Which place is cheaper, Machu Picchu or Cozumel?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cozumel or Machu Picchu?
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 Cozumel and Machu Picchu can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Cozumel or Machu Picchu?
Cozumel
Cozumel is a Caribbean island just off the Yucatan Peninsula. It'as a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. With crystal clear waters and vibrant colored coral, Cozumel is one of the most popular dive destinations in the area. The island's economy is centered around tourism, and as such, you'll find plenty of amenities for visitors. The prices are comparable to other coastal towns in the area and there is no shortage of activities or attractions nearby.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a site of ancient Inca ruins located about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Cuzco, Peru, in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba of the Andes Mountains. It is perched above the Urubamba River valley in a narrow saddle between two sharp peaks, Machu Picchu ("Old Peak") and Huayna Picchu ("New Peak"), at an elevation of 7,710 feet (2,350 metres). One of the few major pre-Columbian ruins found nearly intact, Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Thus, Machu Picchu is not only an impressive remnant of the Inca civilization, it is also one of the world's most important archaeological sites. A stop at Machu Picchu is an essential part of any traveler's itinerary in Peru, as it is one of the seven wonders of the world.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico, The Best Eco Tours in Peru, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Peru.
-
Cozumel Prices
Mexico PricesMachu Picchu Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCozumel $122Machu Picchu $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Cozumel is $122, while the average daily cost in Machu Picchu is $122. 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 Cozumel and Machu Picchu in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCozumel $63Machu Picchu $44
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCozumel $126Machu Picchu $88
Compare Hotels in Cozumel and Machu Picchu
Looking for a hotel in Cozumel or Machu Picchu? 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.
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: Cozumel Hotel Prices and Machu Picchu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cozumel $21Machu Picchu $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cozumel
Also for Cozumel, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $154
- Private Transfer from Cozumel Port to Cozumel Airport (CZM): $93
- ATV Adventure to Jade Cavern with transfer: $83
- Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $77
- Private One Way Transfer from Cozumel to Cozumel Airport: $67
- Private One Way Transfer from Cozumel Airport to Cozumel: $67
- Cozumel Jungle ATV Tour Adventure and Caverns with transfer: $65
- ATV tour to jade cavern with transfer (single or double): $55
- Cozumel Mayan Experience And Beach Getaway with Transfer: $55
- Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel -Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Shared Transfer from Airport to Hotel: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Cozumel or Machu Picchu?
Prices for flights to both Machu Picchu and Cozumel 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 dayCozumel $37Machu Picchu $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cozumel
For Cozumel, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Under the Stars Twilight Snorkel and Seaside Dinner at Money Bar: $90
- Cozumel Food Tour: $90
- Cozumel Food Tour: $110
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cozumel $40Machu Picchu $78
Tours and Activities in Cozumel
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cozumel.
- 10 Experiences Tour : $200
- 15-minute Private Parasailing Experience in Cozumel: $78
- 4 Hour Cozumel Turtle Sanctuary Experience on a Luxury Catamarán : $72
- 4 Hour Snorkeling Tour in Cozumel: $55
- ATV Adventour: Jade Cave Cenote, Transportation & Tequila: $87
- ATV Adventure to Jade Cavern Double: $113
- ATV Adventure to Mayan Jade Cavern plus Snorkeling and Lunch: $79
- ATV Jungle Adventure to Hidden Mayan Ruins and Caves: $89
- ATV Seashore + Cenote Combo: Mezcalitos & Mayan Cenote Experience: $64
- ATV and Clear Boat Ride Full Experience in Cozumel: $80
- Adventure Tour Village ATVs Beach with Snorkeling and Villa Maya: $100
- Adventure in Punta Sur Ecological Reserve Cozumel: $90
Typical Entertainment Prices in Machu Picchu
For Machu Picchu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Gardens of Mandor$2.87
Tours and Activities in Machu Picchu
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu Morning Combo: Entrance Ticket, Bus and Guide: $196
- Machu Picchu Small-Group Combo: Entrance Ticket, Bus & Guide: $196
- Private Tour Guide Service: $98
- Private & Flexible 3-Hour Guided Tour of Machu Picchu: $60
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCozumel $10Machu Picchu $7.28
Sample the Local Flavors in Cozumel
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cozumel:
- Chocolate Seaside Workshop & Wine Tasting: $45
- Downtown Cozumel and Brewery Experience: $69
- Rum and Gin at Cozumel First Distillery : $99
- Craft Beer Tasting Experience with Brewery Tour: $99
- Cozumel Mixology Experience at Distillery : $109
When comparing the travel costs between Cozumel and Machu Picchu, we can see that Cozumel 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. Even though Cozumel is in North America and Machu Picchu is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cozumel Expensive? and Is Machu Picchu Expensive?.
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.