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

Should you visit Veracruz or Lima?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Veracruz and Lima can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Veracruz or Lima?

Veracruz

Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Lima or Veracruz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $152, while the average daily cost in Lima is $98. 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 Veracruz and Lima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Veracruz $52
    Lima $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Veracruz $104
    Lima $108
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Lima

Looking for a hotel in Veracruz 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 Veracruz


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: Veracruz Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Veracruz $27
    Lima $6.24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz

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

  • Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $26
  • Private Transfer to Veracruz Airport (VER): $26
  • Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $44
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $52

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $5.91
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.91
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • Private Transfer From Lima To Huacachina With 2 Stops: $257
  • Lima round trip transfers airport - hotel - airport + City Tour: $218
  • Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $215
  • Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port: $196
  • Lima Airport Luxury Arrival or Departure Transfer: $163
  • Larco Museum Tour & Gastronomic Experience with rountrip transfer: $160
  • Premium Peruvian Horse Show with Lunch & Transfers: $159
  • Private Largevan Transfer - Arrival Lima Airport to Hotel: $79
  • Transfer in Private Van from the Airport to Hotels in Lima: $60
  • Transfers + Huacachina + Paracas + Ballestas Islands + Buggies + Sandboarding: $60
  • Lima Airport Transfers: Lima City to Jorge Chavez Airport LIM in Standard Van: $57
  • Private Transfer from Jorge Chávez (LIM) Airport to Lima: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Lima?

Prices for flights to both Lima and Veracruz 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
    Veracruz $82
    Lima $33

Typical Food Prices in Lima

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.73
  • Ice cream
    $3.84
  • Coffee
    $3.25
  • Donut
    $1.03

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima

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

  • Dinner at Café del Museo Larco restaurant: $30
  • Lima : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $36
  • Culinary Experience with Pizzas - Barranco: $39
  • #1 Rated Cooking Class with Best Dishes & Pisco Sour: $44
  • Lima Street Food Tour: Taste Authentic Peruvian Delights: $45
  • Dinner with Folkloric Show at Casa Tambo Restaurant: $46
  • Miraflores: Amazing Peruvian Cooking Class – Ceviche, Seafood, and Pisco Sour: $47
  • Market Tour and Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $47
  • Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
  • Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
  • 4h Cooking Class in Iconic Dishes & Bottomless Drinks: $50
  • Private Cooking Class in Causa & Lomo Saltado: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Veracruz $14
    Lima $9.43

Tours and Activities in Veracruz

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

  • Panoramic Sightseeing Bus City Tour of Veracruz: $8.00
  • Mandinga And Boat Trip Tour: $25
  • Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $27
  • 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $30
  • San Juan De Ulua Tour: $31
  • Veracruz City Tour with San Juan de Ulúa and Mandinga Boat: $55
  • Live a Kayak Experience: $85
  • Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán: $92
  • Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation: $98
  • City Tour en Veracruz y Acuario: $100
  • Full Day Tour to Alvarado and Tlacotalpan from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $101
  • Tour with Certified Guide to Xalapa, Xico and Coatepec: $101

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)
    $18
  • Movie Tickets
    $2.51

Tours and Activities in Lima

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

  • 1 day tour in Ica Peru: $200
  • 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $265
  • 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
  • 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
  • 2 Days 1 Night Paracas Ica Tour from Lima: $150
  • 2 Days 1 Night Tour of Paracas Huacachina & flight to Nazca Lines: $272
  • 2-Hour Surf Adventure in Lima: $31
  • 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
  • 3 Days Tour of Paracas Huacachina and Nazca: $275
  • 3 Days Tour: Paracas and Huacachina: $155
  • 3 Hours Walking Tour of Lima Old Town and Catacumbs: $59
  • 3-Day Marchu Picchu from EL Callao Cruise Ship Terminal: $2,050

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Veracruz $17
    Lima $6.13

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

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


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.95
  • Beer
    $4.43
  • Cocktail
    $3.55

Sample the Local Flavors in Lima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:

  • Pub Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $5.00
  • Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
  • Pub Crawl Social Drinks in Barranco & Miraflores: $18
  • Barranco's Nightlife Tour with Bar Crawl & Free Shots: $20
  • Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $22
  • Miraflores Nightlife Tour with Bar Crawl & Free Shots: $24
  • Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $38
  • Lima Nightlife Tour & Society – Cultural Pub Crawl: $50
  • Peruvian Wine Tasting in an Exclusive Setting: $94
  • From Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Day Trip: $105
  • From Huacachina Sandboarding and Wine Tasting Tour: $105
  • From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135


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

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


Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Lima?

Lima has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Veracruz. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz 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.


When is the best time to visit Veracruz or Lima?

Veracruz has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Veracruz or Lima in the Summer?

Both Lima and Veracruz during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.

In July, Veracruz is generally much warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 27°C (81°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Veracruz. In the summer, Veracruz often gets more sunshine than Lima. Veracruz gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually gets more rain in July than Lima. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Veracruz 27°C (81°F) 
    Lima 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Veracruz or Lima in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Lima. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Veracruz is a little warmer than Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Veracruz usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Veracruz gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Veracruz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Lima. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Veracruz 26°C (79°F) 
    Lima 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Veracruz or Lima in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Lima. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.

In the winter, Veracruz is around the same temperature as Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Veracruz in January average around 21°C (71°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In the winter, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Lima. Veracruz gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.

Veracruz usually gets more rain in January than Lima. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Veracruz 21°C (71°F) 
    Lima 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Veracruz or Lima in the Spring?

Both Lima and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Veracruz is generally a little warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 26°C (78°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually receives more sunshine than Lima during spring. Veracruz gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Lima. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Veracruz 26°C (78°F) 
    Lima 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Lima and Veracruz

Veracruz Lima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (71°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 22°C (71°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 24°C (74°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 410 mm (16.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 346 mm (13.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Nov 25°C (76°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)