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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Portland?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Portland? 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. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a quirky, eclectic, and tree-lined city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, hiking, and shopping.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Portland: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Portland. While Portland is larger than San Cristobal de Las Casas, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Portland is known for its music 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. Portland is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into San Cristobal de Las Casas. 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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 Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

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

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a popular place for live music. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Portland is active and vibrant. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a live music destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Portland 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.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

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

Portland 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 Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is very popular for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

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

Kids will enjoy a visit to either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Portland.

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 Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Portland Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Portland 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.

Portland is a great town to visit for backpackers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Portland Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Portland.

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 Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is very popular for its walkability. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in San Cristobal de Las Casas. 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.

Portland is a very walkable town. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Portland. 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 Portland. 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 Portland. 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 Portland. 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 Portland 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 Portland?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Portland, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this eclectic 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 Portland?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Cristobal de Las Casas, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Portland, many people enjoy the live music and shopping 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 Portland?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland. 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 city offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Portland?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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. This town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the city of Portland. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Portland has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of San Cristobal de Las Casas. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Portland, 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.