A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Curitiba vs. La Paz for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Curitiba or La Paz?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Curitiba and La Paz 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.

Curitiba

Curitiba is a active, vibrant, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Curitiba travel costs.

La Paz

La Paz is a authentic, cultural, and beautiful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See La Paz travel costs.

Curitiba and La Paz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Curitiba or La Paz?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in La Paz than Curitiba. While Curitiba is larger than La Paz, La Paz has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Paz is more popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Curitiba is known for its nightlife. La Paz is more touristy than Curitiba and is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also home to Balandra Beach. Curitiba is popular for its performing arts, walkability, and culture.

How is Curitiba different from La Paz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Paz and Curitiba. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Curitiba or La Paz?

Curitiba
La Paz

La Paz is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into La Paz. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

Curitiba is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a variety of museums around town that include a number of history museums, a few art museums, and other cultural museums that are worth checking out.


Is the Food Better in Curitiba or La Paz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Curitiba
La Paz

Both Curitiba and La Paz offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Curitiba has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The official dish of the town is carne de onça, which first originated here and is a beef tartare that's served on flat bread. There are also many other traditional and authentic Brazilian restaurants around town, so this is a great place for a foodie to explore.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, La Paz makes for a great culinary experience. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

Is Curitiba or La Paz Better for Nightlife?

Curitiba
La Paz

Curitiba is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Curitiba has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Like most cities in Brazil, you'll find a great nightlife scene with plenty of bars and restaurants. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Batel, which is one of the most international parts of the city, Itupava Street, which is lined with Brazilian restaurants and bars, and São Francisco, which is popular with the student population because of its affordability.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Is Curitiba or La Paz Better for Resorts?

Curitiba
La Paz

La Paz is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Curitiba is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Curitiba is not a resort destination.


Is Curitiba or La Paz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Curitiba
La Paz

La Paz is a great city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Curitiba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

La Paz is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Curitiba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Curitiba or La Paz Better for Beaches?

Curitiba
La Paz

La Paz is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Curitiba is not a beach destination.

La Paz is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Curitiba is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Curitiba or La Paz?

Curitiba
La Paz

La Paz is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Curitiba is a great destination for shopping. The city has large shopping malls and many great fashion boutiques. It's a great place to spend some time shopping.


Is Curitiba or La Paz Better for Families?

Curitiba
La Paz

La Paz is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in La Paz. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

Curitiba is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks and museums that are great for kids. In particular, the botanical gardens and Bosque Alemao appeal to young visitors.

Is Curitiba or La Paz Better for Couples?

Curitiba
La Paz

Both Curitiba and La Paz are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Curitiba is a good city for couples to visit. The city has some great parks and restaurants that make it a pleasant place to explore with your significant other.

La Paz is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Is Curitiba or La Paz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Curitiba
La Paz

La Paz is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit La Paz. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Curitiba. The nightlife and music scene, combined with a great public transit system, make this a good, but often overlooked destination for backpackers in Brazil.


Is Curitiba or La Paz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Curitiba
La Paz

Curitiba is notable for its public transit. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Curitiba can get you to some places easily. There's a great public transit system here that includes a metro system, trolleybuses, and buses.

La Paz has some public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Is Curitiba or La Paz a more walkable city?

Curitiba
La Paz

Curitiba and La Paz are great when it comes to walkability.

Curitiba is a very walkable destination. It is a walkable city that is fun to explore on foot, but as always, take precautions in certain areas, particularly at night.

La Paz is very walkable. The city is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Curitiba Worth Visiting? and Is La Paz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Paz or Curitiba?

How long in Curitiba or La Paz?

It's fun to spend time in either Curitiba or La Paz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Paz due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Curitiba, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Paz.

Families should spend more time in La Paz than Curitiba. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in La Paz, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in La Paz than Curitiba. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in La Paz that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz than Curitiba if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in La Paz.


  • How many days in Curitiba or La Paz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Curitiba 2-3 
    La Paz 2-4

One day in Curitiba or La Paz?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Curitiba. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of La Paz offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Curitiba or La Paz?

Curitiba is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

La Paz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in La Paz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Curitiba or La Paz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Curitiba. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

La Paz is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Curitiba or La Paz?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Curitiba. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

La Paz is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Curitiba?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Curitiba is $90, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $132. 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 Curitiba and La Paz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Curitiba $29
    La Paz $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Curitiba $58
    La Paz $94
Compare Hotels in Curitiba and La Paz

Looking for a hotel in Curitiba or La Paz? 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 Curitiba


Hotels in La Paz


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: Curitiba Hotel Prices and La Paz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Curitiba $15
    La Paz $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Curitiba

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Curitiba:


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Curitiba

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

  • Curitiba Airport CWB to Curitiba hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $37
  • Curitiba to Curitiba Airport (CWB) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Private Transfer from Curitiba City to Curitiba Airport (CWB): $38
  • Shared Transfer: Curitiba International Airport: $40
  • Curitiba to Curitiba Airport (CWB) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Curitiba Airport (CWB) to Curitiba - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Curitiba Airport (CWB) to Curitiba - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $74
  • Curitiba Airport (CWB) to Curitiba - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $95
  • Afonso Pena Airport CWB to Beach Resorts : Arrival Transfer: $106
  • Private Transfer from Curitiba Airport: $109
  • Afonso Pena Airport (CWB) to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $212
  • Private Transfer from Porto Belo Port to Curitiba Airport (CWB): $265

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
  • La Paz hotels to La Paz International Airport (LAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Curitiba or La Paz?

Prices for flights to both La Paz and Curitiba 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
    Curitiba $47
    La Paz $60
Typical Food Prices in Curitiba

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


  • Chips
    $0.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Curitiba

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

  • Bar-hopping and Food Tour in Curitiba: $36
  • Curitiba's History Food Tour: $70
  • Curitiba Tour by Night with Dinner: $95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

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

  • 3 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $77
  • 3 hrs SEAFOOD Tour in La Paz: $103

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Curitiba $19
    La Paz $11

Tours and Activities in Curitiba

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

  • Ticket MAI - Museum of Indigenous Art - Curitiba: $6.25
  • Private City Tour - Top Postcards from Curitiba by Pinheiro Turismo: $39
  • Half Day Curitiba Sightseeing Tour: $43
  • Experience the Best of City Tour Highlights: $59
  • Interparks Cycling Tour Curitiba for small groups: $62
  • CRAFT BREWERS TOUR By Jens Tours: $72
  • 4 Hour City Tour in Curitiba: $73
  • Full-day tour in Curitiba: $78
  • Gastronomic Tour in Curitiba with Jens Tours: $81
  • 8h full city tour in Curitiba: $94
  • Piece of Holland Full-Day Tour in the Interior of Paraná: $142
  • Complete Tour to Ilha do Mel: $157

Tours and Activities in La Paz

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

  • 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
  • 3 Hours La Paz Whale Shark First Class Snorkeling Tour: $167
  • Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $127
  • Birding La Paz Mexico 4hrs.Tour : $160
  • Birding Tour in La Paz Mexico: $177
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $95
  • Cultural and Culinary Tour of El Triunfo, Baja California Sur: $250
  • Desert Off Road Adventure Tour in La Paz: $261
  • Desert and Dunes ATV Adventure in La Paz BCS Mexico: $195
  • Espíritu Santo and Balandra Beach Combo Tour: Sea Lion Snorkeling: $250
  • Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
  • Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Curitiba $13
    La Paz $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Curitiba

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Curitiba:


  • Beer
    $0.42


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Curitiba and La Paz, we can see that La Paz is more expensive. And not only is Curitiba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Curitiba is in South America and La Paz is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Curitiba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Curitiba 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 La Paz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Paz than you might in Curitiba.

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


Which is Bigger, Curitiba or La Paz?

Curitiba has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Curitiba and La Paz, 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.