A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manaus vs. La Paz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Manaus or La Paz?

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

Should I visit Manaus 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: Manaus or La Paz?

Manaus

Manaus is a Brazilian city, capital of the state of Amazonas, and is located on the Rio Negro a few miles before it meets the Rio Solimões to form the Amazon River. The city is a major departure point for those visiting the Amazon Rainforest, though there are a few sights worth seeing within the city itself as well.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Manaus?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Manaus is $59, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $118. 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 Manaus and La Paz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manaus $42
    La Paz $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manaus $84
    La Paz $104
Compare Hotels in Manaus and La Paz

Looking for a hotel in Manaus 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.

Hotels in Manaus


Hotels in La Paz


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: Manaus Hotel Prices and La Paz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manaus $7.94
    La Paz $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus

Also for Manaus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer 24h Airport to Hotel in Manaus: $15
  • Private 24-hour transfer from the Hotel to the Airport in Manaus: $16
  • 24-hour hotel transfer - airport in Manaus: $17
  • Transfer Privativo 24h aeroporto -> hotel em Manaus: $18
  • Serviço de transfer privativo do Porto -> aeroporto de Mana: $20
  • Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) -Departure Private Transfer: $21
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
  • Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Manaus hotels to Manaus Airport(MAO) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
  • Manaus Airport (MAO) to Manaus hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
  • Manaus private Airport transfer: $30

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: $240
  • Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
  • 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 Manaus or La Paz?

Prices for flights to both La Paz and Manaus 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
    Manaus $12
    La Paz $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manaus

For Manaus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Folklore Amazonian Dinner Show: $42
  • Food Tour: $50

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.
    Manaus -
    La Paz $13

Tours and Activities in Manaus

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

  • Like a Local Customized Guided Welcome Tour: $30
  • Manaus City Tour e Musa: $50
  • City Tour in Manaus at Teatro Amazonas and Praça da Matriz: $50
  • MUSA and INPA Museums with Observation Tower Tour: $50
  • Half-Day City Tour: $54
  • Full-Day Tour on the Amazon River: $55
  • Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
  • Manaus Sightseeing Tour: $64
  • Solimoes River Piranha Fishing and Alligator Watching Tour: $66
  • Tour to Presidente Figueiredo Waterfalls: $70
  • Full-Day Package Tour in Presidente Figueiredo : $70
  • Meeting of the Waters & Pink Dolphin Tour with Lunch: $71

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manaus $2.84
    La Paz $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manaus and La Paz, we can see that La Paz is more expensive. And not only is Manaus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manaus is in South America and La Paz is in North 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 Manaus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manaus 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 Manaus.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manaus Expensive? and Is La Paz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Manaus or La Paz?

Manaus has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Manaus 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.


When is the best time to visit Manaus or La Paz?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Manaus is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but La Paz has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Manaus or La Paz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Manaus as well as La Paz. Additionally, most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Manaus is cooler than La Paz in the summer. The daily temperature in Manaus averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and La Paz fluctuates around 30°C (86°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. In the summer, Manaus often gets less sunshine than La Pazin July. Manaus gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 287 hours of full sun.

Manaus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manaus usually gets more rain in January than La Pazin July. Manaus gets 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Manaus 27°C (81°F) 
    La Paz 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Manaus or La Paz in the Autumn?

Both La Paz and Manaus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to La Paz because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Manaus is around the same temperature as La Paz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manaus in April average around 28°C (82°F), and La Paz averages at about 27°C (80°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in La Paz. Manaus usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during autumn. Manaus gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 272 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Manaus. In April, Manaus usually receives more rain than La Pazin October. Manaus gets 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Manaus 28°C (82°F) 
    La Paz 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Manaus or La Paz in the Winter?

Both La Paz and Manaus during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to La Paz this time of year.

In July, Manaus is generally much warmer than La Pazin January. Daily temperatures in Manaus average around 28°C (82°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Manaus. In the winter, Manaus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Pazin January. Manaus gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 200 hours of full sun.

Manaus usually gets more rain in July than La Pazin January. Manaus gets 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Manaus 28°C (82°F) 
    La Paz 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Manaus or La Paz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manaus and La Paz. Also, many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches.

Manaus is a little warmer than La Paz in the spring. The daily temperature in Manaus averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and La Paz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. Manaus usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during spring. Manaus gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 292 hours of full sun in the spring.

Manaus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Manaus usually receives more rain than La Pazin April. Manaus gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Manaus 29°C (84°F) 
    La Paz 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for La Paz and Manaus

Manaus La Paz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 264 mm (10.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 311 mm (12.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 279 mm (11 in) 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)