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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Breckenridge?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Breckenridge? 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. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping. See San Cristobal de Las Casas travel costs.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a scenic, nature-filled, and charming ski resort. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Breckenridge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Breckenridge travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Breckenridge: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Breckenridge. Although San Cristobal de Las Casas and Breckenridge are popular destinations, Breckenridge has more sights and attractions for tourists. Breckenridge is very popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while San Cristobal de Las Casas attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. San Cristobal de Las Casas is famous for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. Breckenridge is famous for its world-class ski resorts, its charming small town atmosphere, and its family-friendly environment. It is also well known for The Family-Friendly Ski Resort.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Breckenridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Breckenridge

Breckenridge 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, Breckenridge should be on your list. This is one of the most recognizable ski destinations in the world. It has diverse terrain that is good for all levels including beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers. The resort also has the tallest chairlift in North America.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a skiing destination.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Breckenridge

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Breckenridge

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Breckenridge is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of restaurants around town serving everything from casual to fine dining. There are bistros, pubs, and luxury options where you can enjoy international or local dishes including elk and buffalo.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Breckenridge

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its evening party scene.

San Cristobal de Las Casas offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Breckenridge. The town comes to life in the winter and there are plenty of bars, breweries, and a wide selection of craft beer that you can try. Live music also brings the town to life in the evening.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Breckenridge

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

Breckenridge has a handful of resorts to choose from. The resorts often have pools or hot tubs where you can unwind after a day on the slopes. Many have condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Breckenridge

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for its old town. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting San Cristobal de Las Casas. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

Breckenridge has an old town worth visiting. Originating as a mining town, there is a historic Main Street that is filled with character.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

Breckenridge is a good destination for hiking. During the summer months there are plenty of beautiful hikes nearby, but you'll likely need a car to reach most trailheads. Popular trails include Hoosier Pass Loop, Blue Lakes Trail, and McCullough Gulch.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Breckenridge

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit 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 Breckenridge. Quaint shops and galleries are throughout the town where you can by gear, artwork, or souvenirs.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Breckenridge More Beautiful?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Breckenridge

Breckenridge 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.

Breckenridge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The beautiful mountains make a great backdrop for one of the area's best ski resorts.

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 Breckenridge Better for Families?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Breckenridge

Breckenridge 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.

Breckenridge is a very family-friendly destination. It is a fun, family-friendly ski resort town with skiing for all levels. There are lessons for kids starting at the age of three, and slopes that are perfect for all skill levels. The town also has ice skating, sledding, and white water rafting.

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 Breckenridge Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Breckenridge

With fun activities for couples, both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Breckenridge make for a high quality 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 Breckenridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For couples who enjoy skiing, outdoor activities, beautiful hikes, and a charming small town atmosphere, this is the perfect romantic getaway.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Breckenridge

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit 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.

Breckenridge is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The town has a hostel or two for skiers who want a social setting at an affordable price.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Breckenridge

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place for its public transit. However, Breckenridge is not a good ski resort for times when you don't have a car.

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a few 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Breckenridge. There is a free shuttle service around town.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Breckenridge

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Breckenridge are first-rate 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 Breckenridge on foot is easy. The town is designed to be pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Breckenridge?

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Breckenridge have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge.

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

Couples should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Breckenridge. 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 Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge? Ideal Length of Stay
    San Cristobal de Las Casas 2-3 
    Breckenridge 3-7

One day in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Breckenridge?

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 Breckenridge, many people enjoy the shopping and skiing that this nature-filled small town offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the skiing. 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 Breckenridge?

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 Breckenridge, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this beautiful small town offers. 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 Breckenridge?

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 Breckenridge, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this nature-filled small town offers. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This ski resort offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Breckenridge?

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 Breckenridge, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful ski resort offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this ski resort makes for a great vacation. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Breckenridge 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
    Breckenridge Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $107
    Breckenridge $301

The average daily cost (per person) in San Cristobal de Las Casas is $107, while the average daily cost in Breckenridge is $301. 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 Breckenridge in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $42
    Breckenridge $143
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $84
    Breckenridge $286
Compare Hotels in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Breckenridge

Looking for a hotel in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Breckenridge? 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 Breckenridge


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 Breckenridge Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $29
    Breckenridge $38

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

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

Prices for flights to both Breckenridge 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
    Breckenridge $119

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $13
    Breckenridge $82

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 Breckenridge

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Breckenridge are as follows:

  • 3 Hours 30 Minutes Colorado Astrophotography Experience: $260
  • Astronomy Tour in Breckenridge : $59
  • Breckenridge Downtown Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour : $7.75
  • Breckenridge Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Breckenridge Tours - Ghostly Tales : $35
  • Breckenridge Tours - Strange but True: $33
  • Breckenridge, CO: Guided Backcountry Ski Tour: $303
  • Breckenridge, CO: Guided Rock Climb Adventure: $204
  • Continental Divide Tour: $155
  • Half-Day Upper Colorado River Float Tour from Kremmling: $94
  • Island Kayak Tour Experience in Frisco: $65
  • Real Gold Mine Tour with, gold panning and more: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $27
    Breckenridge $38

Sample the Local Flavors in Breckenridge

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

  • Ridden-Fall Foliage Breckenridge Fat Bike Beer & Distillery Tour: $85
  • Ridden-Breckenridge Fat Bike Beer and Distillery Tour: $85


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


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Breckenridge. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Breckenridge, 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.