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

Should you visit Cali 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 Cali 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: Cali or Copacabana?

Cali

Cali is Colombia's third largest city. Founded in 1536, can be explored on foot: walk under the shade of trees along the riverbank, admire the architecture of churches and other national monuments, and visit the city's many museums. Being the salsa capital of the world, Cali is primarily a destination for salsa and party but it also offers some great days out in the nearby natural surroundings. In Cali, travelers can enjoy music festivals, learn about sugarcane farming, and take in the mountainous landscapes.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bogota, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Colombia, The Best Budget Tours to Bolivia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Bolivia.


Which place is cheaper, Copacabana or Cali?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cali is $25, 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 Cali and Copacabana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cali $6.16
    Copacabana $11
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cali $12
    Copacabana $22
Compare Hotels in Cali and Copacabana

Looking for a hotel in Cali 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 Cali


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: Cali Hotel Prices and Copacabana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cali $5.76
    Copacabana $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cali

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cali:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cali

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

  • Airport Transfers Cali (per way): $34
  • Alfonso Airport CLO to Cali or Palmira Hotels Arrival Transfer: $24
  • Alfonso Aragon Airport CLO to Cali Palmira Arrival Transfer: $24
  • Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) to Cali/Palmira-RoundTrip Transfer: $48
  • Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
  • Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airpot One Way Transfer: $19
  • City Highlights Private Bus Tour with Transfer: $149
  • National Park Waterfalls Tour with Lunch & Transfer: $114
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by Minibus: $171
  • From Cali Airport: One-way Privater Transfer to Cali: $58
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport : $17
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Cali Airport (CLO) - Cali City: $51

Is it cheaper to fly into Cali or Copacabana?

Prices for flights to both Copacabana and Cali 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
    Cali $8.77
    Copacabana $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cali

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

  • Alameda Market Cali Food Tour: $14
  • Street Food Tour: $21
  • Alameda Market Food Tour: $55
  • Flavors of Food tour at the local market: $59
  • Patio Santo Style Rumba Dinner: $168

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.
    Cali $11
    Copacabana $19

Tours and Activities in Cali

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

  • Cali's Cultural and Historical Walking Tour: $14
  • Cali Salsa Tour: Learn the history, dance and play instruments: $15
  • Cali Salsa & Resistance Street Art Tour: $16
  • Walking Tour in the Historic Center of Cali City: $25
  • The Cali Street Food Walking Tour: $30
  • Cali Bike Tour: $32
  • Medicinal Plant Private Tour in La Galeria Alameda of Cali: $35
  • Coffee Tasting Experience in Cali Colombia : $35
  • Walking Tour: $35
  • Private half day tour in Siloé Cali: $35
  • Walking tour of the historic center: $37
  • Private Relaxing Massage Experience in Cali: $43

Tours and Activities in Copacabana

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cali $8.68
    Copacabana $12

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 Cali and Copacabana, we can see that Copacabana is more expensive. And not only is Cali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cali 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 Cali.

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


Which is Bigger, Cali or Copacabana?

Cali has a larger population, and is about 530 times larger than the population of Copacabana. When comparing the sizes of Cali 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.