A Travel Price Comparison for Bolivia La Paz vs. Copacabana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit La Paz or Copacabana?

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 Copacabana 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: La Paz or Copacabana?

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.

Copacabana

Copacabana, Bolivia, is a small, bright and enchanting town located on the Bolivian shore of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Situated relatively close to the capital of La Paz, it is a popular resort mostly destination for foreign travellers, meaning that you may feel like there are more Argentinians and Americans than locals. Copacabana is the perfect jump-off point for visiting Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna and makes a pleasant stopover between La Paz and Puno or Cusco. Featuring beautiful nature walks, ancient sites, stunning sunsets and quaint little restaurants, Copacabana is a travelers' favorite destination to soak in the panoramic views, savor freshly caught trucha, and explore what the Incas believed to be the birthplace of their empire.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Bolivia, The Best Budget Tours to Bolivia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Bolivia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Bolivia.


Which place is cheaper, Copacabana or La Paz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in La Paz is $56, while the average daily cost in Copacabana is $54. 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 Copacabana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Paz $16
    Copacabana $11
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Paz $32
    Copacabana $22
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Copacabana

Looking for a hotel in La Paz or Copacabana? 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 Copacabana


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 Copacabana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Paz $9.44
    Copacabana $14
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:

  • Airport Transfer Out_day: $25
  • Bus Station Transfer In_day: $25
  • Bus Station Transfer Out_day: $25
  • Bus Station Transfer Out_night: $25
  • Cholitas Wrestling Ticket – La Paz Show + Transfer: $30
  • From 3-Day Uyuni Salt Flats Tour with Bus Transfers: $190
  • From Uyuni Salt Flats 2-Day Tour with Bus Transfers: $208
  • From Uyuni Salt Flats 2-Day Tour with Bus Transfers: $260
  • From Uyuni Salt Flats 3-Day Tour with Bus Transfers: $209
  • From Uyuni Salt Flats 3-Day Tour with Bus Transfers: $170
  • From Uyuni Salt Flats 3-Day Tour with Bus Transfers: $190
  • La Paz - Uyuni: Comfortable Private Transfer with Tour Guide: $250

Is it cheaper to fly into La Paz or Copacabana?

Prices for flights to both Copacabana 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 $29
    Copacabana $30
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:

  • Morning Food Tour with Cable Car & Local Markets: $27
  • Bolivian Cooking Class: $28
  • Bolivian Cooking Class: $30
  • Learn Bolivian Cuisine/Cooking Class: $40
  • Real Street Food Tour La Paz: $100
  • Real Street Food Tour with Guide: $100

Typical Food Prices in Copacabana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Copacabana:


  • Lunch
    $3.61
  • Sandwich
    $1.16

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Paz $16
    Copacabana $19

Tours and Activities in La Paz

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

  • Walking tour of the city of La Paz: $2.50
  • Walking city tour La Paz: $2.50
  • La Paz Half-Day Walking Tour: $3.00
  • La Paz City Walking Tour Including Historical Streets: $5.00
  • City Walking Tour in La Paz: $8.00
  • Be a Local - La Paz Walking Tour: $8.00
  • Be a Local Walking Tour: $8.00
  • Private Viewpoint Tour with Snacks and Photos: $9.00
  • La Paz Walking City tour plus Cable cars: $10
  • City Tour plus Cable Car La Paz: $10
  • Chualluma Street Art and Cholita Fashion Tour: $10
  • Walking and Cable Car City Tour; Urban Experience: $14

Tours and Activities in Copacabana

Here are a few actual costs in Copacabana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bolivia: Sun and Moon Island Tour: $95
  • CONDORIRI Mountain 5650m. 2 DAYS 1 NIGHT. TREKKING. English guide. Shared Tour: $198
  • Copacabana, Sun Island 1 day private tour: $160
  • Sun and Moon Tour: $120
  • Titicaca Touristic Bus from Copacabana to La Paz_Everyday_1:00 p.m.: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Paz $11
    Copacabana $12

Sample the Local Flavors in La Paz

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in La Paz:

  • Pub Crawl with VIP Entry and Welcome Shot: $24

Typical Alcohol Prices in Copacabana

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Copacabana from other travelers:


  • Wine
    $2.89


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


Which is Bigger, La Paz or Copacabana?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Copacabana. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and Copacabana, 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.