A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sao Paulo vs. Huaraz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Huaraz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo 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: Sao Paulo or Huaraz?

Sao Paulo

With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.

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 3-Day Tours from Foz Do Iguacu, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Peru, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Huaraz or Sao Paulo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, 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 Sao Paulo and Huaraz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $30
    Huaraz $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $60
    Huaraz $40
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Huaraz

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo


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: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices and Huaraz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $5.90
    Huaraz $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • (Sedan Executive Class) Transfer VCP Airport • São Paulo: $292
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos Hotels Round-Trip Transfer: $124
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos hotels - Arrival Transfer: $62
  • Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $76
  • Campinas Airport (VCP)to Praia Grande/Santos - RoundTrip Transfer: $124
  • Departure Private Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Business Car: $121
  • Departure Private Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Luxury Van: $142
  • Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $194
  • Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $179
  • Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Guarulhos International Airport: $46
  • Private Transfer Guarulhos Airport GRU to São Paulo City by car: $66
  • Private Transfer São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport GRU by car: $66

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 Sao Paulo or Huaraz?

Prices for flights to both Huaraz and Sao Paulo 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
    Sao Paulo $15
    Huaraz $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo

For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Traditional Brazilian or Paulistano Cooking Class with a Chef: $130
  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189

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.
    Sao Paulo $4.05
    Huaraz $19

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.

  • Sao Paulo 360 Guided Tour: $26
  • Night Walking Tour through the Bars of São Paulo : $34
  • São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour: $53
  • Sao Paulo, Pinheiros - Food & Graffiti Tour (2,5hr Food included): $53
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $64
  • Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69
  • São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group): $79
  • Secrets of Downtown São Paulo Bike Tour: $85
  • 5 Hour City Tour in São Paulo: $88
  • São Paulo: Palmeiras Game Experience with Local: $95
  • Bike Tour: The Coolest Urban Scenes of Sao Paulo: $99
  • Walking Tour along Paulista Avenue – The most Famous Avenue in Brazil: $100

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:

  • 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
  • From Chavín de Huantar fullday tour: $56

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.52
    Huaraz $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:

  • São Paulo Nightlife: Pub Crawl in the City that Never Sleeps!: $49
  • Half Day Private Wine Tour from São Roque: $53
  • 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $176


When comparing the travel costs between Sao Paulo and Huaraz, we can see that Sao Paulo 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. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sao Paulo Expensive? and Is Huaraz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Huaraz?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Huaraz. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or Huaraz?

Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or Huaraz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sao Paulo 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, Sao Paulo is much warmer than Huaraz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sao Paulo in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Huaraz averages at about 3°C (37°F)in July.

Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in January than Huarazin July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F) 
    Huaraz 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Huaraz in the Autumn?

Both Huaraz and Sao Paulo 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, Sao Paulo is generally much warmer than Huarazin October. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 22°C (72°F), and Huaraz fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In April, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Huarazin October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F) 
    Huaraz 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Huaraz in the Winter?

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

Sao Paulo is much warmer than Huaraz in the winter. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Huaraz fluctuates around 7°C (45°F)in January.

Huaraz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in July than Huarazin January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F) 
    Huaraz 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Huaraz in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Sao Paulo is much warmer than Huaraz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sao Paulo in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Huaraz averages at about 6°C (43°F)in April.

In October, Sao Paulo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Huarazin April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F) 
    Huaraz 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Huaraz and Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo Huaraz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)