A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Huaraz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Huaraz?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Huaraz? 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.

Where Should I go: Acapulco de Juarez or Huaraz?

Acapulco de Juarez

Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.

Huaraz

Huaraz is a large town in the Cordillera Blanca region of Peru's Central Sierra. Huaraz stands tall at 3100m; travellers from Lima might need a day or two to acclimatize to the change in atmosphere. Nearly wiped out by the earthquake of 1970, the town of 100,000 blends a mix of modern and native culture. Huarez is first and foremost a trekking metropolis. During high season the streets buzz with hundreds of backpackers and adventurers freshly returned from arduous hikes or planning their next expedition. The town has many markets, shops, quality restaurants and hopping bars catering to tourist and local needs. Mountain adventures in the off-season can be equally rewarding, but the vibe is calmer and some places go into hibernation once the rains set in.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Peru, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Huaraz or Acapulco de Juarez?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $81, while the average daily cost in Huaraz is $50. 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 Acapulco de Juarez and Huaraz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acapulco de Juarez $39
    Huaraz $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acapulco de Juarez $78
    Huaraz $40
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Huaraz

Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Huaraz? 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 Acapulco de Juarez


Hotels in Huaraz


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: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices and Huaraz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $16
    Huaraz $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
  • Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
  • Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
  • Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
  • Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
  • Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Bahia de Acapulco: $49
  • Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $6.00
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Acapulco Airport (ACA) -Bahía de Acapulco: $24
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Bahía de Acapulco - Acapulco Airport (ACA): $24
  • Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huaraz

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Huaraz are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $2.17

Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Huaraz?

Prices for flights to both Huaraz and Acapulco de Juarez 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
    Acapulco de Juarez $29
    Huaraz $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.

  • High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner +Three Drinks plus SUNSET: $49
  • Cliff Divers Exhibition 2 Drinks + Tacos al Pastor Dinner & Beer: $55
  • Cliff Diver De Luxe 3 Course Dinner at "La Quebrada" in Acapulco: $56
  • Cliff Divers Show With Dinner At Acapulco: $72
  • Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only SUNDAY: $84
  • Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $89
  • Hands ON - Mex Cooking Class Experience - City Market & Lunch : $90
  • Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
  • Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
  • Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
  • Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $193
  • Divers Show and Luxury Dinner in Acapulco: $199

Typical Food Prices in Huaraz

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Huaraz:


  • Lunch
    $5.97
  • Chips
    $1.49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $18
    Huaraz $19

Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez

Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Kayaks Tour to El Morro Islet: $25
  • Sunset Adventures: $30
  • Acapulco City Tour : $35
  • Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $36
  • 4hr City Tour For Cruises or Hotels Diver Peace Chapel & Mural: $40
  • 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $44
  • Combo 6 Hr Tour All City Highlights Divers Baby Turtle Release: $46
  • 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $47
  • 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $50
  • Acapulco Malibu, Avenida Kids Tour : $50
  • 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $51
  • 6Hr City Tour Cruise or Hotel Turtle Nesting High Diver & Market: $51

Typical Entertainment Prices in Huaraz

Here are a few typical costs in Huaraz for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Climbing Gear
    $17

Tours and Activities in Huaraz

Here are a few actual costs in Huaraz for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Traditional Picante de Cuy Gastronomy Tour in Huaraz: $15
  • 69 Lake Tour of Peru: $26
  • Glacier Pastoruri and Puya Raimondi Full Day Tour: $28
  • Lake 69 Trek Day Tour - White Mountain Range: $30
  • From Huaraz || Full day tour Laguna 69 in -Cordillera Blanca: $36
  • From Tour to Llanganuco Lakes (Chinancocha Lake): $37
  • From Tour to Archeological Complex of Chavin: $38
  • Ancash: Nevado pastors and puyas Raymondi Tour | Full Day |: $40
  • Lake 69 Full-Day Hiking Tour from Huaraz: $40
  • From Lake 69 Trek Day Tour - White Mountain Range: $46
  • From Chavín de Huantar fullday tour: $56
  • From Llanganuco Lagoon fullday tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acapulco de Juarez $11
    Huaraz $15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Huaraz, we can see that Acapulco de Juarez is more expensive. And not only is Huaraz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Acapulco de Juarez is in North America and Huaraz is in South 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 Huaraz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Huaraz 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 Acapulco de Juarez would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Acapulco de Juarez than you might in Huaraz.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Huaraz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Huaraz?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Huaraz. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Huaraz, 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.


When is the best time to visit Acapulco de Juarez or Huaraz?

Acapulco de Juarez has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Huaraz experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Huaraz in the Summer?

Both Huaraz and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Huaraz because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Huaraz. In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Huaraz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Huaraz averages at about 3°C (37°F).

It's quite rainy in Acapulco de Juarez. In July, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Huaraz. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F) 
    Huaraz 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Huaraz in the Autumn?

Both Huaraz and Acapulco de Juarez during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Huaraz year-round.

Huaraz can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Acapulco de Juarez is generally much warmer than Huaraz. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 28°C (83°F), and Huaraz fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in October than Huaraz. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F) 
    Huaraz 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Huaraz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Huaraz. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Huaraz attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Huaraz in the winter. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Huaraz fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Huaraz receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Huaraz. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F) 
    Huaraz 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Huaraz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Huaraz. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Huaraz throughout the year.

In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Huaraz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Huaraz averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in April than Huaraz. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F) 
    Huaraz 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Huaraz and Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez Huaraz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in) 8°C (46°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 271 mm (10.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 209 mm (8.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 312 mm (12.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 341 mm (13.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)