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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Tamarindo?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Tamarindo? 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. San Cristobal de Las Casas is 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. See San Cristobal de Las Casas travel costs.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a laid back, chill, and scenic town. Tamarindo is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Tamarindo travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Tamarindo: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Although San Cristobal de Las Casas and Tamarindo are popular destinations, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Cristobal de Las Casas is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Tamarindo attracts visitors for its beaches. San Cristobal de Las Casas is famous for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. It is also well known for the Cathedral of San Cristobal de las Casas. Tamarindo is famous for its surfing, wildlife, and leatherback sea turtles.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Tamarindo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Tamarindo is not a good town for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to San Cristobal de Las Casas can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

While most people don't head to Tamarindo specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Aside from a few art galleries, there aren't many real museums around town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Tamarindo is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a combination of beach bars and restaurants in town that offer local cuisine and international options. Many places have a laid back vibe that fits with the town's atmosphere but you'll also find some more upscale options.

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

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Tamarindo.

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.

Tamarindo is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The town has beach bars, dance clubs, and regular parties that attract tourists and locals alike. The evening has a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a day of surfing or swimming.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Tamarindo Better for Beaches?

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

Tamarindo is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are popular with surfers but the currents can be strong so swimmers should use caution. The golden sand and beautiful setting make this a fun and chill beach destination. There are also plenty of water sports to choose from.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for its old town. However, Tamarindo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to San Cristobal de Las Casas to see the historical old town. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

Tamarindo does not have a historic old town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an amazing town to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Tamarindo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find most of the souvenir shops along Diria Grand Boulevard. There are a few upscale clothing boutiques and jewelry shops as well.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Tamarindo More Beautiful?

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Tamarindo both are comparable with their nice scenery and beauty.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a gorgeous place to visit. Set against the backdrop of mountains, this town is colorful and charming.

Tamarindo is a beautiful place to visit, too. The golden sand beaches offer a beautiful setting where you can relax and soak up a chill beachfront vibe.

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

Tamarindo 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.

Tamarindo is a very family-friendly destination. The golden beaches offer a great escape for families. The surf can be a bit strong, but the kids will love seeing the sea turtles or going horseback riding. There are also beginning surfing lessons available.

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 Tamarindo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Tamarindo make for a very good 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 Tamarindo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy romantic horseback rides along the beach, sunset cruises, and romantic meals. For the adventurous, there's surfing lessons and wildlife tours.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Tamarindo are both very good 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.

Tamarindo is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels in the area and many wonderful activities that let you experience everything that Costa Rica has to offer.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo.

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 Tamarindo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are three public bus lines through town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Tamarindo is a very walkable destination. The town is easy to walk around and explore on foot.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Tamarindo?

In either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Tamarindo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo.

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

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

Even though San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Tamarindo, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this laid back 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 Tamarindo?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Tamarindo, many people enjoy the food and shopping 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. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Tamarindo?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Tamarindo, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this chill 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 town offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Tamarindo?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the town of Tamarindo. 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 Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Cristobal de Las Casas and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is San Cristobal de Las Casas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Cristobal de Las Casas is in North America and Tamarindo is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Tamarindo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo Expensive?.