A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ilha Grande vs. San Cristobal de Las Casas for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Ilha Grande or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

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

Should I visit Ilha Grande or San Cristobal de Las Casas? 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.

Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Ilha Grande travel costs.

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.

Ilha Grande and San Cristobal de Las Casas: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Although Ilha Grande and San Cristobal de Las Casas are popular destinations, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Cristobal de Las Casas is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Ilha Grande attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more touristy than Ilha Grande and is known for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. It is also well known for the Cathedral of San Cristobal de las Casas. Ilha Grande is famous for

How is Ilha Grande different from San Cristobal de Las Casas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Cristobal de Las Casas and Ilha Grande. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ilha Grande 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 Ilha Grande area. The island still has a quiet, local vibe and that can be seen in the restaurants around town as well. Many places are locally owned and serve up traditional dishes. In particular, the seafood is excellent.

Is Ilha Grande or San Cristobal de Las Casas Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Ilha Grande 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Ilha Grande. It's a quiet island with a national park and most people visit specifically to get away from the busy and active city scene.

Is Ilha Grande or San Cristobal de Las Casas Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ilha Grande 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 Ilha Grande. There are several places where you can rent snorkeling or dive equipment. The area has coral and tropical fish, with the occasional sea turtle sighting. The visibility is generally good and the experience is worth enjoying, but make sure you check on water conditions.

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

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for its old town. However, Ilha Grande does not have a 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.

Ilha Grande does not have a historic old town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ilha Grande or San Cristobal de Las Casas More Beautiful?

Ilha Grande and San Cristobal de Las Casas are somewhat similar when it comes to the nice scenery.

Ilha Grande is a beautiful place to visit, too. The secluded beaches and surrounding nature make this a beautiful island to explore. It's made up of a national park and there are hiking trails and many scenic spots.

San Cristobal de Las Casas offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the backdrop of mountains, this town is colorful and charming.

Is Ilha Grande or San Cristobal de Las Casas Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ilha Grande or San Cristobal de Las Casas.

Ilha Grande is a family-friendly . Most families who visit the island come for the beaches. There are also many nice hikes, waterfalls, and even wildlife that the kids will enjoy. In the village there are a few restaurants. Many aren't geared specifically to kids, but they do have a selection that kids might 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 Ilha Grande or San Cristobal de Las Casas Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ilha Grande and San Cristobal de Las Casas make for a high quality place to visit.

Ilha Grande makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Scenic beaches and beautiful nature make this a wonderful couples retreat that's not far from Rio de Janeiro. The beaches have a more relaxed and quiet vibe than many places in Brazil and the island still holds on to its undiscovered atmosphere.

Couples visit San Cristobal de Las Casas frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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

Ilha Grande and San Cristobal de Las Casas are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Ilha Grande. It is possible to reach the island with a backpacker's budget, but it will take you more time than if you hire a private tour. Once you're on the island there are some hostels and budget hotels to choose from as well.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular 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.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Ilha Grande 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 limited or non-existant in Ilha Grande. You'll need to take a boat to reach the island, and once you're there, there are not vehicles around.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Ilha Grande is a very walkable destination. There are no cars on the island and very few roads. You'll spend a lot of time hiking around, which is the best way to enjoy the island. They don't call it "big island" for no reason though, so make sure you understand the distance between destinations.

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

How long in Ilha Grande or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ilha Grande and San Cristobal de Las Casas. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ilha Grande than in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Ilha Grande, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Cristobal de Las Casas.

Families should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Ilha Grande. 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 Ilha Grande. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Cristobal de Las Casas that are perfect 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 Ilha Grande 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 Ilha Grande or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

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In Ilha Grande, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food that this destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the shopping. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Ilha Grande or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

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In Ilha Grande, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling 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.

San Cristobal de Las Casas might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Ilha Grande or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

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Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting Ilha Grande. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This offers something for everyone.

Because San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Ilha Grande or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

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Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the of Ilha Grande. 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.

Since San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the shopping. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ilha Grande and San Cristobal de Las Casas, we can see that San Cristobal de Las Casas is more expensive. And not only is Ilha Grande much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ilha Grande is in South America and San Cristobal de Las Casas is in North 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 Ilha Grande would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ilha Grande 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 San Cristobal de Las Casas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Cristobal de Las Casas than you might in Ilha Grande.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ilha Grande Expensive? and Is San Cristobal de Las Casas Expensive?.