Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Huaraz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Huaraz or Santiago?
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 Huaraz and Santiago can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Huaraz or Santiago?
Huaraz
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.
Santiago
Santiago is the capital city of Chile. It is centrally located in the long and narrow country, making it a good jumping off point to explore everywhere else. It's convenient location means that you can go skiing in the Andes one day, and hang out at the beach the next.
Santiago has a cool semi-arid climate that is similar to Mediterranean climates. The summers, which are between November and March, are warm and dry. The temperatures climb to around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The winters, between June and August, are humid with cold mornings. The daily highs are around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows stay a few degrees above freezing. Rain is more common in the winter months and the dry season is between December and March.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Peru, The Best 10-Day Tours in Peru, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.
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Huaraz Prices
Peru PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHuaraz $66Santiago $150
The average daily cost (per person) in Huaraz is $66, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $150. 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 Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHuaraz $21Santiago $109
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHuaraz $42Santiago $218
Compare Hotels in Huaraz and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Huaraz or Santiago? 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: Huaraz Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Huaraz $11Santiago $5.41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huaraz
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Huaraz are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$2.29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
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Metro Ride$1.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Airport Transfer and Halfday City tour Santiago de Chile: $362
- Airport Transfer: Santiago to Airport SCL by Business Car: $87
- Airport transfer between Santiago city center and Arturo Merino Benítez Airport: $51
- Arrival Transfer from Santiago Airport SCL to Santiago de Chile: $80
- City tour santiago with excursion to valparaiso and airport transfer: $150
- Departure Transfer: Santiago to Airport SCL by Business Car: $87
- From Viña Santa Rita Tour w/Transfer: $120
- Luxury Airport Private Transfer SCL: $90
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour, Concha y Toro, Private Transfer from Santiago: $262
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Santiago Airport SCL to Santiago: $96
- Private Round Trip Transfer on Santiago Of Chile City: $68
- Private Santiago Visit Haras de Pirque Winery & Transfer Hotel: $300
Is it cheaper to fly into Huaraz or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago 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.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayHuaraz $32Santiago $23
Typical Food Prices in Huaraz
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Huaraz:
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Lunch$6.31
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Chips$1.58
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.88
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Hamburger$2.50
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Dinner$26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Legacy Family Tour Lunch or Dinner Pairing 4 Strokes: $40
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $82
- 4-Hour Boozy Chilean Cooking Class in Santiago: $85
- Bali Hai Dinner & Show, Transport and Wine refill: $106
- Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $114
- Private Dinner & Chilean Folk Show with Transfers: $116
- Alyan Winery Sunset with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $117
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $122
- San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
- Bali Hai Polynesian Dinner Show with Transfer: $130
- Private Night City Tour with San Cristobal Hill And Dinner Show: $181
- Santiago Chilean and Peruvian Cooking Class with a Local Carol: $184
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Huaraz $21Santiago $47
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huaraz
Here are a few typical costs in Huaraz for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Climbing Gear$18
Tours and Activities in Huaraz
Here are a few actual costs in Huaraz for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Traditional Picante de Cuy Gastronomy Tour in Huaraz: $15
- Pastoruri Glacier - Day Tour - Ice and Adventure: $28
- Pastoruri Glacier | Nevado Snowy Full Day Tour: $29
- Glacier Pastoruri and Puya Raimondi Full Day Tour: $30
- From Tour to the Pastoruri Glacier and Puya Raimondi: $32
- From Tour to Llanganuco Lakes (Chinancocha Lake): $33
- From Tour to Archeological Complex of Chavin: $34
- Lake 69 Trek Day Tour - White Mountain Range: $35
- Paron Lake Full Day Tour: $35
- From Paron Lake Hiking Tour: $35
- From Lake 69 Trek Day Tour - White Mountain Range: $35
- Full day tour to the Parón Lagoon: $36
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Official Tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago: $9.00
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $9.00
- Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino Admission Ticket: $17
- A historical tour of Santiago, Chile: $18
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
- Santiago City Tour: Living History and Local Food Tasting: $20
- Guided City Tour through the historic center of Santiago: $23
- Private Guided Walking Tour of the City Center: $24
- Yungay, Memory, Art, and Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
- Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $25
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -small group: $25
- Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $26
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHuaraz $16Santiago $8.40
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $34
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $60
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $63
- Undurraga Wine tour: $70
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $79
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with wine tasting in Casablanca: $79
- Inca Lagoon and Vineyard Visit with Wine Tasting: $80
- Half Day Trip to Cousiño Macul Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
- Half Day Trip to Concha y Toro Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $89
- Kross Brewery Tour: A Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $93
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Huaraz and Santiago, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. And not only is Huaraz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Huaraz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Huaraz 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 Santiago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santiago than you might in Huaraz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Huaraz Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Huaraz or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Huaraz. When comparing the sizes of Huaraz and Santiago, 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 Huaraz or Santiago?
Santiago has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Huaraz experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Huaraz or Santiago in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Huaraz and Santiago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Huaraz year-round.
Huaraz can get quite cold in the summer. In the summer, Huaraz is much colder than Santiago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Huaraz in July average around 3°C (37°F), and Santiago averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.
In July, Huaraz usually receives more rain than Santiagoin January. Huaraz gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryHuaraz 3°C (37°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Huaraz or Santiago in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Huaraz as well as Santiago. Huaraz attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Huaraz can be very cold during autumn. In October, Huaraz is generally much colder than Santiagoin April. Daily temperatures in Huaraz average around 4°C (39°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Huaraz usually gets more rain in October than Santiagoin April. Huaraz gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilHuaraz 4°C (39°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Huaraz or Santiago in the Winter?
Both Santiago and Huaraz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Huaraz throughout the year.
Huaraz is cooler than Santiago in the winter. The daily temperature in Huaraz averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Huaraz. In January, Huaraz usually receives more rain than Santiagoin July. Huaraz gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyHuaraz 7°C (45°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Huaraz or Santiago in the Spring?
Both Santiago and Huaraz during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Huaraz because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Huaraz is much colder than Santiago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Huaraz in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in October.
Huaraz usually gets more rain in April than Santiagoin October. Huaraz gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberHuaraz 6°C (43°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Huaraz
| Huaraz | Santiago | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 7°C (45°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 8°C (46°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 5°C (41°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 4°C (39°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 3°C (37°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 3°C (37°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 4°C (39°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.