A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cochabamba vs. Paracas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cochabamba or Paracas?

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 Cochabamba and Paracas can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Cochabamba or Paracas?

Cochabamba

With a population of about 630,000, Cochabamba is the fourth largest city in Bolivia. It's located about 240 kilometers from the capital city of La Paz and is surrounded by mountains, but sits within a valley.

The city is known for its gardens and has many sights to offer the visitor. Cochabamba offers a calming retreat that is a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of many South American cities. It's a great location to learn Spanish and there are plenty of activities and cultural events that you can enjoy in and around town.

Cochabamba's climate is semi-arid. There is an extended dry season between May and October and the wet season is from November to March. The days are warm and the nights are cool.

Paracas

Paracas, also known as El Chaco, is a resort town on the Southern coast of the country, about 150 miles south of Lima. The town in located in one of the oldest regions of Peru, with a history dating back to 900 BC and offers many pre-Inca cultural sites throughout the area. Paracas is possibly best known for being home to the Paracas National Reserve, a nature reserve boasting one of the most abundant and diverse ecosystems in the world.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bolivia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Bolivia, The Best Eco Tours in Peru, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Paracas or Cochabamba?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cochabamba is $63, while the average daily cost in Paracas is $63. 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 Cochabamba and Paracas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cochabamba $25
    Paracas $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cochabamba $50
    Paracas $44
Compare Hotels in Cochabamba and Paracas

Looking for a hotel in Cochabamba or Paracas? 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 Cochabamba


Hotels in Paracas


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: Cochabamba Hotel Prices and Paracas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cochabamba $16
    Paracas $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cochabamba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cochabamba:

  • Airport - Hotels transfer Service 24/7: $28
  • MiniVan or Bus Transfer from Cochabamba Airport CBB to Cochabamba: $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paracas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paracas:

  • Bus Station Private Transfer: $16
  • Private Transfer From San Juan Airport (SJU) to /from San Juan: $44
  • Oneway Transfer from San Juan Airport, Hotel, Airbnb to Bayamon: $60
  • Private Transfer from Pisco Cruise Port to Lima City Hotels: $78
  • Private Transfer from Pisco Port to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $78
  • Private Transfer from Pisko Cruise Port to Lima City Hotels: $87
  • Private Transfer from Pisco Cruise Port to Lima hotels: $87
  • Private Transfer from Pisco Port to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $87
  • Lima: Private taxi transfer from Lima airport to Paracas: $129
  • Direct Private Transfer From Paracas to Lima, English Speaking Driver: $163
  • Private Transfer From Paracas To Lima With 2 Stops: $175

Is it cheaper to fly into Cochabamba or Paracas?

Prices for flights to both Paracas and Cochabamba 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
    Cochabamba $22
    Paracas $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paracas

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

  • From Lima:Paracas,Ica and cooking class Ceviche semi-private: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cochabamba $25
    Paracas $25

Tours and Activities in Cochabamba

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cochabamba are as follows:

  • Tour to Valle Alto (Tarata): $38
  • Tigre & Delta River Cruise - half day tour from Buenos Aires: $72
  • Parque Nacional Torotoro Tour 2 Días y 1 Noche : $228

Tours and Activities in Paracas

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

  • Ballestas Islands Morning Boat Tour: $20
  • Ballestas Islands Tour Boat with roof: $20
  • 4-Hour Guided Tour Paracas National Reserve: $20
  • From Ballestas Islands Guided Boat Tour: $20
  • Boat Tour of the Ballestas Islands in Paracas: $20
  • Ballestas Islands Tour: $24
  • Ballestas Islands Sightseeing Boat Ride from Paracas: $24
  • Islas Ballestas Boat Tour - The Galapagos of Peru: $25
  • From Scenic Boat Tour to Ballestas Island: $25
  • Ballestas Islands Tour - Paracas: $25
  • Ballestas Islands Group Tour from Paracas : $26
  • From Ballestas Islands Guided Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cochabamba $15
    Paracas $11


When comparing the travel costs between Cochabamba and Paracas, we can see that Cochabamba 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 Cochabamba Expensive? and Is Paracas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cochabamba or Paracas?

Cochabamba has a larger population, and is about 750 times larger than the population of Paracas. When comparing the sizes of Cochabamba and Paracas, 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.