Travel Budget for San Cristobal de Las Casas Visit San Cristobal de Las Casas on a Budget or Travel in Style

San Cristobal de Las Casas, Estado de Chiapas, Mexico
North America / Mexico / Pacific Coast /
Jump to  down-arrow

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a cultural town known for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to San Cristobal de Las Casas, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to San Cristobal de Las Casas?

You should plan to spend around $97 (MX$1,962) per day on your vacation in San Cristobal de Las Casas. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $33 (MX$676) on meals
  • $27 (MX$536) on local transportation
  • $77 (MX$1,548) on hotels

A one week trip to San Cristobal de Las Casas for two people costs, on average, $1,361 (MX$27,468). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $97
    MX$1,962
  • One Week Per person
    $681
    MX$13,734
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,361
    MX$27,468
  • One Month Per person
    $2,917
    MX$58,860
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,361
    MX$27,468
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $2,723
    MX$54,936
  • One Month For a couple
    $5,835
    MX$117,720
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to San Cristobal de Las Casas cost?

A one week trip to San Cristobal de Las Casas usually costs around $681 (MX$13,734) for one person and $1,361 (MX$27,468) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to San Cristobal de Las Casas on average costs around $1,361 (MX$27,468) for one person and $2,723 (MX$54,936) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in San Cristobal de Las Casas will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to San Cristobal de Las Casas on average costs around $2,917 (MX$58,860) for one person and $5,835 (MX$117,720) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is San Cristobal de Las Casas expensive to visit?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular town that attracts a diverse array of travelers, reflecting a mix of travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

San Cristobal de Las Casas can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $38 (MX$757) per day, mid-range travelers spend $99 (MX$1,962) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $263 (MX$5,234) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to San Cristobal de Las Casas.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in North America for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as San Cristobal de Las Casas.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is San Cristobal de Las Casas Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to San Cristobal de Las Casas?

The average San Cristobal de Las Casas trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these San Cristobal de Las Casas travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to San Cristobal de Las Casas cost?

San Cristobal de Las Casas on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$14
(MX$285) 		$38
(MX$774) 		$112
(MX$2,268)
Local Transportation 1 $11
(MX$214) 		$27
(MX$536) 		$65
(MX$1,320)
Food 2 $14
(MX$281) 		$33
(MX$676) 		$75
(MX$1,505)
Entertainment 1 $5
(MX$95) 		$12
(MX$238) 		$29
(MX$587)
Alcohol 2 $5-16
(MX$106-319) 		$12-37
(MX$249-748) 		$26-77
(MX$516-1,547)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting San Cristobal de Las Casas. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.

Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $38 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

Fortunately, there are plenty of hostels available in San Cristobal de Las Casas, such as Puerta Vieja Hostel, Posada del Abuelito, and Rossco Backpackers Hostel. In these hostels, you can discover cheap dorm accommodations and a great social atmosphere, though amenities may be few. Visitors to San Cristobal de Las Casas often find food to be a highlight, but budget travelers may only indulge in street food or cook their own meals in hostels, missing some of the area's best culinary experiences.

Is Your Travel Style Average?

If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to San Cristobal de Las Casas will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $99 per person, per day.

San Cristobal de Las Casas offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Guayaba Inn Boutique Hotel is an excellent choice, while Casa Santa Lucia is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for San Cristobal de Las Casas.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $263. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the town will require a premium budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Day Trip to Archaeological Site of Palenque from San Cristobal - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in San Cristobal de Las Casas

Hotel prices in San Cristobal de Las Casas can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $39, while in peak summer, fall, or spring season it jumps to an average of $73. Budget accommodations range from $21 to $146, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in San Cristobal de Las Casas for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $77 (MX$1,548). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $38 (MX$774) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $38
    MX$774
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $77
    MX$1,548

Hotels in San Cristobal de Las Casas

Looking for a hotel in San Cristobal de Las Casas? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in San Cristobal de Las Casas

The average hotel room price in San Cristobal de Las Casas based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $39 in the low season and $73 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in San Cristobal de Las Casas include:

  • Guayaba Inn Boutique Hotel starting at $105
  • Hotel Bo starting at $229
  • Casa del Alma Hotel Boutique & Spa starting at $143
  • Nuestras Raices Hotel - Museo - Restaurante starting at $54
  • Hotel Grand Maria starting at $43
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in San Cristobal de Las Casas

Staying further from the town in San Cristobal de Las Casas could save you money with the help of a good public transit system, but higher transportation costs and a longer commute could be a downside.

If you plan to avoid summer, fall, or spring and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known tourist destination, but it's smaller than some other places, so hotels can fill up fast. If you're visiting during summer, fall, or spring, it's smart to book your reservations early.

Many visitors prefer to discover San Cristobal de Las Casas by walking, so it's best to find accommodations in a central location. However, this convenience may come with a higher cost.

The town's old town is a popular spot for tourists. Although hotels in this area might be more expensive, they often come with plenty of character and easy access to nearby attractions.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in San Cristobal de Las Casas

In San Cristobal de Las Casas, the public transportation system covers key attractions. Urbano buses are minibuses that connect the town to the outlying residential areas. There are also colectivos that travel to nearby villages. If you want to save money and get around efficiently, public transit works well when it's near your stop. Taxis and rideshares are readily available across town, too.

Visitors who prefer to get around on toof will have a delightful experience 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.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (excellent)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $27 (MX$536) per person, per day, on local transportation in San Cristobal de Las Casas. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in San Cristobal de Las Casas is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $27
    MX$536
Transportation Tips

If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.

Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:

  • Transfer Hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas to TGZ Airport for $43 details

Recommended Services


Flights to San Cristobal de Las Casas
How much does it cost to go to San Cristobal de Las Casas? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in San Cristobal de Las Casas
The price of renting a car in San Cristobal de Las Casas will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in San Cristobal de Las Casas

The culinary delights in San Cristobal de Las Casas are remarkable, so be sure to set aside time to taste all the local specialties. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in San Cristobal de Las Casas can vary significantly, the average cost of food in San Cristobal de Las Casas is $33 (MX$676) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $33
    MX$676

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in San Cristobal de Las Casas is around $34 (MX$676) per person, with previous travelers spending from $14 to $76. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in San Cristobal de Las Casas are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $3 to $10
  • Lunch: $5 to $14
  • Dinner: $10 to $24
  • Coffee: $3
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $5
Food & Dining Tips

Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.

Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.

If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in San Cristobal de Las Casas

People come to San Cristobal de Las Casas in droves for museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and historical sights.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in San Cristobal de Las Casas typically cost an average of $12 (MX$238) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $12
    MX$238

San Cristobal de las Casas, commonly abbreviated as just San Cristobal, is considered to be the cultural capital of the state of Chiapas. The town has been designated as a "Pueblo Magico" in Mexico, which means magic village. This title is given to locations throughout the country that are regarded as beautiful destinations or as having historical and cultural significance, among other criteria.

In fact, former Mexican president Felipe Calderon claimed that San Cristobal was "the most magical of the Pueblos Magicos" during a speech in 2010. That's a big statement seeing as though there are over 100 Pueblos Magicos scattered throughout Mexico.

One aspect that vaults San Cristobal into the ranks as one of Mexico's best Pueblos Magicos is its well preserved Spanish architecture. The town is largely made up of cobblestone streets and adobe buildings that radiate with vibrant colors. Most houses feature wrought iron windows, which is another common element of Spanish architecture. Aside from the streets and houses, San Cristobal is also home to numerous churches that highlight the town's Spanish influences.

The Modern Maya

Now that we've discussed the architecture, let's move on and examine the people that populate this region of Southern Mexico. San Cristobal has a large indigenous population whose lineage traces back to the ancient Mayan civilization. The indigenous locals of San Cristobal are mostly of the Tzotzil and Tzeltal Maya tribes. For context, there are numerous subcategories of Maya ancestry scattered across Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, each with their own distinct language and cultural identity.

This large indigenous population gives rise to a richness of Mayan culture that can be seen immediately upon arriving to San Cristobal. Visitors will notice an abundance of ornate hand-woven textiles that are worn by many indigenous locals. This traditional clothing is very colorful and the patterns are unique to San Cristobal. If you visited a different city in Mexico, you would notice that the principal colors and patterns of the textiles are different.



Chiflon WaterfallsSan Cristobal
Join A Free Walking Tour

One of the first things that I did upon arriving in San Cristobal was to join a free walking tour. These tours are offered at 10AM and 5PM every day and they meet at the wooden cross located directly in front of San Cristobal's primary church. Our guide conveyed a lot of fascinating information about the town as we walked through cobblestone streets and visited various local businesses. For a budget traveler, free walking tours are a great option.

Check Out The Artisanal Market

One spot that's easy to explore on your own is San Cristobal's outdoor market, which is called Mercado de Artesanias de Santo Domingo. Visitors can stroll through this large space and see a diversity of items for sale. You could purchase anything from a small souvenir to a leather belt to an amber necklace (amber products are especially common in San Cristobal). There are other markets located throughout the city but this one is especially interesting and accessible.

Visit The Orquideas Moxviquil Botanical Garden

On the outskirts of town, you'll find a very nice botanical garden that features greenhouses and hiking trails. You can learn about the garden's various sustainability projects before embarking upon a beautiful hike in the lush hills surrounding San Cristobal. There are moments throughout the hike where the vegetation clears and you can experience magnificent views of the colonial city below.

Take A Trip To San Juan Chamula

San Juan Chamula is a predominantly indigenous town located just outside of San Cristobal. Its main attraction is a church in the town center that blends Catholic and Mayan religious elements. Instead of finding pews in this church, visitors will notice that the ground is covered in pine needles and that locals are kneeling on the ground. They pray in an ancient Mayan language while burning candles of various colors and sizes.

In certain situations, they will literally sacrifice a live chicken right there on the floor of this church. All of this is done in an effort to heal whatever sickness is ailing them. It's a truly bizarre place but at the same time it may be the one memory that sticks with you long after you've left Mexico.

It's easy to visit San Juan Chamula and other nearby villages with this terrific tour of the area.

Ride A Boat Through The Sumidero Canyon

The Sumidero Canyon tour is easily the most popular excursion from San Cristobal and for good reason. This imposing canyon is located less than thirty minutes outside of San Cristobal and can be toured by means of boat for a very reasonable price. Aside from the grandeur of the canyon itself, the captain will also attempt to find wildlife in the canyon such as Crocodiles, Spider Monkeys, and various species of birds.

Once the boat section of the tour is over, visitors will be driven to a few lookout points so that they can experience the canyon from atop as well as from within. Generally these tours will also stop in a small town called Chiapa de Corzo after visiting the canyon.

Chiflon WaterfallsThe Chiflon Waterfalls
Tour The Chiflon Waterfalls

The Chiflon Waterfalls (Cascada El Chiflon) is an impressive waterfall located 62 miles (100 kilometers) south of San Cristobal. There are many companies that offer this tour coupled with a stop at Montebello Lakes National Park, which is another great location nearby. El Chiflon is a series of enormous waterfalls that radiate with beauty and make for some of the most stunning pictures imaginable. You can enjoy incredibly scenic views at the various lookout points as well as being able to swim in the calmer water at the park's entrance. This is a long tour but it's absolutely worth it. See tour details and pricing here.

About the author

Michael is the founder of Passport Explored, a blog that focuses on culture and adventure travel. His goal is to inspire people to step outside of their comfort zone and live without regrets. You can also follow him on Twitter.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
San Cristobal de Las Casas is celebrated for its prestigious museums and historical landmarks. 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.

Historical Sights:
The historic old town is a popular destination for many visitors. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

Shopping:
You'll find shopping here to be an experience worth having. 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.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore San Cristobal de Las Casas. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Food Walking Tour San Cristobal de las Casas for $59 details
  • Full Day Tour of Montebello Lakes and El Chiflon Waterfall for $60 details
  • From San Cristóbal Tour to Agua Azul, Misol Ha and Palenque with Guide 1 day for $70 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in San Cristobal de Las Casas

Visitors in San Cristobal de Las Casas can't get enough of the fun nightlife, spending their evenings at local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $25 (MX$499) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in San Cristobal de Las Casas per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $25
    MX$499
Nightlife Tips

Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.

Drinking at night can be fun, but make sure you're aware of your surroundings. You could attract pickpockets, so it's best to stick with people you trust and stay in a group.



Budgeting and Travel Tips for San Cristobal de Las Casas

  • In summer, fall, or spring, you'll find prices climbing and the town brimming with visitors. For a more affordable and peaceful experience, try to plan your visit during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Choosing a slower travel pace allows you to soak in the area's beauty while saving money. If you cram your days with endless activities, you'll find yourself spending more. In contrast, slowing down often leads to lower costs and a richer experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • If you're journeying with small children, you'll likely prefer a private vehicle or taxi. It can often be a lot easier to bypass the difficulties of public transit, though it will cost you a little more.
Related Articles
GuadalajaraAcapulco de JuarezOaxaca de JuarezPuerto VallartaMexico CityMerida
Traveling in San Cristobal de Las Casas
San Cristobal de Las Casas San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico

Far away from the luxuries of Cancun and Cabo, Mexico's San Cristobal de las Casas is a stunning colonial city located in the southern state of Chiapas. Due to its strategic location, the town is commonly used as a transfer point for travelers looking to cross the border between Guatemala and Mexico. San Cristobal also has an immensely strong appeal among budget-minded travelers as it's one of Mexico's most affordable cities.

With this in mind, let's take a closer look at what makes San Cristobal a unique and budget-friendly destination in Mexico.

As a rule of thumb, destinations in Mexico become increasingly cheaper the further away you are from the coast. This is why it should come as no surprise that San Cristobal is very far from the ocean. Since there are no beaches to attract a wealthy clientele, San Cristobal has largely avoided the same increase in prices that have plagued Mexico's resort towns in recent decades.

For example, let's say that you want to stay in nice hostels throughout your Mexico travels. In Cancun, this would easily cost you somewhere in the range of $15 per night. However, in San Cristobal, the same hostel would actually cost you $7 or $8 per night. And that's with a full breakfast, coffee, and orange juice included every morning. If it was any cheaper they would be paying you.

In terms of food, you can stretch your budget quite far by simply avoiding the tourist traps that are found in any city. Generally the restaurants located close to the town center/central plaza are the most expensive ones. If you venture a couple of blocks outside of this area you'll find numerous authentic restaurants that serve traditional and inexpensive meals. I stumbled upon a restaurant that served large portions of meat, rice, beans, salad, and tortillas for 50 pesos, which is about $2.54 USD as of this writing.

If you find a restaurant where the owner is watching a Spanish soap opera on a small television, this is a sure sign that your meal will be inexpensive!



More Related Articles
VeracruzCancunMazatlanEnsenadaLa PazCozumel

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
About BudgetYourTrip.com

Search for Travel Costs


All Countries
Tour Search

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.