A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Cristobal de Las Casas vs. Hilton Head Island for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hilton Head Island?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hilton Head Island? 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. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. 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 food, shopping, and museums. See San Cristobal de Las Casas travel costs.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful coastal town. Hilton Head Island is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Cristobal de Las Casas is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its resorts and beaches. 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. Hilton Head Island is well known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to San Cristobal de Las Casas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.

Hilton Head Island is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for its beaches. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

Hilton Head Island is considered a top beach destination. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hilton Head Island Better for its Old Town?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hilton Head Island?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for shopping. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hilton Head Island More Beautiful?

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Hilton Head Island both are comparable with their notable scenery and beauty.

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

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful place to visit, too. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island 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, Hilton Head Island is a very family-friendly destination. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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 Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hilton Head Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options 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.

Hilton Head Island is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This is a family-focused beach destination with almost no backpackers around.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its 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.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hilton Head Island?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?

San Cristobal de Las Casas might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this resort-filled destination 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 Hilton Head Island?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place to visit. Even though San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most people visit for the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Hilton Head Island?

Since San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the shopping. 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.

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this beautiful destination 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 coastal town offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hilton Head Island?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this coastal town offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this coastal town 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hilton Head Island?

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Hilton Head Island, 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.