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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Santa Fe?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Santa Fe? 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. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See San Cristobal de Las Casas travel costs.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a cultural, historic, and charming historic town. Santa Fe is a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Santa Fe travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Fe than San Cristobal de Las Casas. While San Cristobal de Las Casas is larger than Santa Fe, Santa Fe has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Fe is better known for its skiing, music, and hiking, while San Cristobal de Las Casas is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more touristy than Santa Fe and is known for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. Santa Fe is well known for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. Also, Santa Fe is famous for The Museum of New Mexico Complex.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Fe is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Santa Fe?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its sights and museums.

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.

Santa Fe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

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

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in San Cristobal de Las Casas has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Santa Fe is a popular place for live music. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Santa Fe is active and vibrant. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a live music destination.

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

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Santa Fe.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

Santa Fe is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

Santa Fe is a good destination for hiking. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town 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.

Santa Fe is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Santa Fe More Beautiful?

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is a beautiful place to visit, too. This cultural city has a unique beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Santa Fe Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Santa Fe.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a family-friendly town. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Santa Fe. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for couples. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for romance.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Santa Fe is not known 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.

Santa Fe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as several campgrounds.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Santa Fe is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Santa Fe. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Santa Fe 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, Santa Fe is not known for its public transit.

While San Cristobal de Las Casas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its walkability.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very easy town to get around 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.

Santa Fe is very walkable. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Santa Fe?

In either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santa Fe than San Cristobal de Las Casas because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Cristobal de Las Casas, and 2-5 days is enough time in Santa Fe.

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

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

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 Santa Fe, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Santa Fe?

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 Santa Fe, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Santa Fe?

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.

In Santa Fe, many people enjoy the museums and skiing that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This historic town offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Santa Fe?

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 skiing and live music when visiting the historic town of Santa Fe. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 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 Santa Fe, we can see that Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Cristobal de Las Casas or Santa Fe?

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Santa Fe. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Santa Fe, 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.