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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Myrtle Beach?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Myrtle Beach? 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. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a party-filled, busy, and jam-packed beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach than San Cristobal de Las Casas, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Myrtle Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while San Cristobal de Las Casas is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than San Cristobal de Las Casas and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Also, Myrtle Beach is famous for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in San Cristobal de Las Casas is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is very popular for nightlife. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Myrtle Beach is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.

Myrtle Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is a very popular place for its beaches. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

Myrtle Beach is considered a top beach destination. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Myrtle Beach 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.

Myrtle Beach does not have a historic old town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for couples. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Myrtle Beach is a nice destination for couples. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for backpackers. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Myrtle Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The nightlife scene brings the young crowd, but this isn't exactly a backpacker destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.

Myrtle Beach is a very popular beach city for students and younger travelers. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is very good for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in San Cristobal de Las Casas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its walkability.

Getting around San Cristobal de Las Casas on foot is easy. 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.

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable town. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Myrtle Beach?

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

Families should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Myrtle Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this busy destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Myrtle Beach?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the shopping. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Myrtle Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife 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 Myrtle Beach?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

In Myrtle Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this busy destination offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This beach city offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Myrtle Beach?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Myrtle Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this beach city offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this beach city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, San Cristobal de Las Casas or Myrtle Beach?

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Myrtle Beach, 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.