Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Huaraz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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 Huaraz and La Paz can help you decide which place is right for you.
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.
La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, has a breathtaking setting. The city is the highest national capital in the world, with an altitude ranging from about 4,058 m (13,313 ft) above sea level in El Alto, where the airport is located, to 3,100 m (10,170 ft) in the lower residential area. The dynamic and chaotic city was built in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River. La Paz is now a fusion of architectural styles, cultures and beliefs, welcoming everyday new boutique hotels, modern shops, delicious restaurants and reinventing standing establishments. However, generally speaking, Bolivia remains more a backpacker hit than a mainstream tourist destination.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Peru, The Best 10-Day Tours in Peru, The Best Luxury Tours to Bolivia, and The Best Budget Tours to Bolivia.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Huaraz is $50, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $44. 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 Huaraz and La Paz in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Huaraz 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.
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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Huaraz are as follows:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in La Paz are as follows:
Also for La Paz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both La Paz and Huaraz 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Huaraz:
For La Paz, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For La Paz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few typical costs in Huaraz for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Huaraz for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
For La Paz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in La Paz:
When comparing the travel costs between Huaraz and La Paz, 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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Huaraz Expensive? and Is La Paz Expensive?.
La Paz has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Huaraz. When comparing the sizes of Huaraz 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.