A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bogota vs. La Paz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bogota or La Paz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bogota or La Paz, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Bogota or La Paz?

Bogota

Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.

La Paz

La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, has a breathtaking setting. The city is the highest national capital in the world, with an altitude ranging from about 4,058 m (13,313 ft) above sea level in El Alto, where the airport is located, to 3,100 m (10,170 ft) in the lower residential area. The dynamic and chaotic city was built in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River. La Paz is now a fusion of architectural styles, cultures and beliefs, welcoming everyday new boutique hotels, modern shops, delicious restaurants and reinventing standing establishments. However, generally speaking, Bolivia remains more a backpacker hit than a mainstream tourist destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Bolivia, and The Best Budget Tours to Bolivia.


Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Bogota?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bogota is $49, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $45. 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 Bogota and La Paz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bogota $25
    La Paz $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bogota $50
    La Paz $32
Compare Hotels in Bogota and La Paz

Looking for a hotel in Bogota or La Paz? 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 Bogota


Hotels in La Paz


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: Bogota Hotel Prices and La Paz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bogota $8.21
    La Paz $9.49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota

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


  • Taxi from Airport
    $7.07
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.37
  • 2 Bus Passes
    $0.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota

Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer-shared vehicle from El Dorado Airport - Calle 26, Bogota: $8.70
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Bogota City - El Dorado Airport (BOG): $13
  • Transfer in private SUV from Bogota City - Bogota Airport (BOG): $18
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from El Dorado Airport (BOG) - Bogota City: $13
  • Transfer Aeropuerto El Dorado - Hotel or Accomodation Private : $28
  • Salt Cathedral Zipaquira • Premium Private Transfer: $39
  • Private Visit to Zipaquira's Town & Salt Cathedral + In&Out Transfer + (6 hours): $176
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to Hotels in Bogota: $12
  • Private Transfer from Bogotá-El Dorado (BOG) Airport to Bogotá City: $33
  • Private Transfer El Dorado Airport to Hotels in Bogotá: $20
  • Private Salt Cathedral and Nemocón Salt Mines + In & out Transfer + (8 hours): $242
  • Private One Way Transfer: Bogota Airport (BOG) from/to Bogota: $30

Typical Local Transportation Prices in La Paz

Some typical examples of transportation costs in La Paz are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Also for La Paz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from La Paz City - La Paz Airport (LPB): $21
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from La Paz Airport (LPB) - La Paz City: $27
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle La Paz Airport (LPB) - La Paz City: $43
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan La Paz Airport (LPB) - La Paz City: $55
  • Private transfer 24/7 El Alto Airport - Hotels La Paz: $28
  • Private Transfer from your Hotel to Airport in La Paz City : $54
  • Private Transfer from La Paz to Uyuni.: $295
  • Private Transfer from Airport to your Hotel in La Paz City : $77
  • Private Transfer from Airport to your Hotel in La Paz City : $54
  • Private Transfer La Paz Airport LPB to La Paz City by MiniVan/Bus: $28
  • Private Transfer From your Hotel to Bus Station in La Paz City : $68
  • Private Transfer From Hotel to Airport in La Paz City : $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Bogota or La Paz?

Prices for flights to both La Paz and Bogota 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
    Bogota $13
    La Paz $17
Typical Food Prices in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $1.47
  • Hot Dog
    $0.86

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Street Food Tour in Bogotá with Tastings: $45
  • Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
  • PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
  • Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
  • Bogotá Food Tour - La Candelaria: $61

Typical Food Prices in La Paz

For La Paz, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Fruit
    $0.73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

For La Paz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Bolivian Cooking Class: $30
  • La Paz Food Tour + Cable Car Cultural City tour: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bogota $12
    La Paz $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Beer
    $1.23

Tours and Activities in Bogota

For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Bogotá Architecture Private Tour (6 Hrs.): $149
  • Bogota Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Private Tour + Lunch: $80
  • Express Salt Cathedral Tour• Guided Tour & Tickets • 5h: $219
  • La Candelaria and Monserrate Walking Half Day Tour: $234
  • Lake Guatavitá Private Day Tour: $255
  • Salt Cathedral Zipaquira - Group tour and daily departure: $80
  • *Private tour* to Guatavita sacred lagoon + Nemocon salt mine: $155
  • 4 Hour Bogota Bike Tour: $36
  • 4-Hour Private Tour of Bogotá with Guide and Transportation: $77
  • 4-hour Comprehensive Private Emerald Tour in Bogota: $60
  • 4-hour Paragliding Adventure from Bogota: $206
  • 6-hour private city tour of Bogotá: $116

Tours and Activities in La Paz

For La Paz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • From Private Tour to Tiwanaku Ruins and Puma Punku.: $173
  • La Paz, City Tour and Valley of the Moon - Half day: $268
  • 2-Day Private Lake Titicaca and Sun Island Tour from La Paz: $520
  • 2-day Private Guided Tour in Uyuni and La Paz: $240
  • 3 Day Death Road + Uyuni Salt Flats Tour From La Paz City: $280
  • Bicycle Tour on Death Road: $77
  • Bike Tour to the Death Road: $85
  • Cable Car, Cementery, Shaman and El Alto Adventure in La Paz: $20
  • Chacaltaya 5,435m & Valle De Luna. 2 For 1 Special Tour.: $30
  • Cholet Tour - Andean Architecture and Culture - El Alto: $26
  • Cholets, andean architecture of El Alto city tour: $38
  • City Tour plus Cable Car La Paz: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bogota $13
    La Paz $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:

  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá, Colombia: $25
  • Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá, Colombia: $25

Sample the Local Flavors in La Paz

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in La Paz:

  • Cultural Pub Crawl La Paz Nightlife Tour : $50


When comparing the travel costs between Bogota and La Paz, we can see that Bogota is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bogota Expensive? and Is La Paz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bogota or La Paz?

Bogota has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Bogota and La Paz, 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.