Which place is cheaper, Huaraz or Playa del Carmen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Huaraz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Huaraz? 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: Playa del Carmen or Huaraz?
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
Huaraz
Huaraz is a large town in the Cordillera Blanca region of Peru's Central Sierra. Huaraz stands tall at 3100m; travellers from Lima might need a day or two to acclimatize to the change in atmosphere. Nearly wiped out by the earthquake of 1970, the town of 100,000 blends a mix of modern and native culture. Huarez is first and foremost a trekking metropolis. During high season the streets buzz with hundreds of backpackers and adventurers freshly returned from arduous hikes or planning their next expedition. The town has many markets, shops, quality restaurants and hopping bars catering to tourist and local needs. Mountain adventures in the off-season can be equally rewarding, but the vibe is calmer and some places go into hibernation once the rains set in.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Peru, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Peru.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Huaraz $50
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Huaraz is $50. 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 Playa del Carmen and Huaraz in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Huaraz $20
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Huaraz $40
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Huaraz
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Huaraz? 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: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices and Huaraz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Huaraz $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Cancun International Airport From/to Akumal - Private Transfer: $130
- Transfer in Private vehicle from Xcaret - Cancun Airport (CUN): $88
- 2x1 Tour: Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Open Bar, Lunch and Transfers: $190
- Access to Xel-Há Park with Transfer: $145
- Airport Transfers to Playa del Carmen - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $227
- Akumal to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Akumal to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $77
- Amazing ATV (single) Cenote and Ziplines with Transfer from Playa del Carmen: $80
- CUN Airport One-Way/Round-Trip Transfers to Playa del Carmen: $115
- Cancún Airport Transfer to Playa del Carmen One Way: $118
- Cancun Airport Private Transfer One Way: To or From Akumal area Up to 03 Pass.: $105
- Cancun Airport Round Trip transfer to Puerto Aventuras: $190
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huaraz
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Huaraz are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$2.17
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Huaraz?
Prices for flights to both Huaraz and Playa del Carmen 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 dayPlaya del Carmen $24Huaraz $18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $60
- Walking Food Tour: $65
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $77
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- Seafood Tour in Playa del Carmen: $101
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Cultural Coba Sunset Adventure with Dinner and show from Cancun: $130
- Sunset Adventure in Coba and Dinner with Show from Riviera Maya: $155
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $157
Typical Food Prices in Huaraz
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Huaraz:
-
Lunch$5.97
-
Chips$1.49
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Huaraz $19
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Shopping Tour & Tulum Mayan Ruins: $11
- Cancun Airport: Bus Ticket to/from Playa del Carmen: $14
- Tulum Ruins: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Ek Balam: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2024: $20
- YAL-KÚ Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket: $23
- Chichen Itza and Cenote Full Day Tour from Playa del Carmen: $28
- Ultramar Ferry, Regular round ticket, Playa del Carmen-Cozumel: $32
- Tulum and 2 Cenotes Half Day Tour from Riviera: $34
- Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to/from Cozumel: $35
- Mayan tour 4x1: Tulum, Cobá, Cenote & Playa del carmen: $35
- Tulum Ruins and Amusement Park Shared Tour: $37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huaraz
Here are a few typical costs in Huaraz for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Climbing Gear$17
Tours and Activities in Huaraz
Here are a few actual costs in Huaraz for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Traditional Picante de Cuy Gastronomy Tour in Huaraz: $15
- 69 Lake Tour of Peru: $26
- Glacier Pastoruri and Puya Raimondi Full Day Tour: $28
- Lake 69 Trek Day Tour - White Mountain Range: $30
- From Huaraz || Full day tour Laguna 69 in -Cordillera Blanca: $36
- From Tour to Llanganuco Lakes (Chinancocha Lake): $37
- From Tour to Archeological Complex of Chavin: $38
- Ancash: Nevado pastors and puyas Raymondi Tour | Full Day |: $40
- Lake 69 Full-Day Hiking Tour from Huaraz: $40
- From Lake 69 Trek Day Tour - White Mountain Range: $46
- From Chavín de Huantar fullday tour: $56
- From Llanganuco Lagoon fullday tour: $65
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Huaraz $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Huaraz, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Huaraz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America and Huaraz 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 Huaraz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Huaraz 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 Playa del Carmen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Carmen than you might in Huaraz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Huaraz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Huaraz?
Huaraz has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Huaraz, 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 Playa del Carmen or Huaraz?
Playa del Carmen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Huaraz experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Huaraz in the Summer?
Both Huaraz and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Huaraz because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Huaraz. In the summer, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Huaraz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Huaraz averages at about 3°C (37°F).
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Huaraz. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Huaraz 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Huaraz in the Autumn?
Both Huaraz and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Huaraz year-round.
Huaraz can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Huaraz. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Huaraz fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Huaraz. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Huaraz 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Huaraz in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Huaraz. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Huaraz attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Huaraz in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Huaraz fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Huaraz receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Huaraz. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Huaraz 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Huaraz in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Huaraz. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Huaraz throughout the year.
In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Huaraz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Huaraz averages at about 6°C (43°F).
Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Huaraz. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Huaraz 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Huaraz and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Huaraz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
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.