A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Copacabana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Copacabana?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Copacabana can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Copacabana?

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

Copacabana

Copacabana, Bolivia, is a small, bright and enchanting town located on the Bolivian shore of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Situated relatively close to the capital of La Paz, it is a popular resort mostly destination for foreign travellers, meaning that you may feel like there are more Argentinians and Americans than locals. Copacabana is the perfect jump-off point for visiting Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna and makes a pleasant stopover between La Paz and Puno or Cusco. Featuring beautiful nature walks, ancient sites, stunning sunsets and quaint little restaurants, Copacabana is a travelers' favorite destination to soak in the panoramic views, savor freshly caught trucha, and explore what the Incas believed to be the birthplace of their empire.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Bolivia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Bolivia.


Which place is cheaper, Copacabana or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, while the average daily cost in Copacabana is $42. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Copacabana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
    Copacabana $11
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
    Copacabana $22
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Copacabana

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Copacabana? 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina


Hotels in Copacabana


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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Copacabana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58
    Copacabana $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $0.13
  • Local Bus
    $0.00
  • Metro Ride
    $0.00
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.03
  • Taxi
    $0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • Ezeiza Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $75
  • Airport Transfer Buenos Aires (to/from Ezeiza & Aeroparque): $90
  • Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $25
  • Airport Transfer: Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) to Buenos Aires: $25
  • Aljibe Tango Earlier Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels Buenos Aires: $85
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Business Car: $79
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $124
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $112
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $138
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $108
  • Arrival Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $46
  • Best Tango Show with Private Transfer: $102

Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Copacabana?

Prices for flights to both Copacabana and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.25
    Copacabana $17
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Lunch
    $0.03
  • Cup of Coffee
    $0.01
  • Empandas
    $0.02
  • Espresso
    $0.01
  • Dinner (Pizza)
    $0.02
  • Ice Cream
    $0.01
  • Breakfast at Airport
    $0.04
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    $0.01
  • Sweets
    $0.01
  • Hot Dog
    $0.01
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    $0.01
  • Lunch for 2
    $0.16
  • Cake and Coffee
    $0.53
  • Dinner
    $1.88
  • Powerade
    $0.12
  • Lunch
    $0.83
  • Dinner
    $1.21
  • Chocolate
    $3.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $37
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
  • Argentinian grilled pizza class in San Telmo: $40
  • Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $40
  • Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
  • Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50
  • Skip the Line Ticket for Tango Porteño Show with Dinner : $53
  • Tango Porteño Show with Private Transfers (with optional dinner): $54

Typical Food Prices in Copacabana

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


  • Lunch
    $3.61
  • Sandwich
    $1.16

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34
    Copacabana $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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


  • Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)
    $0.04
  • Movie Ticket
    $0.02
  • Tango Class
    $0.03
  • Bar entrance
    $0.58

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
  • Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
  • Palermo Graffiti Tour: $10
  • Historical Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery: $15
  • True Crime Buenos Aires: A Walking Tour: $15
  • Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
  • Graffiti Tour: $15
  • Walking Tour La Boca: $15
  • Recoleta Cemetery Experience - Immersive Tour with Death: $16

Tours and Activities in Copacabana

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

  • Titicaca Touristic Bus from Copacabana to La Paz_Everyday_1:00 p.m.: $12
  • From La Paz: Cable car ride tour with tasting food.: $49
  • Full day tour of Copacabana and Sun Island: $90
  • Full Day Tour of Sun Island in Copacabana from La Paz: $100
  • Titicaca Lake & Isla del Sol Catamaran Tour: $293
  • CONDORIRI Mountain 5650m. 2 DAYS 1 NIGHT. TREKKING. English guide. Shared Tour: $300

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81
    Copacabana $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.01
  • Beer (0.66L)
    $0.02
  • Cocktail
    $0.03
  • Alcohol
    $0.67

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $42
  • Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
  • Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
  • Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
  • Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
  • Private Asado and Wine Tasting in Argentina: $130

Typical Alcohol Prices in Copacabana

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Copacabana from other travelers:


  • Wine
    $2.89


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Copacabana, we can see that Copacabana is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Copacabana would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copacabana than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Copacabana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Copacabana?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 2900 times larger than the population of Copacabana. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Copacabana, 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.