A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Punta del Este vs. Huaraz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Punta del Este or Huaraz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este or Huaraz, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Punta del Este or Huaraz?

Punta del Este

Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.

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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Peru, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Huaraz or Punta del Este?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, 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 Punta del Este and Huaraz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Punta del Este $55
    Huaraz $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Punta del Este $110
    Huaraz $40
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Huaraz

Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este 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.

Hotels in Punta del Este


Hotels in Huaraz


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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Huaraz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Punta del Este $22
    Huaraz $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este

Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
  • Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
  • Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $54
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
  • Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
  • Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60

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 Punta del Este or Huaraz?

Prices for flights to both Huaraz and Punta del Este 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
    Punta del Este $31
    Huaraz $18

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.
    Punta del Este $11
    Huaraz $19

Tours and Activities in Punta del Este

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.

  • La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11
  • Skip the Line: Casapueblo Museum Admission Ticket in Punta del Este: $15
  • Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
  • Punta del Este Classic City Tour with Sunset in Casapueblo: $30
  • Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
  • Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
  • Half-Day City Tour: $47
  • Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $50
  • Punta del Este, City Tour: $50
  • Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
  • City Tour Punta del Este: $95
  • Private - Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $120

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:

  • "WAROMA eco tours peru" 10 day hike in the huayhuash mountain range.: $158
  • 69 Lake Tour of Peru: $26
  • Ancash: Adventure and Climbing to Mountain Alpamayo |6D-5N|: $3,303
  • Ancash: Nevado pastors and puyas Raymondi Tour | Full Day |: $40
  • Ancash: Trek and Adventure to Quillcayhuanca |3Days-2Nights|: $410
  • From Ancash: Fantastic tour Huaraz/Nevado Pastoruri |4D-3N|: $192
  • From Ancash: Huaraz Adventure with meals |3Days-2Nights|: $142
  • From Ancash: Tour Huaraz with Puya Raymondi |4Days-3Nights|: $197
  • From Ancash: Tour fantastic in Huaraz |2Days-1Night|: $92
  • From Ancash: Tour in Huaraz with tickets and Hotel |5D-4N|: $250
  • From Huaraz | Live an adventure between mountains and lakes: $214
  • From Huaraz || Full day tour Laguna 69 in -Cordillera Blanca: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Punta del Este $7.70
    Huaraz $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:

  • Wine Tasting: $42
  • Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $157


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Huaraz, we can see that Punta del Este is more expensive. And not only is Huaraz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Punta del Este would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Huaraz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Huaraz?

Huaraz has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Huaraz?

Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Huaraz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Huaraz. The warm climate attracts visitors to Huaraz throughout the year.

The weather in Huaraz can be very cold. In the summer, Punta del Este is much warmer than Huaraz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Punta del Este in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Huaraz averages at about 3°C (37°F)in July.

Punta del Este usually gets more rain in January than Huarazin July. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Punta del Este 23°C (73°F) 
    Huaraz 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Huaraz in the Autumn?

Both Huaraz and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Huaraz because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Huaraz in the autumn. In April, Punta del Este is generally much warmer than Huarazin October. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 17°C (63°F), and Huaraz fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In April, Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of rain as Huarazin October. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Punta del Este 17°C (63°F) 
    Huaraz 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Huaraz in the Winter?

Both Huaraz and Punta del Este during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Huaraz year-round.

Punta del Este is a little warmer than Huaraz in the winter. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 10°C (50°F) in July, and Huaraz fluctuates around 7°C (45°F)in January.

Huaraz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in July than Huarazin January. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Punta del Este 10°C (50°F) 
    Huaraz 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Huaraz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Huaraz. Huaraz attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Punta del Este is much warmer than Huaraz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Punta del Este in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Huaraz averages at about 6°C (43°F)in April.

In October, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Huarazin April. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Punta del Este 16°C (61°F) 
    Huaraz 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Huaraz and Punta del Este

Punta del Este Huaraz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in) 7°C (45°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 10°C (50°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)