Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Humahuaca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Humahuaca or La Paz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Humahuaca or La Paz? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Humahuaca or La Paz?
Humahuaca
Located in the northwest region of Argentina, Humahuaca is a town nearly 3000m high in elevation, found on the border of the rio Grande. It is the largest settlement with the biggest population along the famous quebrada de Humahuaca gorge, but it has managed to keep its authenticity with its cobblestoned streets, adobe houses, quaint plazas filled with inhabitants of Andean traits and handicraft shops. If you have the chance to visit Humahuaca in February, during the carnival, you will appreciate how traditions are kept alive in this part of Argentina. Humahuaca has become a popular tourist destination in Argentina because of its beautiful setting next to the spectacular Serranía de Hornocal (colored mountains). While most visitors rapidly make their way through Humahuaca before continuing to the other two main Quebrada towns, Pumamarca and Tilcara, some enjoy spending a night or two there. Indeed, the town offers a perfect starting point to visit the region and has a few interesting landmarks not to miss, such as the historic church and Soto Avendano's Independence Monument. If you decide to stay in Humahuaca, remember that nights get chilly and ask the tourist office for any information (in the Cabildo, on the main square, opened Monday to Friday from 7h to 21h and Saturday from 9h to 12h and 13h to 16h and only Sunday mornings).
La Paz
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 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina, The Best Luxury Tours to Bolivia, and The Best Budget Tours to Bolivia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHumahuaca $6.72La Paz $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Humahuaca is $6.72, 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 Humahuaca and La Paz in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHumahuaca $2.41La Paz $16
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHumahuaca $4.82La Paz $32
Compare Hotels in Humahuaca and La Paz
Looking for a hotel in Humahuaca 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: La Paz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Humahuaca $2.07La Paz $9.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Humahuaca
Also for Humahuaca, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Salta: 2-Day Cachi and Humahuaca Tour with Transfer: $66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in La Paz
Some typical examples of transportation costs in La Paz are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$0.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Also for La Paz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from La Paz to Uyuni.: $295
- Private Transfer from Airport to your Hotel in La Paz City : $77
- Private Transfer From Hotel to Airport in La Paz City : $68
- Private Transfer From Bus Station to Hotel in La Paz City : $68
- Private Transfer From Airport to Hotel in La Paz City: $60
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan La Paz Airport (LPB) - La Paz City: $55
- Private Transfer from your Hotel to Airport in La Paz City : $54
- Private Transfer From Bus Station to your Hotel in La Paz City : $54
- Private Transfer from Airport to your Hotel in La Paz City : $54
- Airport Transfer In_night: $47
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle La Paz Airport (LPB) - La Paz City: $43
- Airport to City Center Hotel Private Transfer: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Humahuaca or La Paz?
Prices for flights to both La Paz and Humahuaca 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 dayHumahuaca $2.63La Paz $17
Typical Food Prices in La Paz
For La Paz, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Fruit$0.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
For La Paz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- La Paz Food Tour + Cable Car Cultural City tour: $45
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Humahuaca $2.56La Paz $16
Tours and Activities in Humahuaca
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Humahuaca.
- Hornocal: Full-Day Tour to the Hill of Seven Colors: $70
Tours and Activities in La Paz
For La Paz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- From Private Tour to Tiwanaku Ruins and Puma Punku.: $173
- La Paz, City Tour and Valley of the Moon - Half day: $268
- 2-Day Private Lake Titicaca and Sun Island Tour from La Paz: $520
- 2-day Private Guided Tour in Uyuni and La Paz: $240
- 3 Day Death Road + Uyuni Salt Flats Tour From La Paz City: $280
- Be a Local - La Paz Walking Tour: $8.00
- Bicycle Tour on Death Road: $77
- Bike Tour to the Death Road: $85
- Cable Car, Cementery, Shaman and El Alto Adventure in La Paz: $20
- Chacaltaya 5,435m & Valle De Luna. 2 For 1 Special Tour.: $30
- City Tour plus Cable Car La Paz: $10
- City Tour with Drone!: $204
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHumahuaca $1.16La Paz $11
Sample the Local Flavors in La Paz
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in La Paz:
- Cultural Pub Crawl La Paz Nightlife Tour : $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Humahuaca and La Paz, we can see that La Paz is more expensive. And not only is Humahuaca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Humahuaca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Humahuaca 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 Humahuaca.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Humahuaca Expensive? and Is La Paz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Humahuaca or La Paz?
La Paz has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Humahuaca. When comparing the sizes of Humahuaca 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.
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.