A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Cristobal de Las Casas vs. Everglades National Park for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Everglades National Park?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Everglades National Park? 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. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a pristine, adventure-filled, and unique national park. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Everglades National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Everglades National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Everglades National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Cristobal de Las Casas is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Everglades National Park is more popular for its hiking. San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known 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. Everglades National Park is well known for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Everglades National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Everglades National Park

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

Many visitors head to San Cristobal de Las Casas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Everglades National Park

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Everglades National Park Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Everglades National Park

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

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 Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Everglades National Park Better for its Old Town?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Everglades National Park

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for its historic old town charm. However, Everglades National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of San Cristobal de Las Casas. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

Everglades National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Everglades National Park Better for Hiking?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Everglades National Park?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Everglades National Park

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

Many people travel to San Cristobal de Las Casas specifically to go shopping. 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.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Everglades National Park Better for Families?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Everglades National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Everglades National Park.

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 Everglades National Park. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.


Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Everglades National Park Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Everglades National Park

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for couples. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Everglades National Park is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Everglades National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Everglades National Park

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Everglades National Park are both great 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.

Everglades National Park is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Everglades National Park

San Cristobal de Las Casas is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Everglades National Park 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 limited or non-existant in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.


Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Everglades National Park a more walkable city?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Everglades National Park

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its 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.

Everglades National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Everglades National Park or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Everglades National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    San Cristobal de Las Casas 2-3 
    Everglades National Park 2-3

One day in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Everglades National Park?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Everglades National Park, many people enjoy the that this adventure-filled 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 Everglades National Park?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Everglades National Park, many people enjoy the that this 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 Everglades National Park?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Everglades National Park. 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 national park offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Everglades National Park?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great place to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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 length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the national park of Everglades National Park. 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Everglades National Park or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in San Cristobal de Las Casas is $101, while the average daily cost in Everglades National Park is $146. 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 Everglades National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $47
    Everglades National Park $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $94
    Everglades National Park $160
Compare Hotels in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Everglades National Park

Looking for a hotel in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Everglades National Park? 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 Everglades National Park


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $32
    Everglades National Park $56

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: $51

Is it cheaper to fly into San Cristobal de Las Casas or Everglades National Park?

Prices for flights to both Everglades National Park 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 $23
    Everglades National Park $31

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 $14
    Everglades National Park $28

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:

  • 2 Days Tour Sumidero Canyon+Montebello lakes & Chiflon waterfalls: $211
  • 2 Days tour Sumidero Canyon & Chiapa de Corzo+Indian communities : $171
  • Adventure on Motorcycle to a Hidden Waterfall! : $119
  • Agua Azul, Misol Hà Waterfalls and Palenque Ruins Tour: $48
  • Bicycle rental - tour included: $9.00
  • Bike Tour Chiapas Indigenous Peoples: $62
  • Canyoning El Chorreadero Cave- Adventure Chiapas: $100
  • Chamula and Zinacantan Indigenous Villages Tour: $30
  • Food Walking Tour in San Cristobal : $71
  • From San Cristóbal Tour to Agua Azul, Misol Ha and Palenque with Guide 1 day: $65
  • Full Day Tour in Lagos de Montebello and El Chiflón: $80
  • Full Day Tour of Montebello Lakes and El Chiflon Waterfall: $45

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • 2 Hour Chokoloskee Island Kayak Tour: $80
  • 4 Hour Everglades Kayak Tour: $120
  • 6 Hour Everglades Mangroves Kayak Tour: $200
  • Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 hours): $120
  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $48
  • Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $30
    Everglades National Park $7.86


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


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