A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Cristobal de Las Casas vs. Cumberland Island National Seashore for Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cumberland Island National Seashore? 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. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a secluded, undeveloped, and untouched island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Cumberland Island National Seashore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Although San Cristobal de Las Casas and Cumberland Island National Seashore 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, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Cumberland Island National Seashore is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more touristy than Cumberland Island National Seashore and is known for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. It is also home to the Cathedral of San Cristobal de las Casas. Cumberland Island National Seashore is popular for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cumberland Island National Seashore 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for its historical sights. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Cumberland Island National Seashore offers a few options for museum-goers. There aren't any museums on the island, but on the mainland there's a visitor center as well as the Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum.

Is the Food Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cumberland Island National Seashore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its 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.

Most people don't head to Cumberland Island National Seashore for a culinary experience, but it does have restaurants to choose from. There are no restaurants on the island, so you need to pack any food that you might need before you arrive.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

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.

People don't go to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the nightlife. Stargazing is amazing on the island, but you're left to your own devices when it comes to evening entertainment options.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is very popular for its beaches. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Cumberland Island National Seashore. There are 17 miles of pristine beaches along the island. You'll also find wild horses and miles of hiking trails. Swimming is popular, but do take note that there are no lifeguards on the island.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for its Old Town?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for its historic old town. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore 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.

Cumberland Island National Seashore does not have a historic old town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is very popular for its hiking trails. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

People visit Cumberland Island National Seashore specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find more than 50 miles of hiking trails on the island. They pass through a number of ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, and beaches. Most visitors come for the day and spend most of their time on the Southend of the island. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of hiking trails. Some of the most popular trails are Dungeness Roadways, River Trail, and Nightingale Trail.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an amazing town to visit for shopping. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in San Cristobal de Las Casas. 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.

Cumberland Island National Seashore has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There aren't any shops or stores on the island so plan accordingly.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cumberland Island National Seashore.

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore. In addition to the hiking trails, coastline, and wildlife, the island also has junior ranger programs and educational experiences for kids.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Cumberland Island National Seashore make for a high quality 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will appreciate the pristine coastline, beautiful wildlife, and secluded hiking trails. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but it's also possible to stay at one of the island's campgrounds. For a truly romantic experience you could also stay at the Greyfield Inn.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cumberland Island National Seashore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Cumberland Island National Seashore are both high quality 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.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a great town to visit for backpackers. Backpackers appreciate the secluded and pristine atmosphere. There are miles of hiking trails as well as campgrounds on the island for those who want to stay overnight.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cumberland Island National Seashore 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, Cumberland Island National Seashore 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore. The only way to the island is by ferry. It leaves from the town of St. Marys and advanced reservations are recommended.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cumberland Island National Seashore a more walkable city?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its high level of 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.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a somewhat walkable place. There are many hikes on the island, but the whole island is 18 miles long, making it difficult to walk in one day. Many visitors spend their time near the campgrounds where there's the highest concentration of hiking trails. This area is known as Sea Camp.

For even more information, also check out Is San Cristobal de Las Casas Worth Visiting? and Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cumberland Island National Seashore or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Cumberland Island National Seashore. 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Cristobal de Las Casas, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cumberland Island National Seashore.

Families should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Cumberland Island National Seashore. 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore. 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, many people enjoy the that this pristine destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Many people visit San Cristobal de Las Casas for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Cumberland Island National Seashore, many people enjoy the that this beautiful destination offers. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place to visit. Because San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 when visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore. 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 island offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

Since San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful island of Cumberland Island National Seashore. 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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