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 $97. 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 $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Veracruz $104
    Lima $106
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 $6.21

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
    $5.88
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.88
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • Private Transfer From Lima To Huacachina With 2 Stops: $261
  • Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port: $218
  • Lima round trip transfers airport - hotel - airport + City Tour: $218
  • Private Transfer from Pisco Cruise Port to Lima City Hotels: $199
  • Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port: $199
  • Private Transfer from Pisco Port to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $199
  • Transfer from Lima Airport to your hotel and vice versa: $175
  • Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $125
  • Private Largevan Transfer - Arrival Lima Airport to Hotel: $79
  • Transfer by car from the airport to the hotel: $60
  • Private Transfer from Lima to Jorge Chávez (LIM) Airport: $58
  • Larco Museum Complete Guided Tour with Transfers (Small Group): $58

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
    $4.71
  • Ice cream
    $3.82
  • Coffee
    $3.24
  • Donut
    $1.03

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima

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

  • Food tours on the forbidden side of Lima (Min. 3 Guests – Max. 6): $15
  • Dinner at Café del Museo Larco restaurant: $30
  • Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $45
  • Dinner with Folkloric Show at Casa Tambo Restaurant: $46
  • Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
  • Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $50
  • Peruvian Cooking Class with Chef Lucia Dabdoub: $50
  • Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
  • Andean Breads Cooking Class in Lima: $55
  • #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!: $59
  • Dinner at the Cala Restaurant in Lima: $63
  • Lima Market Food Tour: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Veracruz $14
    Lima $9.39

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
  • Tour with Certified Guide to Xalapa, Xico and Coatepec: $101
  • Full Day Tour to Alvarado and Tlacotalpan from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $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
    $2.50

Tours and Activities in Lima

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

  • “Lima gastronomic tour: local market and authentic flavors”: $49
  • 1 Day Tour to Huacachina from Lima (Dunebuggy + Vineyards): $225
  • 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
  • 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
  • 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
  • 3 Day Tour From Paracas, Huacachina Oasis & Pisco Vineyard: $159
  • 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
  • 3 Days Tour: Paracas and Huacachina: $155
  • 3 Hour Private Electric Scooter Tour of Lima: $75
  • 4 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $299
  • 8-Hour Private Tour Lima Viceroyalty and Gold Museum with Lunch: $120
  • A Half Day Lima City Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Veracruz $17
    Lima $6.10

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

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


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.91
  • Beer
    $4.41
  • Cocktail
    $3.53

Sample the Local Flavors in Lima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:

  • Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
  • Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $22
  • Discover Barranco's Nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $24
  • Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $38
  • Lima Nightlife Tour & Society – Cultural Pub Crawl: $45
  • Local Wine Tour: $77
  • From Lima Paracas and Huacachina Oasis Dunes and Wine Tour: $89
  • From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
  • Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima: $139


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)