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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Columbia River Gorge?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Columbia River Gorge? 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. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a scenic, natural, and beautiful region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Columbia River Gorge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Although San Cristobal de Las Casas and Columbia River Gorge are both popular with visitors, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Columbia River Gorge is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. San Cristobal de Las Casas is popular for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. It is also home to the Cathedral of San Cristobal de las Casas. Columbia River Gorge is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region 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 Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

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

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for nightlife and partying.

San Cristobal de Las Casas offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Columbia River Gorge Better for its Old Town?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Columbia River Gorge?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region 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 Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place 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.

Columbia River Gorge is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge is a great town to visit for backpackers. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Columbia River Gorge 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, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region 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 Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable town. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Columbia River Gorge. In our opinion, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Columbia River Gorge. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Columbia River Gorge, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this beautiful 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 Columbia River Gorge?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Columbia River Gorge, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit San Cristobal de Las Casas for five days. San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Columbia River Gorge. 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 region offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Columbia River Gorge?

Because San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, San Cristobal de Las Casas or Columbia River Gorge?

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