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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Calgary?

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

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

Calgary

Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Calgary: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than San Cristobal de Las Casas, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Cristobal de Las Casas is famous for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. It is also well known for the Cathedral of San Cristobal de las Casas. Calgary is famous for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calgary 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 Calgary?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known 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.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its old town. However, Calgary 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.

Calgary does not have a historic old town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary 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.

Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Calgary More Beautiful?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary 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.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

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

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 Calgary. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary 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.

Calgary is a good town for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for backpackers. Also, Calgary 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Calgary.

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 Calgary, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known 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.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable town. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Cristobal de Las Casas, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

Couples should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Calgary. 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 Calgary 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 Calgary?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Calgary, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this local destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Calgary?

San Cristobal de Las Casas might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Cristobal de Las Casas has to offer.

In Calgary, many people enjoy the shopping and museums 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 Calgary?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calgary. 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 Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Since San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Calgary. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

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

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

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of San Cristobal de Las Casas. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Calgary, 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.