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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Monterey?

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

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

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Monterey travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Monterey: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monterey than San Cristobal de Las Casas, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monterey is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches, while San Cristobal de Las Casas is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. Monterey is well known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Also, Monterey is famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Monterey.

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.

Many visitors head to Monterey specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Monterey 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 Monterey. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Monterey.

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.

Monterey is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few good snorkeling spots. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Monterey Better for Beaches?

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

Monterey is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

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

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

Monterey does not have a historic old town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an amazing town to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Monterey 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.

Monterey is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Monterey More Beautiful?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

San Cristobal de Las Casas offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the backdrop of mountains, this town is colorful and charming.

Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Monterey 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, Monterey is a very family-friendly destination. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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 Monterey Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Monterey 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 Monterey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Monterey 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 Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Monterey is very walkable. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Monterey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Monterey. 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 Monterey. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Cristobal de Las Casas, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monterey.

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

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

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 Monterey, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this laid back 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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.

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

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the city of Monterey. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

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