatre productions, resorts, and hiking. Beaver Creek is more touristy than San Cristobal de Las Casas and is known for its skiing and charming atmosphere San Cristobal de Las Casas is popular for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. It is also home to the Cathedral of San Cristobal de las Casas.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Beaver Creek 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, Beaver Creek should be on your list. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a skiing destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to San Cristobal de Las Casas can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Beaver Creek is not a good area for theatre. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a theatre destination.

While not known for its theater, you might be able to find something in Beaver Creek while you're in town. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a theatre destination.

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

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Beaver Creek offer very good 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 Beaver Creek. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in San Cristobal de Las Casas has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

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

Beaver Creek has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for its historic old town. However, Beaver Creek does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to San Cristobal de Las Casas to see the historical old town. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

Beaver Creek does not have a historic old town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in San Cristobal de Las Casas. 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.

Beaver Creek offers some nice shopping areas. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Beaver Creek More Beautiful?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Beaver Creek is very popular 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Beaver Creek is a very family-friendly destination. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

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 Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Beaver Creek make for a very good 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 Beaver Creek frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Beaver Creek is not known for backpackers.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Beaver Creek is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many facilities that cater to backpackers.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Beaver Creek.

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 Beaver Creek, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Beaver Creek are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in San Cristobal de Las Casas. 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.

Getting around Beaver Creek on foot is easy. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Beaver Creek?

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Cristobal de Las Casas, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this adventurous destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the skiing. 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 Beaver Creek?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the shopping. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this 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.

Five days in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Beaver Creek?

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. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the shopping and skiing that this adventurous destination 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 town offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Beaver Creek?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this town offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Lots of people come for the skiing. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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