A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Cristobal de Las Casas vs. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)? 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 colorful, cultural, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. San Cristobal de Las Casas is a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See San Cristobal de Las Casas travel costs.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a local, authentic, and remote town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park): Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Although San Cristobal de Las Casas and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) are both popular with visitors, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more touristy than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and is popular for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. It is also home to the Cathedral of San Cristobal de las Casas. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is popular for its fishing and wildlife.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). People visit the town for the nearby national park, so you won't find much in the form of museums.

Is the Food Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, San Cristobal de Las Casas makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many places have local Costa Rican dishes, but you'll also find pizza joints and the occasional cafe as well.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town for nightlife and partying.

San Cristobal de Las Casas offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). There are a few bars on the town's main street, but most visitors don't come to town for the nightlife.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). You'll find nice snorkeling with calm waters and you might even see dolphins.

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

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Beaches?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very popular place for its beaches. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is considered a top beach destination. Near town you'll find wonderful beaches and long stretches of sand bordered by lush rainforests.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for its Old Town?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) does not have a historic old town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Hiking?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Corcovado National Park can be challenging to reach, which is part of what makes it such a wonderful place to explore. The rainforest and wildlife still feels untouched by the tourist crowds and you can lose yourself hiking through the forest.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is very popular for shopping. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town for its shopping opportunities.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) has some nice offerings. It's a small local town so you won't find many shopping options that cater to tourists.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) More Beautiful?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The beaches, wildlife, and rainforests make this a unique and beautiful place to visit.

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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Families?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the beaches, kayaking, surfing, wildlife, hiking, and swimming. There really is something for the whole family to enjoy.

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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) make for a great 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will love the stunning nature and wildlife that nearby Corcovado National Park offers. There are also many great beaches where you can take a stroll or go kayaking.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) are both great 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.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's become a popular backpacker destination because there are a number of hostels nearby.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park).

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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors take the colectivo taxi, which is a flatbed truck that is more affordable than private taxis.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) a more walkable city?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is very popular for its walkability. Also, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around San Cristobal de Las Casas 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.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very walkable town. The town is relatively easy to walk around.

For even more information, also check out Is San Cristobal de Las Casas Worth Visiting? and Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

It's fun to spend time in either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Generally, people tend to spend more time in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Cristobal de Las Casas, and 3-4 days is enough time in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park).

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

Couples should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers something for everyone.

In Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food that this remote 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Lots of people come 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful destination 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular choice for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great place to explore. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful town of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). 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 Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Cristobal de Las Casas and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), we can see that Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is more expensive. And not only is San Cristobal de Las Casas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Cristobal de Las Casas is in North America and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Expensive?.