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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Rapid City?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Rapid City? 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.

Rapid City

Rapid City is a fascinating, activity-filled, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Rapid City travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Rapid City: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Rapid City. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. San Cristobal de Las Casas is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Rapid City attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and hiking. 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. Rapid City is famous for its proximity to Mount Rushmore and many other iconic parks.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Rapid City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rapid City is very popular for its museums and history. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Rapid City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. You'll find a wide variety of museums and landmarks nearby. Popular places to visit that aren't far from town include the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, the South Dakota Air & Space Museum, and the Journey Museum & Learning Center. There's also the Museum of Geology and the National Presidential Wax Museum. And of course, there's the iconic Mount Rushmore.

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.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Rapid City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Rapid City area. You'll find local restaurants in town that serve local specialties such as chislic (grilled meat), fry bread, and walleye (a local fish.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Rapid City Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Rapid City is lacking in good options 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.

Rapid City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. You'll find some places with live music and good drinks, but the city isn't really known for its nightlife scene.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for its old town. However, Rapid City 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.

Rapid City does not have a historic old town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Rapid City Better for Hiking?

Rapid City 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 Rapid City. The region is filled with national parks, state parks, and natural areas with wonderful hiking trails. You don't have to travel far to get into nature and experience some of South Dakota's best natural beauty.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rapid City 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 Rapid City to go shopping. Rapid City has some interesting local shops as well as larger malls and shopping centers.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Rapid City More Beautiful?

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

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

Rapid City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Rapid City Better for Families?

Rapid City 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, Rapid City is a very family-friendly destination. Nearby national parks and outdoor activities, this is the perfect base for exploring the area with kids. Nearby you'll find the Big Thunder Gold Mine, which has tours and lets you pan for gold, and Custer State Park, which is filled with wildlife. Wall Drug is worth a stopoff, as is Dinosaur Park.

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 Rapid City Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Rapid City 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 Rapid City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the amazing national parks in the area and the easy access to iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore. There are many opportunities for wildlife spotting as well as great hiking trails and unique landscapes.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Rapid City 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.

Rapid City is a great town to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will appreciate the surrounding natural beauty and the nearby national parks.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Rapid City 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, Rapid City 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 Rapid City. While there are a few buses, this isn't a realistic option for traveling through the region.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. However, Rapid City 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.

Rapid City is generally not very walkable. While the downtown is walkable, most visitors use the city as a base for exploring the surrounding areas, and this requires a car.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Rapid City?

It's fun to spend time in either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Rapid City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Rapid City 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 2-4 days is enough time in Rapid City.

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

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

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 Rapid City, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this activity-filled destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Rapid City?

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 Rapid City, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this 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 Rapid City?

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 museums and food when visiting Rapid City. 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 city offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Rapid City?

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 city of Rapid City. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, San Cristobal de Las Casas or Rapid City?

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rapid City. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Rapid City, 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.