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

South America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Cartagena or Huaraz?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cartagena and Huaraz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Cartagena or Huaraz?

Cartagena

The capital of the Bolivar Department of Colombia, Cartagena is one of the most visited cities in the country. It sits on Colombia's northern coast by the Caribbean Sea. It's a port city with a population of almost 900,000, making it the fifth largest city in Colombia. The city has a rich history and was the first Spanish colony on the American continent. It was also one of the first sanctuaries for freed African slaves in the Americas.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Huaraz or Cartagena?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cartagena is $47, 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 Cartagena and Huaraz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cartagena $27
    Huaraz $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cartagena $54
    Huaraz $40
Compare Hotels in Cartagena and Huaraz

Looking for a hotel in Cartagena 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 Cartagena


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: Cartagena Hotel Prices and Huaraz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cartagena $7.44
    Huaraz $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:

  • Private Transfer from Bocagrande to Port of Cartagena: $25
  • 10. ARACATACA Transfer from Cartagena-private: $340
  • 15. Transfer to SANTA MARTA from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $220
  • 16. Transfer to Valledupar from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $298
  • 18.Transfer (Rafael N-Hotel Decameron Baru Airport) or vice versa: $90
  • 19. Transfer to Tolú/ Coveñas from Cartagena or vice versa.: $220
  • 2. Transfer from the Airport to the Cartagena Hotel (or vice versa): $26
  • 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-hotel las islas or barú town: $122
  • 6.Transfer (Rafael Nuñez Airport- H.Manzanillo) Or vice versa: $35
  • 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $140
  • Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $21
  • Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $23

Typical Local Transportation prices in Huaraz

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $2.16

Is it cheaper to fly into Cartagena or Huaraz?

Prices for flights to both Huaraz and Cartagena 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
    Cartagena $9.75
    Huaraz $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.

  • Featured in NYTimes > Arepas and Dancing: Danceable Cooking Class in Cartagena: $32
  • Cooking Class In A Real Restaurant At Old City: $38
  • Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $38
  • Taste Cartagena Food tour: $40
  • Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $42
  • Shared Street Food Tour: $42
  • Flavors of Colombia - Cartagena Street Food Tour: $45
  • Bazurto Market Food Tour by Anthony Bourdain: $49
  • Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
  • Cartagena Food Tour: $57
  • Dinner on a boat at Cartagena Bay: $58
  • Zombie Paintball with Dinner & Transportation - Shoot Zombies!: $59

Typical Food prices in Huaraz

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


  • Lunch
    $5.93
  • Chips
    $1.48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cartagena $21
    Huaraz $19

Tours and Activities in Cartagena

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

  • Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Into the Walls of The City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Walled City and Getsemani Shared Walking Tour: $8.00
  • Republican Architecture Tour in Behind the History: $10
  • San Diego Neighborhood Tour: Legends, tradition and culture: $10
  • Historic Free Tour Slavery and Gethsemane Heritage: $10
  • Emerald Museum and Factory Tour: $10
  • Ghost of Downtown: Fear in the streets. Cartagena Sensorial Tour: $10
  • Pirate Tales Tour: To the conquest of the treasure of Cartagena: $10
  • Getsemani District Walking Tour in Cartagena: $11
  • Walled City Cartagena Walking Tour: $11
  • San Diego & Gabriel García Marquez Walking Tour: $11

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
  • Paron Lake Hike Day Tour: $30
  • Llanganuco Full Day Tour: $30
  • Lake 69 Trek Day Tour - White Mountain Range: $30
  • Full-Day Tour to Lake Paron from Huaraz, Peru: $35
  • Laguna Paron Day Tour: $35
  • Lake 69 Full-Day Hiking Tour from Huaraz: $40
  • Pachamanca Gastronomy Tour in Huaraz: $40
  • Paron Lake Full-Day Hiking Tour from Huaraz: $40
  • Lake 69 Trek Day Tour - White Mountain Range: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cartagena $9.14
    Huaraz $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena

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

  • Getsemaní Pub Crawl with Complimentary Drinks: $19
  • Pub Crawl: $70

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Cartagena and Huaraz, we can see that Huaraz 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.

Which is Bigger, Cartagena or Huaraz?

Cartagena is bigger, and its population is about 11 times larger than the population of Huaraz. When comparing the population of Cartagena vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Cartagena or Huaraz?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Cartagena or Huaraz in the Summer?

Both Huaraz and Cartagena are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Huaraz because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Cartagena usually receives around the same amount of rain as Huaraz. Cartagena gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite cold in Huaraz in the summer. In July, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Huaraz. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 29°C (84°F), and Huaraz fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cartagena 29°C (84°F) 
    Huaraz 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Cartagena or Huaraz in the Autumn?

Both Huaraz and Cartagena during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Huaraz year-round.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. Cartagena usually gets more rain in October than Huaraz. Cartagena gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Huaraz. Cartagena is much warmer than Huaraz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Huaraz fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F) 
    Huaraz 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Cartagena or Huaraz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cartagena and Huaraz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round. Huaraz attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Huaraz receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cartagena usually receives less rain than Huaraz. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Cartagena is much warmer than Huaraz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cartagena in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Huaraz averages at about 7°C (45°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F) 
    Huaraz 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Cartagena or Huaraz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cartagena as well as Huaraz. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Huaraz throughout the year.

Cartagena usually gets less rain in April than Huaraz. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Huaraz. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 28°C (82°F), and Huaraz fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cartagena 28°C (82°F) 
    Huaraz 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Huaraz and Cartagena

Cartagena Huaraz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)


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.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
More City Comparisons
Recife vs. Cartagena
Recife vs. Huaraz
Fortaleza vs. Cartagena
Fortaleza vs. Huaraz
Puerto Iguazu vs. Cartagena
Puerto Iguazu vs. Huaraz
Mar del Plata vs. Cartagena
Mar del Plata vs. Huaraz
La Plata vs. Cartagena
La Plata vs. Huaraz
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Cartagena
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Huaraz
Asuncion vs. Cartagena
Asuncion vs. Huaraz
Salto vs. Cartagena
Salto vs. Huaraz
Punta del Este vs. Cartagena
Punta del Este vs. Huaraz
Piriapolis vs. Cartagena
Piriapolis vs. Huaraz
Montevideo vs. Cartagena
Montevideo vs. Huaraz
Colonia del Sacramento vs. Cartagena
Colonia del Sacramento vs. Huaraz
Sao Paulo vs. Cartagena
Sao Paulo vs. Huaraz
Salvador vs. Cartagena
Salvador vs. Huaraz
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Cartagena vs. Huaraz Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.