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

Should you visit La Paz or Blue Ridge?

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

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

La Paz

La Paz is a cultural, beautiful, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a historic, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

La Paz and Blue Ridge: Pros and Cons

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
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in La Paz or Blue Ridge?

Travelers will usually find more to do in La Paz. Although La Paz and Blue Ridge are popular destinations, La Paz has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Paz is very popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Blue Ridge attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. La Paz is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also well known for Balandra Beach. Blue Ridge is famous for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is La Paz different from Blue Ridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

La Paz
Blue Ridge

La Paz is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.


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

La Paz
Blue Ridge

Foodies will find both La Paz and Blue Ridge both to be very good destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit La Paz. 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.

Blue Ridge has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Is La Paz or Blue Ridge Better for Nightlife?

La Paz
Blue Ridge

Evening events are nice in both La Paz and Blue Ridge.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is La Paz or Blue Ridge Better for Resorts?

La Paz
Blue Ridge

La Paz is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.


Is La Paz or Blue Ridge Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz
Blue Ridge

La Paz is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Blue Ridge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Blue Ridge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Blue Ridge Better for Beaches?

La Paz
Blue Ridge

La Paz is an amazing city to visit for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

La Paz offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is La Paz or Blue Ridge Better for Hiking?

La Paz
Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Blue Ridge is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Blue Ridge?

La Paz
Blue Ridge

Both La Paz and Blue Ridge are very good shopping destinations.

La Paz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Is La Paz or Blue Ridge Better for Families?

La Paz
Blue Ridge

Both La Paz and Blue Ridge are very good to visit with kids.

La Paz is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Blue Ridge. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Is La Paz or Blue Ridge Better for Couples?

La Paz
Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is notable for its romantic activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Blue Ridge is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

La Paz is a good city for couples to visit. 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 La Paz or Blue Ridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz
Blue Ridge

Both La Paz and Blue Ridge are very good destinations for backpackers.

La Paz is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

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

La Paz
Blue Ridge

La Paz is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is La Paz or Blue Ridge a more walkable city?

La Paz
Blue Ridge

La Paz is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable place. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Blue Ridge or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Blue Ridge?

In either La Paz or Blue Ridge, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than La Paz because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 2-5 days is enough time in Blue Ridge.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz than Blue Ridge 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 La Paz or Blue Ridge? Ideal Length of Stay
    La Paz 2-4 
    Blue Ridge 2-5

One day in La Paz or Blue Ridge?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the authentic city of La Paz, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or Blue Ridge?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of La Paz, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Blue Ridge 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.

Five days in La Paz or Blue Ridge?

La Paz, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in La Paz or Blue Ridge?

La Paz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Blue Ridge is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Blue Ridge or La Paz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in La Paz is $118, while the average daily cost in Blue Ridge is $124. 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 La Paz and Blue Ridge in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Paz $52
    Blue Ridge $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Paz $104
    Blue Ridge $134
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Blue Ridge

Looking for a hotel in La Paz or Blue Ridge? 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 La Paz


Hotels in Blue Ridge


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 and Blue Ridge Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Paz $22
    Blue Ridge $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $241
  • Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
  • La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
  • La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
  • La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89

Is it cheaper to fly into La Paz or Blue Ridge?

Prices for flights to both Blue Ridge and La Paz 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
    La Paz $38
    Blue Ridge $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

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

  • 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Paz $13
    Blue Ridge $18

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
  • Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $133
  • Balandra & San Rafaelito: Sightseeing & Snorkelling: $135
  • Balandra Beach and City Tour: $128
  • Balandra Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $135
  • Can-Am X3 Turbo Adventure: Cabo Desert Trails & Beach Ride: $291
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
  • Cruise Date Delight! Swim with Sea Lions! Apr-02: $186
  • Espíritu Santo Island snorkel and sightseeing tour on Small Group: $169
  • Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
  • Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145
  • Espiritu Santo Island Tour: $139

Tours and Activities in Blue Ridge

For Blue Ridge, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $25
  • 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Paz $12
    Blue Ridge $20


When comparing the travel costs between La Paz and Blue Ridge, we can see that Blue Ridge 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 North 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 La Paz Expensive? and Is Blue Ridge Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, La Paz or Blue Ridge?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and Blue Ridge, 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 La Paz or Blue Ridge?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit La Paz or Blue Ridge in the Summer?

Both Blue Ridge and La Paz during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Paz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, La Paz is generally a little warmer than Blue Ridge. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 30°C (86°F), and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the summer, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Blue Ridge. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Blue Ridge receives 265 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. La Paz usually gets less rain in July than Blue Ridge. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    La Paz 30°C (86°F) 
    Blue Ridge 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Blue Ridge in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Blue Ridge. Many travelers come to La Paz for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

La Paz is much warmer than Blue Ridge in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Blue Ridge during autumn. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Blue Ridge receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than Blue Ridge. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    La Paz 27°C (80°F) 
    Blue Ridge 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Blue Ridge in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Blue Ridge. Many visitors come to La Paz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Blue Ridge can be very cold during winter. In the winter, La Paz is much warmer than Blue Ridge. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Paz in January average around 18°C (65°F), and Blue Ridge averages at about 40°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In the winter, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Blue Ridge. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Blue Ridge receives 145 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Blue Ridge. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    La Paz 18°C (65°F) 
    Blue Ridge 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Blue Ridge in the Spring?

Both Blue Ridge and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, La Paz is generally a little warmer than Blue Ridge. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 23°C (73°F), and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Blue Ridge during spring. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies, while Blue Ridge receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Blue Ridge. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    La Paz 23°C (73°F) 
    Blue Ridge 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Blue Ridge and La Paz

La Paz Blue Ridge
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Feb 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Mar 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Aug 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Dec 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)