A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Denali National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit La Paz or Denali National Park?

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 Denali National Park 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 beautiful, authentic, and cultural city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a vast, rugged, and spectacular park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking.

La Paz and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in La Paz or Denali National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in La Paz than Denali National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. La Paz is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Denali National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. La Paz is well known for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. Also, La Paz is famous for Balandra Beach. Denali National Park is well known for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife.

How is La Paz different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park?

La Paz
Denali National Park

La Paz is a great city for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to La Paz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.


Is the Food Better in La Paz or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Paz
Denali National Park

La Paz is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

La Paz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Denali National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is La Paz or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

La Paz
Denali National Park

La Paz is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities La Paz has a few options to choose from. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is La Paz or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

La Paz
Denali National Park

If luxury resorts are your style, both La Paz and Denali National Park have notable options.

With a selection of resorts, La Paz makes a nice vacation spot. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Denali National Park has a few great resort options. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.


Is La Paz or Denali National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz
Denali National Park

La Paz is a great city for its diving and snorkeling. However, Denali National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Denali National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Denali National Park Better for Beaches?

La Paz
Denali National Park

La Paz is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, La Paz is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

Is La Paz or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

La Paz
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Denali National Park. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Denali National Park?

La Paz
Denali National Park

La Paz is a great city for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

La Paz is well-known for its shopping. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.

Is La Paz or Denali National Park Better for Families?

La Paz
Denali National Park

La Paz is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, La Paz is very family-friendly. 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.

Denali National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.

Is La Paz or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

La Paz
Denali National Park

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

Denali National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

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 Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Denali National Park. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit La Paz. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Is La Paz or Denali National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

La Paz
Denali National Park

La Paz is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Denali National Park is not known for its public transit.

While La Paz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.

Is La Paz or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

La Paz
Denali National Park

La Paz is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

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

Denali National Park is not a walkable city. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.


For even more information, also check out Is La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either La Paz or Denali National Park. In our opinion, La Paz has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in La Paz than Denali National Park. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in La Paz than Denali National Park. 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 Denali National Park. 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 Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    La Paz 2-4 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in La Paz or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of La Paz. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Denali National Park. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or Denali National Park?

La Paz is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park?

Many people visit La Paz for five days. You'll find shopping and museums around the city of La Paz. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Denali National Park. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in La Paz or Denali National Park?

The authentic destination of La Paz offers museums and nightlife. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the epic destination of Denali National Park. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park is $218. 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 Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Paz $52
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Paz $104
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in La Paz or Denali National Park? 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 Denali National Park


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.
    La Paz $22
    Denali National Park $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denali National Park

Also for Denali National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shuttle Transfer: Anchorage ↔ Denali National Park: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into La Paz or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park 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
    Denali National Park $57

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
    Denali National Park $30

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 Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $79
  • Midnight Sun ATV Adventure 2.5 Hour Tour: $79
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $114
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $119
  • Denali National Park Walking Tour: $125
  • Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure: $140
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $150
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $150
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $165
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in Denali: $169
  • Half-Day Sled Dog Experience: $175
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Paz $12
    Denali National Park $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Paz and Denali National Park, we can see that Denali National Park is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz 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 Denali National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Denali National Park than you might in La Paz.

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 Denali National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit La Paz or Denali National Park?

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 Denali National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Denali National Park. Many visitors come to La Paz in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

La Paz is much warmer than Denali National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

La Paz usually gets less rain in July than Denali National Park. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    La Paz 30°C (86°F) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

Both Denali National Park and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to La Paz for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. In the autumn, La Paz is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Paz in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Denali National Park averages at about 32°F (0°C).

In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than Denali National Park. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    La Paz 27°C (80°F) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Denali National Park in the Winter?

Both Denali National Park and La Paz during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to La Paz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the winter. In January, La Paz is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 18°C (65°F), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 11°F (-12°C).

La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Denali National Park. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    La Paz 18°C (65°F) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Denali National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Denali National Park. The beaches are the main draw to La Paz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Denali National Park for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Denali National Park. La Paz is much warmer than Denali National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Denali National Park. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    La Paz 23°C (73°F) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and La Paz

La Paz Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)