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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or The Hamptons?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or The Hamptons? 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. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a wealthy, opulent, and lavish beach destination. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Although San Cristobal de Las Casas and The Hamptons are both popular with visitors, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while The Hamptons is known for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more touristy than The Hamptons and is popular for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. It is also home to the Cathedral of San Cristobal de las Casas. The Hamptons is popular for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
The Hamptons

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

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
The Hamptons

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, San Cristobal de Las Casas makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

The Hamptons has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of fine dining restaurants in the area and seafood is a favorite. Some restaurants are known to be frequented by vacationing celebrities, so if you're hoping to spot someone famous, do some research and you may have some luck.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
The Hamptons

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for nightlife. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in San Cristobal de Las Casas know how to have a good time. 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 The Hamptons has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.

The Hamptons is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.


Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
The Hamptons

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

The Hamptons is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches in the area feature long stretches of soft sand and plenty of space to spread out. Many beaches do come with a hefty price tag though as they require you to pay for parking or a permit.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
The Hamptons

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its historic old town. However, The Hamptons 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.

The Hamptons does not have a historic old town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
The Hamptons

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

The Hamptons is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of picturesque walks through the dunes and wetlands around the area. There is plenty of peaceful nature to explore if you're looking for a break from city life.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
The Hamptons

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and The Hamptons.

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.

The abundance of shops in The Hamptons make it a world-class shopping destination. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, you can be assured there are plenty of shopping opportunities where you can flash your cash around town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or The Hamptons Better for Families?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
The Hamptons

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

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 The Hamptons. The area has a family-friendly setting with many outdoor activities and a children's museum. There are music events, children's parks, small zoos, and, of course, the beach. Also make sure you pick up some ice cream and enjoy that quintessential beach experience.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
The Hamptons

With fun activities for couples, both San Cristobal de Las Casas and The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy beaches, dining out, and escaping the chaos of city life will enjoy a retreat here. The area has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but there are also amazing restaurants that make for a great date night.


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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
The Hamptons

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit San Cristobal de Las Casas. 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.

The Hamptons is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's more popular with the rich and famous than it is with the budget crowd, so you may struggle to find an affordable place to stay, much less a hostel.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
The Hamptons

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a town with good options for its public transit. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination 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 The Hamptons. While there are trains between towns, there aren't many options when it comes to public transit.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas
The Hamptons

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of 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.

The Hamptons is a somewhat walkable place. While some of the towns offer a nice place for a stroll, most of the Hamptons is not very walkable and it's best to have a car.


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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or The Hamptons?

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

Families should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than The Hamptons. 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 The Hamptons. 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 The Hamptons 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.


  • How many days in San Cristobal de Las Casas or The Hamptons? Ideal Length of Stay
    San Cristobal de Las Casas 2-3 
    The Hamptons 3-7

One day in San Cristobal de Las Casas or The Hamptons?

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 The Hamptons, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this wealthy destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 The Hamptons?

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 The Hamptons, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 The Hamptons?

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 The Hamptons, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this wealthy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This beach destination offers something for everyone.


A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or The Hamptons?

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 The Hamptons, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this beach destination offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this beach destination makes for a great vacation. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, The Hamptons or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in San Cristobal de Las Casas is $101, while the average daily cost in The Hamptons is $223. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for San Cristobal de Las Casas and The Hamptons in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $47
    The Hamptons $126
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $94
    The Hamptons $252
Compare Hotels in San Cristobal de Las Casas and The Hamptons

Looking for a hotel in San Cristobal de Las Casas or The Hamptons? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in San Cristobal de Las Casas


Hotels in The Hamptons


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: San Cristobal de Las Casas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $32
    The Hamptons $63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Cristobal de Las Casas

Also for San Cristobal de Las Casas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas to TGZ Airport: $51

Is it cheaper to fly into San Cristobal de Las Casas or The Hamptons?

Prices for flights to both The Hamptons and San Cristobal de Las Casas change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $23
    The Hamptons $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Cristobal de Las Casas

For San Cristobal de Las Casas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • City Tour with Dinner Pizza and Wine: $71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $14
    The Hamptons $22

Tours and Activities in San Cristobal de Las Casas

For San Cristobal de Las Casas, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Bicycle rental - tour included: $9.00
  • Tour of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan: $19
  • Tour to Grutas de Rancho Nuevo and El Arcotete Ecotourism Park: $27
  • Rancho Nuevo Caves and Arcotete Ecotourism Center: $27
  • Montebello Lakes and Chiflon Waterfalls Tour: $28
  • Tour to San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan (Indigenous Peoples): $30
  • Chamula and Zinacantan Indigenous Villages Tour: $30
  • Tour to the Chiflón Waterfalls and Montebello Lagoons: $33
  • Tour Sumidero Canyon and Magic Town of Chiapa de Corzo: $35
  • Sumidero Canyon Tour: $36
  • Tour to the Viewpoints, Sumidero Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo: $37
  • Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula Tours Departing in San Cristóbal de las Casas: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $30
    The Hamptons $31


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


Which is Bigger, San Cristobal de Las Casas or The Hamptons?

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and The Hamptons, 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.

Related Articles for San Cristobal de Las Casas