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

Should you visit Valparaiso or Paracas?

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 Paracas. 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 Paracas?

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.

Paracas

Paracas, also known as El Chaco, is a resort town on the Southern coast of the country, about 150 miles south of Lima. The town in located in one of the oldest regions of Peru, with a history dating back to 900 BC and offers many pre-Inca cultural sites throughout the area. Paracas is possibly best known for being home to the Paracas National Reserve, a nature reserve boasting one of the most abundant and diverse ecosystems in the world.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, The Best Luxury Tours to Chile, The Best Eco Tours in Peru, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Paracas 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 Paracas is $63. 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 Paracas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Valparaiso $35
    Paracas $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Valparaiso $70
    Paracas $46
Compare Hotels in Valparaiso and Paracas

Looking for a hotel in Valparaiso or Paracas? 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 Paracas


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 Paracas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Valparaiso $4.72
    Paracas $19
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:

  • Pick up Valparaiso Visit William Cole Winery & Transfer to Hotel: $270
  • Pick up at the Pier and Valparaiso -Viña del Mar and transfer to the Airport: $269
  • Private Transfer Viña del Mar to Santiago Airport: $170
  • Private Transfer from San Antonio Port to Valparaiso or Viña del Mar.: $133
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Cruise Port to Santiago hotels: $82
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Hotel or port To Santiago Airport or Hotel: $107
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Port to Santiago Airport (SCL): $66
  • Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City: $89
  • Private Transfer from Viña del Mar to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $239
  • Small group transfer from Valparaiso/S.Antonio+Tour in Santiago: $140
  • Transfers from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to Santiago: $120
  • Valparaiso Airport Private Transfer: $156

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paracas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paracas:

  • Direct Private Transfer From Paracas to Lima, English Speaking Driver: $165
  • Oneway Transfer from San Juan Airport, Hotel, Airbnb to Bayamon: $60
  • Paracas Bus Station Private Transfer: $16
  • Private Transfer From Paracas To Lima With 2 Stops: $177
  • Private Transfer From San Juan Airport (SJU) to /from San Juan: $44
  • Private Transfer from Pisco Cruise Port to Lima City Hotels: $79
  • Private Transfer from Pisco Cruise Port to Lima hotels: $88
  • Private Transfer from Pisco Port to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $79
  • Private Transfer from Pisco Port to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $88
  • Private Transfer from Pisko Cruise Port to Lima City Hotels: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Valparaiso or Paracas?

Prices for flights to both Paracas 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
    Paracas $23
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paracas

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

  • From Lima Ballestas Islands, Ica and cooking class Ceviche: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Valparaiso $18
    Paracas $25
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

Tours and Activities in Paracas

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

  • From Guided Boat Tour to the Ballestas Islands: $20
  • Ballestas Islands Tour Boat with roof: $20
  • Ballestas Islands Morning Boat Tour: $20
  • Boat Tour of the Ballestas Islands in Paracas: $20
  • Ballestas Islands Tour: $24
  • Ballestas Islands Sightseeing Boat Ride from Paracas: $24
  • From Scenic Boat Tour to Ballestas Island: $25
  • Ballestas Islands Tour - Paracas: $25
  • Ballestas Islands Group Tour from Paracas : $26
  • From Ballestas Islands Guided Tour: $26
  • Islas Ballestas Boat Tour - The Galapagos of Peru: $29
  • Paracas National Reserve Half Day Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Valparaiso $7.61
    Paracas $11
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


When comparing the travel costs between Valparaiso and Paracas, we can see that Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso Expensive? and Is Paracas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Valparaiso or Paracas?

Valparaiso has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Paracas. When comparing the sizes of Valparaiso and Paracas, 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.