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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hood River?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hood River? 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. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. San Cristobal de Las Casas is a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See San Cristobal de Las Casas travel costs.

Hood River

Hood River is a agricultural, quaint, and scenic town. Hood River is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Hood River travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Hood River: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Although San Cristobal de Las Casas and Hood River are popular destinations, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Cristobal de Las Casas is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Hood River attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. 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. Hood River is famous for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hood River is a popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a skiing destination.

Hood River is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a skiing destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its 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.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Hood River offer high quality 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 Hood River. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hood River Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Hood River has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for its old town. However, Hood River does not have a historic old town.

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.

Hood River does not have a historic old town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Hood River 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 Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, San Cristobal de Las Casas draws large crowds to its stores. 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 go to Hood River to go shopping. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hood River More Beautiful?

Hood River 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.

Hood River is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

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 Hood River Better for Families?

Hood River 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.

Hood River is a very family-friendly destination. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

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 Hood River Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Hood River 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 Hood River frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Hood River are both high quality destinations 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.

Hood River is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hood River 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 generally limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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.

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hood River?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Hood River. In our opinion, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Hood River. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Hood River, many people enjoy the shopping and skiing that this quaint destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Hood River?

Even though San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Hood River, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this beautiful 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. 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 Hood River?

San Cristobal de Las Casas, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Hood River. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This town offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hood River?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful town of Hood River. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, San Cristobal de Las Casas or Hood River?

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Hood River, 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.