Which place is cheaper, Lima or Fortaleza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fortaleza or Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Lima 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: Fortaleza or Lima?
Fortaleza
A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Cultural Tours in Peru, and The Best Jungle Trekking Tours in Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFortaleza $65Lima $75
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $65, while the average daily cost in Lima is $75. 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 Fortaleza and Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFortaleza $28Lima $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFortaleza $56Lima $96
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza or Lima? 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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fortaleza $20Lima $5.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer leaving from the Fortaleza waterfront to Beach Park: $8.30
- Shared Airport Transfer to Fortaleza Hotels: $8.85
- Transfer to Beach Park: $11
- Beach Park Round-Trip Transfer: $12
- Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $16
- Roundtrip transfer from Pinto Martins Airport to Hotels in Fortaleza: $17
- Pinto Martins Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza-Arrival Private Transfer: $17
- Fortaleza to Fortaleza Airport (FOR) - Departure Private Transfer: $17
- Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $17
- Fortaleza to Pinto Martins Airport (FOR) - Departure Transfer: $17
- Private transfer: Fortaleza International Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza: $27
- Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.29
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Taxi Ride$5.29
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Short Taxi Ride$3.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Private Transfer From Lima To Huacachina With 2 Stops: $201
- Private Transfer From Lima To Paracas With 2 Stops : $179
- Direct Private Transfer From Lima to Paracas, English Speaking Driver: $166
- Premium Peruvian Horse Show with Lunch & Transfers: $150
- Larco Museum Tour & Gastronomic Experience with rountrip transfer: $134
- Round-Trip Transfer in Private Minivan from-to Lima Airport (LIM) in Lima City: $122
- Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $119
- Lima round trip transfers airport - hotel - airport + City Tour: $89
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima city hotels: $89
- Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $89
- Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $80
- Lima Airport Arrival Transfer for small groups: $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima and Fortaleza 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
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Food Meals for one dayFortaleza $22Lima $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fortaleza
For Fortaleza, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Thematic Show with Rotation of Pizzas in Aquiraz: $26
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.23
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Ice cream$3.44
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Coffee$2.91
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Donut$0.92
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $35
- Ceviche Cooking Class Including Pisco Sour Lesson: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Market Food Tour: $43
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Lima Night Food Tour: $48
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with dinner: $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fortaleza $14Lima $8.43
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $10
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $12
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $13
- Águas Belas Tour: $14
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $16
- Fortaleza Panoramic City Tour with visit to Cumbuco Beach: $16
- Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $16
- One Day Bus Tour of Fortaleza and Cumbuco Beach: $17
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $18
- Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $18
- Tour 3 Beaches in 1 day (Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes and Canoa Quebrada): $20
- The colorful sands of Morro Branco beach - Full Day Tour: $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$16
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Movie Tickets$2.25
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Lima in 1 Day! - City Tour + Miraflores, Barranco & San Isidro: $85
- Private Classic City Tour Experience of Lima: $65
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
- 2-Hour Private Tour of Miraflores with Drone Video Included: $39
- 2d/1n Tour: Flight to the Nazca, Paracas and Huacachina Lines: $289
- 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
- 3 Day Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $159
- 3-Hour Private Scooter Tour through Miraflores with Guide: $50
- 3-Hour Walking Tour Discovering the History of Lima : $16
- 360° Panoramic bus - Sightseeing Tour: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFortaleza $9.34Lima $5.48
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.11
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Beer$3.96
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Cocktail$3.17
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $20
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $25
- Local Wine Tour: $50
- Local Wine Tour : $65
When comparing the travel costs between Fortaleza and Lima, we can see that Lima 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 Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Fortaleza. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza and Lima, 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.
When is the best time to visit Fortaleza or Lima?
Fortaleza has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Fortaleza or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Fortaleza during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In January, Fortaleza is generally much warmer than Limain July. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Fortaleza. In the summer, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than Limain July. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in January than Limain July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Lima. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Fortaleza is a little warmer than Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.
Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Fortaleza gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Fortaleza gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Limain October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFortaleza 27°C (80°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Lima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Lima. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
In the winter, Fortaleza is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fortaleza in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In the winter, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than Limain January. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.
Fortaleza usually gets more rain in July than Limain January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFortaleza 26°C (79°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Fortaleza is generally a little warmer than Limain April. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than Lima during spring. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Limain April. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Fortaleza
| Fortaleza | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 356 mm (14 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.