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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cape Cod?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cape Cod? 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. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See San Cristobal de Las Casas travel costs.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a relaxing, laid-back, and wealthy beach destination. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Cape Cod 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 beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Cape Cod travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Cape Cod, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Cristobal de Las Casas is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Cape Cod is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is famous for the Cathedral of San Cristobal de las Casas. Cape Cod is well known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Cape Cod

San Cristobal de Las Casas is great for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Cape Cod

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Cape Cod offer superb 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 Cape Cod. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Cape Cod

San Cristobal de Las Casas is great for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to San Cristobal de Las Casas for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Cape Cod

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

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.


Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a very popular place for its beaches. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

Cape Cod is considered a top beach destination. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Cape Cod

San Cristobal de Las Casas is great for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Cod does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of San Cristobal de Las Casas. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

Cape Cod does not have a historic old town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Cape Cod

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

Cape Cod is a good destination for hiking. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Cape Cod

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for shopping.

Many people travel to San Cristobal de Las Casas specifically to go shopping. 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.

Cape Cod is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cape Cod More Beautiful?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Cape Cod

Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and picturesque scenery make this area truly unique.

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 Cape Cod Better for Families?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Cape Cod

Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is a very family-friendly destination. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

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 Cape Cod Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Cape Cod

With fun activities for couples, both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Cape Cod make for a superb 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 Cape Cod frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Cape Cod

San Cristobal de Las Casas is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Cristobal de Las Casas. 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.

Cape Cod is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This area is more focused on luxury and family vacationers than it is on backpackers and budget travelers.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Cape Cod

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for its public transit.

While San Cristobal de Las Casas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 generally limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Cape Cod

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its walkability.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very easy town to get around on foot. 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.

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cape Cod?

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Cristobal de Las Casas, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

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

Couples should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Cape Cod. 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 Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod? Ideal Length of Stay
    San Cristobal de Las Casas 2-3 
    Cape Cod 5-7

One day in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cape Cod?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Cape Cod, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this peaceful small town offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Cape Cod?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Cristobal de Las Casas, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Cape Cod, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful small town offers. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Cape Cod?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Cape Cod, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this peaceful small town offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This beach destination offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cape Cod?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

In Cape Cod, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful beach destination offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this beach destination makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cape Cod 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
    Cape Cod Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $107
    Cape Cod $227

The average daily cost (per person) in San Cristobal de Las Casas is $107, while the average daily cost in Cape Cod is $227. 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 Cape Cod in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $42
    Cape Cod $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $84
    Cape Cod $184
Compare Hotels in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Cape Cod

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


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $29
    Cape Cod $50

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 Cape Cod?

Prices for flights to both Cape Cod 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
    Cape Cod $103

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
    Cape Cod $27

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:

  • Adventure through the Grottos del Arcotete, and Rancho Nuevo: $39
  • Adventure to the Sumidero Canyon Viewpoints and Chiapa de Corzo: $42
  • Bike Tour Chiapas Indigenous Peoples: $61
  • Canyoning El Chorreadero Cave- Adventure Chiapas: $156
  • Food Walking Tour San Cristobal de las Casas: $71
  • From San Cristobal : Sima Tour of the Cotorras and El Aguacero: $112
  • From San Cristobal Tour to Agua Azul, Misol Ha and Palenque: $83
  • Full Day Tour of Montebello Lakes and El Chiflon Waterfall: $60
  • Full-Day Sumidero Canyon Tour with Boat Cruise from San Cristóbal de las Casas: $84
  • Maya Cultural Tour From San Cristobal: Chamula, Zinacantan: $45
  • Montebello Lakes and Chiflon Waterfalls Tour: $48
  • Palenque Archaelogical Site, Agua Azul and Misolha Waterfalls Combo Tour: $105

Tours and Activities in Cape Cod

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Cod.

  • National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike: $75
  • Provincetown West End History Tour : $38
  • The Pilgrim Monument Tour- From Harbor to Heights: $52
  • The Tides of Terror A Provincetown Hidden Horrors Tour: $68
  • Cape Cod & Provincetown Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour: $22
  • Cape Cod Explorer Tour: $80
  • Chatham Bites and Sights Walking Guided Food Tasting Tour: $98
  • Highland House and Cape Cod Lighthouse Tour: $58
  • Kayak The Creek Nature Tour: $80
  • Local Legends and Lobster Roll Tour: $92
  • Lucinda Liphol Provincetown Cemetery Tour: $30
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $27
    Cape Cod $19


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


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