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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Kennebunkport?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Kennebunkport? 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.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a charming, quaint, and character-filled town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Although San Cristobal de Las Casas and Kennebunkport 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, and quaint atmosphere, while Kennebunkport is known for its resorts and hiking. 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. Kennebunkport is popular for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Kennebunkport

San Cristobal de Las Casas is great for its historical sights. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Kennebunkport offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Kennebunkport

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Kennebunkport offer high quality 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 Kennebunkport. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Kennebunkport

San Cristobal de Las Casas is great for nightlife. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to San Cristobal de Las Casas for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Kennebunkport

San Cristobal de Las Casas is great for its historic old town. However, Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport does not have a historic old town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

Kennebunkport is a good destination for hiking. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Kennebunkport

San Cristobal de Las Casas is very popular for shopping. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Kennebunkport is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.


Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Kennebunkport Better for Families?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport is a very family-friendly destination. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

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 Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Kennebunkport

With fun activities for couples, both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Kennebunkport

San Cristobal de Las Casas is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kennebunkport is not a good destination 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.

Kennebunkport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find cabins and motels in the area, but no real hostels.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Kennebunkport

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Kennebunkport is not a good destination 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 Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Kennebunkport

San Cristobal de Las Casas is very popular for its walkability. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Kennebunkport is a somewhat walkable place. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Kennebunkport?

It's fun to spend time in either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Kennebunkport. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kennebunkport due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Cristobal de Las Casas, and 2-4 days is enough time in Kennebunkport.

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

Couples should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Kennebunkport. 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 Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport? Ideal Length of Stay
    San Cristobal de Las Casas 2-3 
    Kennebunkport 2-4

One day in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Kennebunkport?

Even though San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Kennebunkport, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this quaint small town offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Kennebunkport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Kennebunkport, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this small town destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Kennebunkport?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Kennebunkport. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This town offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Kennebunkport?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Kennebunkport. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport is $220. 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 Kennebunkport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $47
    Kennebunkport $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $94
    Kennebunkport $248
Compare Hotels in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Kennebunkport

Looking for a hotel in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Kennebunkport? 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 Kennebunkport


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 Kennebunkport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $32
    Kennebunkport $49

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 Kennebunkport?

Prices for flights to both Kennebunkport 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
    Kennebunkport $67

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
    Kennebunkport $21

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 Kennebunkport

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kennebunkport.

  • 90 Minutes Ghost Walking Tour in Kennebunkport: $30
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $50
  • A Tasty Lunchtime Walking Tour: $140
  • Ghost Tour with Folklore, Gossip & Scandals: $29
  • Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $27
  • Historic District Walking Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $30
    Kennebunkport $31


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


Which is Bigger, San Cristobal de Las Casas or Kennebunkport?

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Kennebunkport, 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.

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