A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico San Cristobal de Las Casas vs. La Paz for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or La Paz?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or La Paz? 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 cultural, charming, and colorful town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

La Paz

La Paz is a cultural, beautiful, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and La Paz: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Paz than San Cristobal de Las Casas. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. La Paz is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while San Cristobal de Las Casas attracts visitors for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. San Cristobal de Las Casas is famous for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. La Paz is famous for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also well known for Balandra Beach.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from La Paz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either San Cristobal de Las Casas or La Paz.

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.

Many visitors head to La Paz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

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

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and La Paz offer excellent 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 La Paz. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or La Paz Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

San Cristobal de Las Casas has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or La Paz Better for Resorts?

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

La Paz has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or La Paz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or La Paz Better for Beaches?

La Paz 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 La Paz. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is notable for its old town. However, La Paz does not have a historic old town.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

La Paz does not have a historic old town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in San Cristobal de Las Casas make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or La Paz Better for Families?

La Paz 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.

La Paz is a very family-friendly destination. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

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 La Paz Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is notable for its romantic activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

La Paz is a good town for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas and La Paz are both excellent 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.

La Paz is a great town to visit for backpackers. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and La Paz.

San Cristobal de Las Casas has some 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.

You'll find some public transit in La Paz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

La Paz is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or La Paz?

It's fun to spend time in either San Cristobal de Las Casas or La Paz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Paz 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 La Paz.

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

Couples should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than La Paz. 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 La Paz 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 La Paz?

San Cristobal de Las Casas might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In La Paz, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Most people come for the beaches. 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 La Paz?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In La Paz, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this 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 La Paz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting La Paz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or La Paz?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the city of La Paz. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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 Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.

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

Which is Bigger, San Cristobal de Las Casas or La Paz?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of San Cristobal de Las Casas. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and La Paz, 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.