A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valparaiso vs. Lima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Valparaiso or Lima?

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 Valparaiso and Lima. 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: Valparaiso or Lima?

Valparaiso

Valparaiso, often referred to as Valpo, is an attractive city on the Pacific Coast in Chile. The city has a population of about 300,000 and is only 120 kilometers west of Santiago. The city's main industries aside from tourism include shipping and petroleum refining.

Valparaiso is popular with travelers because of its bohemian culture and brightly colored homes. It also offers some wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Although the city is short on specific sights, the atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a wonderful place to visit.

Valparaiso has a mild Mediterranean climate that is comparable to San Francisco or Santa Barbara. The summer is dry but fog is common year around. Rain can be heavy during the winter season and snow falls occasionally in the highest parts of the city. Winds can also be strong during the winter months.

Lima

Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, The Best Luxury Tours to Chile, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Lima or Valparaiso?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Valparaiso is $65, while the average daily cost in Lima is $77. 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 Valparaiso and Lima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Valparaiso $35
    Lima $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Valparaiso $70
    Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Valparaiso and Lima

Looking for a hotel in Valparaiso or Lima? 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 Valparaiso


Hotels in Lima


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: Valparaiso Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Valparaiso $4.72
    Lima $5.75
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Valparaiso

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Valparaiso are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.07

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valparaiso

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valparaiso:

  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Port to Santiago Airport (SCL): $66
  • Valparaiso to Santiago Private Transfer or Santiago to Valparaiso: $76
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Cruise Port to Santiago hotels: $82
  • Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City: $89
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Hotel or port To Santiago Airport or Hotel: $107
  • Transfers from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to Santiago: $120
  • Private Transfer from San Antonio Port to Valparaiso or Viña del Mar.: $133
  • Small group transfer from Valparaiso/S.Antonio+Tour in Santiago: $140
  • Valparaiso Airport Private Transfer: $156
  • Private Transfer Viña del Mar to Santiago Airport: $170
  • Private Transfer from Viña del Mar to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $239
  • World Biggest Organic Winery Emiliana, Valparaiso & Transfer : $250

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $5.45
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.45
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
  • Assistance /Transfer Hotel - Airport Lima Airport : $40
  • Deluxe Car Lima Transfer - Private Service: $29
  • From The Larco Museum Complete Tour with transfers: $50
  • Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Arrival Private Transfer : $31
  • Jorge Chavez International Airport: Private Transfer: $25
  • LIMA CAR TRANSFER - Private Service: $29
  • Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores city - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Lima Airport Arrival Transfer: $27
  • Lima Airport Departure Transfer: $20
  • Lima Airport Transfers: Lima City to Jorge Chavez Airport LIM in Standard Car: $28
  • Lima Airport Transfers: Lima City to Jorge Chavez Airport LIM in Standard Van: $31

Is it cheaper to fly into Valparaiso or Lima?

Prices for flights to both Lima and Valparaiso 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
    Valparaiso $22
    Lima $18
Typical Food Prices in Valparaiso

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Valparaiso:


  • Empanada
    $1.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valparaiso

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

  • Chilean Cuisine Cooking Class with Traditional Market Tour: $72
  • Learn to Cook Like a Local: Private Cooking Class in a Viña del Mar Home: $102

Typical Food Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.36
  • Ice cream
    $3.54
  • Coffee
    $2.99
  • Donut
    $0.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima

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

  • Lima Market Food Tour - Taste 9 Popular Peruvian Snacks: $35
  • Lima Market Food Tour: $37
  • Peruvian Food Tour Through Local Markets: $40
  • Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
  • Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
  • Dinner at Café del Museo Larco restaurant: $55
  • Food History & Local Markets (Food Tour): $56
  • 3-dish Peruvian Cooking Experience + Pisco Sour Making: $56
  • Lima's Food Tour through Local Markets & Barranco Visit: $59
  • Peruvian Cooking Class: $59
  • Peruvian Cooking Class, Market Tour & Exotic Fruits: $65
  • Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Valparaiso $18
    Lima $8.69
Typical Entertainment Prices in Valparaiso

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


  • Boat Tour
    $4.10

Tours and Activities in Valparaiso

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

  • Walking Tour Valparaiso: $30
  • Valparaiso Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $32
  • Famous Viña del Mar! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $35
  • Famous Valparaíso! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $35
  • 2 Hour Walking Tour in Valparaiso: $35
  • Walking Tour of Valparaiso and the House of Neruda La Sebastiana: $39
  • Guided Panoramic Tour in Valparaíso: $40
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Valparaiso: $50
  • 3-Hour Bike Tour along the Coast of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso: $55
  • Private walking tour in Valparaíso: $55
  • Gastronomic Tour Valparaiso Visit Mani Restorans Ceviche Empanada: $60
  • Valpo in 1 day: Authentic + Famous! Semi-private walking tour & public transport: $60

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:


  • Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)
    $16
  • Movie Tickets
    $2.31

Tours and Activities in Lima

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

  • Free Walking Tour of Lima: $2.00
  • Lima Historic Center Walking Tour: $8.00
  • bike tour: $12
  • Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $13
  • Barranco Street Art Tour: $17
  • Party tour Fridays Barranco / Saturdays Miraflores: $18
  • Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
  • Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
  • Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
  • Half-Day City Tour: $24
  • City Sightseeing Panoramic Bus Tour: $25
  • Coffee tasting experience at Terrua Cafe: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Valparaiso $7.61
    Lima $5.65
Typical Alcohol Prices in Valparaiso

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Valparaiso are as follows:


  • Beer
    $0.97

Sample the Local Flavors in Valparaiso

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Valparaiso:

  • Private Wine Tour in Valparaíso: $166
  • Santiago: Valparaíso Walking Tour & Casablanca Wine Tasting: $255
  • Isla Negra Museum Tour & CasaBlanca Wine Tour: $289

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.32
  • Beer
    $4.08
  • Cocktail
    $3.27

Sample the Local Flavors in Lima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:

  • Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
  • Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
  • Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
  • Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $18
  • Local Wine Tour: $50
  • Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valparaiso and Lima, we can see that Lima is more expensive. And not only is Valparaiso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valparaiso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valparaiso 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 Lima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lima than you might in Valparaiso.

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


Which is Bigger, Valparaiso or Lima?

Lima has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Valparaiso. When comparing the sizes of Valparaiso and Lima, 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.