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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Shenandoah National Park?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Shenandoah National Park? 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. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a serene, beautiful, and scenic national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include skiing, food, and hiking.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Shenandoah National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Shenandoah National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Shenandoah National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Cristobal de Las Casas is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Shenandoah National Park is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known 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. Shenandoah National Park is well known for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Shenandoah National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shenandoah National Park and San Cristobal de Las Casas. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Shenandoah National Park Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is a popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a skiing destination.

Shenandoah National Park is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. You'll find skiing and snowboarding at nearby Massanutten Resort, which is near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It's a family-friendly setting with slopes that are classified as "easiest", "more difficult", and "most difficult".

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Shenandoah National Park?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is great for its historical sights. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people spend their time outdoors enjoying the setting, there are museums in the area, as well as visitor centers that have exhibits and informative displays.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Shenandoah National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its local cuisine and restaurants.

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Shenandoah National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Shenandoah National Park Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is great for its evening party scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Shenandoah National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Shenandoah National Park Better for its Old Town?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is great for its historic old town charm. However, Shenandoah National Park 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.

Shenandoah National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Shenandoah National Park Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah National Park is very popular for its hiking trails. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

People visit Shenandoah National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park that pass through varied landscapes and take you to beautiful viewpoints. Visitors range from weekend visitors to long term hikers who come to experience the breathtaking beauty and serene setting.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Shenandoah National Park?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for shopping.

Many people travel to San Cristobal de Las Casas specifically to go shopping. 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Shenandoah National Park Better for Families?

Shenandoah National Park 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a very family-friendly destination. There are tons of kid-friendly hikes to overlooks or waterfalls. Kids will love scrambling over the rocks or running through the forest. There are also plenty of campgrounds where families can hang out, toast marshmallows and enjoy some quality time together.

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 Shenandoah National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Shenandoah National Park make for a excellent 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 Shenandoah National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy nature will love a visit to the park. There are beautiful views and scenic spots that will make for a wonderful and romantic trip. Hiking, biking, and exploring will fill your time with adventure and fun.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Shenandoah National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shenandoah National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Shenandoah National Park. Backpackers love the hiking trails and backcountry camping. Many people head to the park to escape into nature and enjoy some low key time in a serene setting.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park 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 limited or non-existant in Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Shenandoah National Park a more walkable city?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable town. While there are plenty of hiking trails, a car is a must to reach most trailheads.

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

Should I spend more time in Shenandoah National Park or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Shenandoah National Park?

In either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Shenandoah National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than San Cristobal de Las Casas because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Cristobal de Las Casas, and 3-5 days is enough time in Shenandoah National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Shenandoah National Park. 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 Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Shenandoah National Park, many people enjoy the food and skiing that this scenic destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Shenandoah National Park?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Shenandoah National Park, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this beautiful 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. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Shenandoah National Park?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Shenandoah National Park, many people enjoy the food and skiing that this breathtaking destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This national park offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Shenandoah National Park?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great place to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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 length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the beautiful national park of Shenandoah National Park. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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