Which place is cheaper, Machu Picchu or La Paz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit La Paz or Machu Picchu?
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 Machu Picchu 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 Machu Picchu?
La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a site of ancient Inca ruins located about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Cuzco, Peru, in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba of the Andes Mountains. It is perched above the Urubamba River valley in a narrow saddle between two sharp peaks, Machu Picchu ("Old Peak") and Huayna Picchu ("New Peak"), at an elevation of 7,710 feet (2,350 metres). One of the few major pre-Columbian ruins found nearly intact, Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Thus, Machu Picchu is not only an impressive remnant of the Inca civilization, it is also one of the world's most important archaeological sites. A stop at Machu Picchu is an essential part of any traveler's itinerary in Peru, as it is one of the seven wonders of the world.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best Eco Tours in Peru, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Peru.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLa Paz $118Machu Picchu $101
The average daily cost (per person) in La Paz is $118, while the average daily cost in Machu Picchu is $101. 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 Machu Picchu in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLa Paz $52Machu Picchu $42
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLa Paz $104Machu Picchu $84
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Machu Picchu
Looking for a hotel in La Paz or Machu Picchu? 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 and Machu Picchu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.La Paz $22Machu Picchu $30
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: $240
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into La Paz or Machu Picchu?
Prices for flights to both Machu Picchu 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 dayLa Paz $38Machu Picchu $19
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: $81
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.La Paz $13Machu Picchu $74
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
- 3 Hour La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Experience: $244
- Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $131
- 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: $167
- Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
- Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145
Typical Entertainment Prices in Machu Picchu
For Machu Picchu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Gardens of Mandor$2.71
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLa Paz $12Machu Picchu $6.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Paz and Machu Picchu, we can see that La Paz is more expensive. And not only is Machu Picchu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since La Paz is in North America and Machu Picchu is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Machu Picchu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Machu Picchu 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 Machu Picchu.
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 Machu Picchu Expensive?.
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.