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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Portland, Maine?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Portland, Maine? 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.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a scenic, picturesque, and seaside coastal town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

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

You'll generally find more things to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Portland, Maine. San Cristobal de Las Casas is bigger than Portland, Maine, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Cristobal de Las Casas is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is famous for the Cathedral of San Cristobal de las Casas. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Portland, Maine. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland, Maine has a few options to choose from. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

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

Portland, Maine is considered a top beach destination. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine does not have a historic old town.

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

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

Portland, Maine is a good destination for hiking. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an amazing town to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland, Maine. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is a decent place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas does not offer Christmas activities.

Portland, Maine has some seasonal activities during Christmas. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

San Cristobal de Las Casas does not offer Christmas activities.

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

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

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, Maine. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known 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.

Portland, Maine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It isn't so much a backpacker destination, but there are some budget accommodation options around town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known 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 Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known 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.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable town. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Portland, Maine?

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Portland, Maine, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this scenic destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Portland, Maine?

San Cristobal de Las Casas might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

In Portland, Maine, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful 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 Portland, Maine?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland, Maine. 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 coastal town offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Portland, Maine?

Since San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful coastal town of Portland, Maine. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Portland, Maine, 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.