A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint John's vs. Huaraz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saint John's or Huaraz?

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

Should I visit Saint John's 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: Saint John's or Huaraz?

Saint John's

If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.

St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Peru, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Huaraz or Saint John's?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John's is $222, 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 Saint John's and Huaraz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint John's $120
    Huaraz $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint John's $240
    Huaraz $40
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Huaraz

Looking for a hotel in Saint John's 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 Saint Johns


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: Huaraz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint John's $17
    Huaraz $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:


  • Local Bus
    $1.52
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:

  • 3-Hours Snorkeling Activity in Stingray City - Transfer Included: $128
  • 3-Hours Stingray City - Transfer, Spanish-Italian Guide Included: $155
  • Airport Transfer from/to all resorts in Antigua - Water Inc.: $59
  • Airport Transfers to Antigua Hotels/Resorts: $170
  • Antigua - VIP Fast Track On Arrival ONLY And Round Trip Transfer : $99
  • Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $155
  • Antigua VC Bird Airport to Island Hotels Private Arrival Transfer: $82
  • Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU) to island Private Transfer: $77
  • Antigua&BarbudaV.C.Bird Airport(ANU)to island hotels-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $254
  • Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
  • Island to Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU)- Private Transfer: $77
  • JTAT Private Transfers & Tours, Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda: $160

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 Saint John's or Huaraz?

Prices for flights to both Huaraz and Saint John's 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
    Saint John's $68
    Huaraz $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.

  • City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
  • Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
  • Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150

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.
    Saint John's $103
    Huaraz $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's

Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu
    $3.00

Tours and Activities in Saint John's

Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Chariot City Tour Antigua: $20
  • City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • Cultural and Historical Home Tour in The Antiguan Experience : $66
  • Small-Group Hiking Experience in Antigua: $70
  • Glenmon taxi and tours: $70
  • 2-Hours Stingray City Experience in Antigua: $73
  • Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
  • Kayak Eco Adventures Glass Kayak Nature and Snorkeling Tour: $75
  • Authentic Antiguan Experience: $79
  • TRIPLE ACTIVITY TOUR, Bike Kayak Hike, ANTIGUA : $80
  • Nightlife Tour of Antigua and Barbuda: $80

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 day
    Saint John's $18
    Huaraz $15


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


Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Huaraz?

Huaraz has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's 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 Saint John's or Huaraz?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Saint John's or Huaraz in the Summer?

Both Huaraz and Saint John's are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Huaraz because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Saint John's. In July, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Huaraz. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Huaraz. In July, Saint John's is generally much warmer than Huaraz. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 27°C (81°F), and Huaraz fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint John's 27°C (81°F) 
    Huaraz 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Saint John's or Huaraz in the Autumn?

Both Huaraz and Saint John's during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Huaraz year-round.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually gets more rain in October than Huaraz. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Huaraz can get quite cold in the autumn. Saint John's is much warmer than Huaraz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Huaraz fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F) 
    Huaraz 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Saint John's or Huaraz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Huaraz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round. Huaraz attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Huaraz receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint John's usually receives less rain than Huaraz. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Saint John's is much warmer than Huaraz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint John's in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Huaraz averages at about 7°C (45°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F) 
    Huaraz 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Saint John's or Huaraz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Huaraz. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Huaraz throughout the year.

Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint John's usually gets more rain in April than Huaraz. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Saint John's is generally much warmer than Huaraz. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 26°C (78°F), and Huaraz fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F) 
    Huaraz 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Huaraz and Saint John's

Saint John's Huaraz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 4°C (39°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)