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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem? 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. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See San Cristobal de Las Casas travel costs.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a under-rated, welcoming, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Winston-Salem travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Winston-Salem: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Winston-Salem. While Winston-Salem is larger than San Cristobal de Las Casas, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is famous for the Cathedral of San Cristobal de las Casas. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Winston-Salem?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Winston-Salem

San Cristobal de Las Casas is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Winston-Salem is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Winston-Salem

San Cristobal de Las Casas is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in San Cristobal de Las Casas is an experience not to be missed. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Winston-Salem. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Winston-Salem

San Cristobal de Las Casas is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

San Cristobal de Las Casas has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem Better for its Old Town?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Winston-Salem

San Cristobal de Las Casas is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

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.

Winston-Salem is a good destination for visiting its old town. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.


Is the Shopping Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Winston-Salem

San Cristobal de Las Casas is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Winston-Salem. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem More Beautiful?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Winston-Salem

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Winston-Salem

Kids will enjoy a visit to either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem.

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 Winston-Salem. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.


Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Winston-Salem

San Cristobal de Las Casas is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Winston-Salem

San Cristobal de Las Casas is notable for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Winston-Salem

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

Plenty of students visit Winston-Salem. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Winston-Salem

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place for its public transit. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city 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 Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Winston-Salem

San Cristobal de Las Casas is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its 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.

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable town. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Winston-Salem or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Winston-Salem because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Cristobal de Las Casas, and 1-2 days is enough time in Winston-Salem.

Families should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem 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.


  • How many days in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem? Ideal Length of Stay
    San Cristobal de Las Casas 2-3 
    Winston-Salem 1-2

One day in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem?

Even though San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Winston-Salem, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this welcoming 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 Winston-Salem?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Winston-Salem, many people enjoy the nightlife and food 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 Winston-Salem?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Winston-Salem. 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Winston-Salem or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • San Cristobal de Las Casas Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Winston-Salem Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $107
    Winston-Salem $181

The average daily cost (per person) in San Cristobal de Las Casas is $107, while the average daily cost in Winston-Salem is $181. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for San Cristobal de Las Casas and Winston-Salem in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $42
    Winston-Salem $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $84
    Winston-Salem $182
Compare Hotels in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Winston-Salem

Looking for a hotel in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in San Cristobal de Las Casas


Hotels in Winston-Salem


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: San Cristobal de Las Casas Hotel Prices and Winston-Salem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $29
    Winston-Salem $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Cristobal de Las Casas

Also for San Cristobal de Las Casas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas to TGZ Airport: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem?

Prices for flights to both Winston-Salem and San Cristobal de Las Casas change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $37
    Winston-Salem $73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Cristobal de Las Casas

For San Cristobal de Las Casas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • City Tour with Dinner Pizza and Wine: $71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $13
    Winston-Salem $20

Tours and Activities in San Cristobal de Las Casas

For San Cristobal de Las Casas, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Rancho Nuevo Caves and Arcotete Ecotourism Center: $23
  • Tour of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan: $28
  • Tour to San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan Indian communities: $35
  • Adventure through the Grottos del Arcotete, and Rancho Nuevo: $39
  • Tour Sumidero Canyon and Magic Town of Chiapa de Corzo: $42
  • Adventure to the Sumidero Canyon Viewpoints and Chiapa de Corzo: $42
  • Maya Cultural Tour From San Cristobal: Chamula, Zinacantan: $45
  • Private Tour in San Cristobal de las Casas: $48
  • Montebello Lakes and Chiflon Waterfalls Tour: $48
  • Tour to the Viewpoints, Sumidero Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo: $50
  • Tour to the Chiflón Waterfalls and Montebello Lagoons: $50
  • Sink Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo Tour : $50

Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Winston-Salem are as follows:

  • Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour: $26
  • Old Salem's Ghost Self Guided Outside Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Winston Salem African American History Tour: $19
  • Winston-Salem Historic Guided Walking Tour: $19
  • Winston-Salem True Crime Tour: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $27
    Winston-Salem $24


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


Which is Bigger, San Cristobal de Las Casas or Winston-Salem?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of San Cristobal de Las Casas. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Winston-Salem, 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.