Which place is cheaper, Huaraz or San Juan del Sur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit San Juan del Sur or Huaraz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Juan del Sur and Huaraz. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: San Juan del Sur or Huaraz?
San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.
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 Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Peru, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Peru.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan del Sur $53Huaraz $50
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan del Sur is $53, 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 San Juan del Sur and Huaraz in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan del Sur $21Huaraz $20
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan del Sur $42Huaraz $40
Compare Hotels in San Juan del Sur and Huaraz
Looking for a hotel in San Juan del Sur 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: San Juan del Sur Hotel Prices and Huaraz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan del Sur $18Huaraz $10
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 San Juan del Sur or Huaraz?
Prices for flights to both Huaraz and San Juan del Sur 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 daySan Juan del Sur $18Huaraz $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.San Juan del Sur $15Huaraz $19
Tours and Activities in San Juan del Sur
Here are a few actual costs in San Juan del Sur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Maderas, San Juan del Sur also in Costa Rica: $90
- SJDS PORT EXCURSION: Zipline and Adventure Park: $103
- San Juan del Sur Shore Excursion: Private Masaya Volcano and Catarina Tour: $118
- ATV Adventure Tour in San Juan del Sur, NICARAGUA: $130
- atv tour also in Costa Rica: $132
- Mombacho Volcano Hike and Ziplining Adventure from San Juan del Sur: $159
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 daySan Juan del Sur $13Huaraz $15
When comparing the travel costs between San Juan del Sur and Huaraz, we can see that San Juan del Sur is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though San Juan del Sur is in Central America and Huaraz is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Juan del Sur Expensive? and Is Huaraz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Juan del Sur or Huaraz?
Huaraz has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur or Huaraz in the Summer?
Both Huaraz and San Juan del Sur are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur. In July, San Juan del Sur usually receives more rain than Huaraz. San Juan del Sur gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Huaraz can get quite cold in the summer. In July, San Juan del Sur is generally much warmer than Huaraz. Daily temperatures in San Juan del Sur average around 27°C (81°F), and Huaraz fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)Huaraz 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Huaraz in the Autumn?
Both Huaraz and San Juan del Sur during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur. San Juan del Sur usually gets more rain in October than Huaraz. San Juan del Sur gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Huaraz can be very cold during autumn. San Juan del Sur is much warmer than Huaraz in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Juan del Sur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Huaraz fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)Huaraz 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Huaraz in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan del Sur and Huaraz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur 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, San Juan del Sur usually receives less rain than Huaraz. San Juan del Sur gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, San Juan del Sur is much warmer than Huaraz. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Juan del Sur in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Huaraz averages at about 7°C (45°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F)Huaraz 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Huaraz in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Juan del Sur as well as Huaraz. San Juan del Sur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Huaraz throughout the year.
San Juan del Sur usually gets less rain in April than Huaraz. San Juan del Sur gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, San Juan del Sur is generally much warmer than Huaraz. Daily temperatures in San Juan del Sur average around 29°C (84°F), and Huaraz fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F)Huaraz 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Huaraz and San Juan del Sur
| San Juan del Sur | Huaraz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.