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

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

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Grand Teton 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 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.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a impressive, vast, and spectacular park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Grand Teton 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
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
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 Grand Teton National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Although San Cristobal de Las Casas and Grand Teton National Park 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 Grand Teton National Park is known for its resorts, 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. Grand Teton National Park is popular for its grand peaks and diverse wildlife.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Grand Teton National Park

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for its historical sights. However, Grand Teton National Park 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.

Grand Teton National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The Visitor Centers have exhibits and other informational sessions.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Grand Teton National Park

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Grand Teton National Park 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Grand Teton National Park. There are a number of restaurants and cafes around the park where you can enjoy a meal, often with a view.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Grand Teton National Park

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for nightlife. However, Grand Teton National Park 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.

Most people don't head to Grand Teton National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's a lounge at Jackson Lake Lodge, but most visitors enjoy a relaxing night in.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Grand Teton National Park Better for Resorts?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.

Grand Teton National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are several impressive lodges within the park, as well as cabins and more rustic hotels.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Grand Teton National Park

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for its historic old town. However, Grand Teton National Park 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.

Grand Teton National Park does not have a historic old town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is very popular for its hiking trails. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

People visit Grand Teton National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Grand Teton National Park has more than 250 miles of trails that make their way through the mountains and around the rugged landscapes. There are hikes that range from short strolls to backcountry, mult-day trails and it's not uncommon to see wildlife.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Grand Teton National Park

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a must-visit destination for shopping. However, Grand Teton National Park 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Grand Teton National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up souvenirs or gifts.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park 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.

Grand Teton National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy the hiking and wildlife spotting. There's also horseback riding and Ranger Programs that are designed for all ages.

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 Grand Teton National Park Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is very popular for romance. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Grand Teton National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its stunning mountain views and scenic hikes, couples will be surrounded by romance. Many people visit the park for their honeymoon, or even for the wedding itself, and the setting couldn't be more spectacular.

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 San Cristobal de Las Casas or Grand Teton National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Grand Teton National Park. There are hostels, campgrounds, and backcountry hiking and camping that backpackers really enjoy.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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 San Cristobal de Las Casas or Grand Teton National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Grand Teton National Park

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Grand Teton 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 Grand Teton National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Grand Teton National Park

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a must-visit destination for its walkability. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known 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.

Grand Teton National Park is generally not very walkable. You'll need a car to reach most of the trail heads.

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

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

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

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Grand Teton National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Grand Teton National Park than in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Cristobal de Las Casas, and 3-7 days is enough time in Grand Teton National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Grand Teton 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 Grand Teton 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 Grand Teton National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    San Cristobal de Las Casas 2-3 
    Grand Teton National Park 3-7

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

Even though San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Grand Teton National Park, many people enjoy the that this spectacular destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Grand Teton National Park?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Most people visit for the shopping. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Grand Teton National Park, many people enjoy the that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Grand Teton National Park?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

In Grand Teton National Park, many people enjoy the that this vast destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This park offers something for everyone.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular choice for travelers. Most people visit for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Grand Teton National Park, many people enjoy the that this beautiful park offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this park makes for a great vacation. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.


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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Grand Teton 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 Grand Teton National Park is $162. 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 Grand Teton National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $47
    Grand Teton National Park $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $94
    Grand Teton National Park $158
Compare Hotels in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Grand Teton National Park

Looking for a hotel in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Grand Teton 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 Grand Teton 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 and Grand Teton National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $32
    Grand Teton National Park $52

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Teton National Park

Also for Grand Teton National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Luxury 4wd SUV To/From Transfer Jackson Hole Airport: $140
  • Private SUV Transfers to/ from Jackson Hole Airport JAC: $105

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

Prices for flights to both Grand Teton 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
    Grand Teton National Park $46

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Grand Teton National Park

For Grand Teton National Park, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Jackson Hole Chuckwagon Dinner: $75
  • Dinner Cookout Ride at Heart Six Ranch: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $14
    Grand Teton National Park $43

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 Grand Teton National Park

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

  • Snake River Scenic Float Private Guided Tour: $225

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $30
    Grand Teton National Park $19


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