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

Should you visit Cali or Tilcara?

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 Tilcara 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 Tilcara?

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.

Tilcara

Tilcara signifies shooting star in Quechua. At 2465m of altitude, the little town of Tilcara is one of the most animated place of the area of the quebrada de humahuaca. Many South American backpackers and tourists from all around the world come to visit Tilcara and its pucara, the forteresse built by the Incas at the top of the hill, providing a stunning walk around the town. Tilcara hosts many festivals for different occasions such as the celebration of the Pachamama in August, the semana santa (Holy Week) in April, and the Enero Tilcareno, held in January as its name indicates, which is probably the busiest month of the year for the little town. If you enjoy concerts, parades and folklorique parties then definitely try to visit Tilcara during a festival month and avoid them if you prefer a calm and more relaxed holiday. There are many available activities around Tilcara including horseback riding, VTT, and you could also even try a ride in a caravan pulled by llamas.

Which place is cheaper, Tilcara or Cali?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cali is $24, while the average daily cost in Tilcara is $20. 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 Tilcara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cali $5.78
    Tilcara $7.99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cali $12
    Tilcara $16
Compare Hotels in Cali and Tilcara

Looking for a hotel in Cali or Tilcara? 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 Tilcara


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 Tilcara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cali $5.40
    Tilcara $5.38
Typical Local Transportation prices in Cali

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cali

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

  • Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
  • Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cali Airport CLO to Cali City by Minibus: $171
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by Minibus: $171
  • City Highlights Private Bus Tour with Transfer: $131
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by Minivan: $96
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cali Airport CLO to Cali City by Minivan: $96
  • Cali to or from Buenaventura Private Transfer: $80
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cali Airport CLO to Cali City by 2x4 Vehicle: $68
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by 2x4 Vehicle: $68
  • From Cali Airport: One-way Privater Transfer to Cali: $58
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Cali Airport (CLO) - Cali City: $51

Typical Local Transportation prices in Tilcara

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.01

Is it cheaper to fly into Cali or Tilcara?

Prices for flights to both Tilcara 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 $8.24
    Tilcara $8.37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cali

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

  • Street Food Tour: $18
  • Alameda Market Food Tour: $52
  • Street Food Tour - Live A Unique Gastronomic Experience: $53
  • Patio Santo Style Rumba Dinner: $168

Typical Food prices in Tilcara

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tilcara:


  • Sandwich
    $0.01
  • Burger
    $0.03
  • Fruit
    $0.02
  • Sandwich
    $0.03

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tilcara

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

  • Northern Argentine cooking experience: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cali $10
    Tilcara $4.78

Tours and Activities in Cali

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

  • 3 Hours Alameda Market Tour: $13
  • 4 Hours Private Magic Pance River Tour in Cali Colombia : $40
  • A Taste of Food and Drink Tour of 9th Avenue: $50
  • A day to enjoy nature and have an adventure in the Jordan river: $49
  • Cali ATV tours - Take your adrenaline to the maximum on the road: $153
  • Cali Bike Park Tour: $95
  • Cali City Tour: $117
  • Cali City Tour: $29
  • Cali City Tour - The Best Of Cali In Comfort: $39
  • Cali Downtown Walking Tour: $53
  • Cali Mountain Bike Tour: $95
  • Cali Salsa Tours: $106

Tours and Activities in Tilcara

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tilcara.

  • Full-Day Tour to Laguna de los Pozuelos from Tilcara: $141
  • Juella Bike Adventure with Picnic Lunch: $28
  • Purmamarca Night Experience: $18
  • Serranías del Hornocal + Citytour Humahuaca: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cali $8.15
    Tilcara $2.62


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

Which is Bigger, Cali or Tilcara?

Cali is bigger, and its population is about 424.3 times larger than the population of Tilcara. When comparing the population of Cali vs. Tilcara, 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 and the activities that interest you.

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.
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Cali vs. Tilcara Travel Comparison

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