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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Whistler?

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

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

Whistler

Whistler is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and charming village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Whistler travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Whistler: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Whistler. Although San Cristobal de Las Casas and Whistler are both popular with visitors, Whistler has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Whistler is more popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while San Cristobal de Las Casas is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Whistler is more touristy than San Cristobal de Las Casas and is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. It is also home to Cloudraker Skybridge. San Cristobal de Las Casas is popular for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Whistler is very popular for skiing and snowboarding. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Whistler should be on your list. Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America. It covers a vast area that includes two peaks - Whistler and Blackcomb. The slopes are connected by lifts and gondolas and there are options for every level, from beginner to expert.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a skiing destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to San Cristobal de Las Casas can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

While most people don't head to Whistler specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

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

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Whistler offer very good 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 Whistler. There are many great restaurants and pubs that serve local dishes like Whistler herring, meatloaf, and Artic char fish. There are casual eateries as well as fine dining with upscale cuisine.

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

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Whistler.

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.

Whistler is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.

Whistler is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There's a large selection of resorts that you can choose from. Many have pools and hot tubs and range from romantic to family-friendly.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Whistler does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to San Cristobal de Las Casas to see the historical old town. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

Whistler does not have a historic old town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is very popular for its hiking trails. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

People visit Whistler specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. During the warmer seasons there are miles of hiking trails that take you through both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Many trails are accessible by gondola and you'll find great views and stunning vistas. Trails range from short family-friendly options to strenuous and adventurous routes.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is renowned for shopping. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Whistler. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler 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.

Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

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 Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler 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, Whistler is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the winter activities like skiing, dog sledding, and bobsledding. There's also an ice skating rink, climbing gym, and tons of kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Whistler Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Whistler make for a very good 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 Whistler frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy an adventure will love the year-round outdoor sports. There are also romantic spas, fine dining, and scenic gondola rides.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Whistler are both very good 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.

Whistler is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Whistler is not a good village for times when you don't have a car.

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a few 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 mostly limited in Whistler. There's a bus system that connects the town to other nearby neighborhoods.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is renowned for its walkability. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village 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.

Whistler is a very walkable town. It's a compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Whistler?

In either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Whistler 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 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.

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

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

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 Whistler, many people enjoy the shopping and skiing that this charming 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 Whistler?

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 Whistler, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Whistler?

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 Whistler, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this charming destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This village offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Whistler?

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 food and shopping when visiting the beautiful village of Whistler. 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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

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

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Whistler, 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.