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

Should you visit San Ignacio or La Paz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Ignacio or La Paz, 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: San Ignacio or La Paz?

San Ignacio

So you want a tropical getaway, but also don't want to lay around with nothing to do. You want an adventure! You want relaxation and exploration.

You want to visit the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.

This section of the Cayo region is really more of a jungle than a typical Belize beach getaway. Located close the ancient Mayan ruins on the western and inland side of Belize, this town is most popular for its many outdoor adventures including hiking, climbing, and caving!

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 Budget Tours to Belize, The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, La Paz or San Ignacio?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in San Ignacio is $72, 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 San Ignacio and La Paz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Ignacio $19
    La Paz $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Ignacio $38
    La Paz $104
Compare Hotels in San Ignacio and La Paz

Looking for a hotel in San Ignacio 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 San Ignacio


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: San Ignacio Hotel Prices and La Paz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Ignacio $3.11
    La Paz $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:

  • From Van Transfer To Flores Peten in Guatemala: $20
  • San Ignacio Hotel to Belize City Transfer: $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
  • La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
  • La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
  • Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
  • Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into San Ignacio or La Paz?

Prices for flights to both La Paz and San Ignacio 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
    San Ignacio $21
    La Paz $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Ignacio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Ignacio.

  • Xunantunich & Food Tour with local chocolate experience: $150

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.
    San Ignacio $100
    La Paz $13

Tours and Activities in San Ignacio

Here are a few actual costs in San Ignacio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Xunantunich Maya Site with Local Tour guide: $65
  • Xunantunich & Adventure Horse Ride: $75
  • Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio: $75
  • Half-Day Cave Canoeing Adventure: $75
  • From Xunantunich Mayan Tour & Optional Combos: $75
  • Cave Canoeing with Local Tour Guide: $80
  • Cave Tubing with local tour Guide and Belizean Lunch: $90
  • Farm Ride plus Xunantunich tour: $90
  • Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $90
  • Xunantunich horseback riding tour: $100
  • Full-Day Mountain Pine Ridge Tour from San Ignacio with Lunch: $100
  • Private Tour:Xunantunich Mayan Ruin from San Ignacio: $103

Tours and Activities in La Paz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:

  • Transparent Boat Tour with Mushroom Rock: $64
  • Pearls of Pearl Farm Experience: $64
  • Half Day Sandboarding and Paddleboarding Experience in La Paz: $81
  • Unique Mexican Spirits Tasting & Pairing Experience: $85
  • Sunset Sandboarding at La Paz Dunes Tour: $89
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
  • Supercombo 2-Day City Tour: $105
  • Half Day Private Tour of the Beaches of La Paz: $113
  • From Los Cabos: City Tour La Paz, Balandra and Todos Santos: $115
  • holy spirit island tour: $116
  • Los Cabos Tour from La Paz: $119
  • Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz: $119

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Ignacio $17
    La Paz $12


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

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


Which is Bigger, San Ignacio or La Paz?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Ignacio. When comparing the sizes of San Ignacio 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 San Ignacio or La Paz?

La Paz has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Ignacio experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit San Ignacio or La Paz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Ignacio and La Paz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Ignacio year-round. Also, many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

San Ignacio is around the same temperature as La Paz in the summer. The daily temperature in San Ignacio averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and La Paz fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In San Ignacio, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Ignacio usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during summer. San Ignacio gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

San Ignacio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, San Ignacio usually receives more rain than La Paz. San Ignacio gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Ignacio 28°C (82°F) 
    La Paz 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit San Ignacio or La Paz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to San Ignacio as well as La Paz. San Ignacio attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to La Paz in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, San Ignacio is around the same temperature as La Paz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Ignacio in October average around 26°C (80°F), and La Paz averages at about 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. In the autumn, San Ignacio often gets less sunshine than La Paz. San Ignacio gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 272 hours of full sun.

San Ignacio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Ignacio usually gets more rain in October than La Paz. San Ignacio gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Ignacio 26°C (80°F) 
    La Paz 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit San Ignacio or La Paz in the Winter?

Both La Paz and San Ignacio are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Ignacio throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, San Ignacio is generally a little warmer than La Paz. Daily temperatures in San Ignacio average around 24°C (74°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in La Paz. San Ignacio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Paz during winter. San Ignacio gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in San Ignacio. In January, San Ignacio usually receives more rain than La Paz. San Ignacio gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Ignacio 24°C (74°F) 
    La Paz 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit San Ignacio or La Paz in the Spring?

Both La Paz and San Ignacio during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Ignacio because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches.

San Ignacio is a little warmer than La Paz in the spring. The daily temperature in San Ignacio averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and La Paz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Ignacio. In the spring, San Ignacio often gets less sunshine than La Paz. San Ignacio gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 292 hours of full sun.

San Ignacio usually gets more rain in April than La Paz. San Ignacio gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Ignacio 27°C (80°F) 
    La Paz 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for La Paz and San Ignacio

San Ignacio La Paz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (74°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in) 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 52 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 243 mm (9.6 in) 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in) 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 25°C (76°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)