Is Huaraz expensive to visit?
Huaraz is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
While Huaraz can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $25 (S/.94) per day, mid-range travelers spend $62 (S/.231) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $149 (S/.555) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Huaraz.
Within South America, Huaraz is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in South America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Medellin, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Recife.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Huaraz Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Huaraz?
The average Huaraz trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Huaraz travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Huaraz cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Huaraz cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $25 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, Huaraz has plenty of hostels such as Alpes Huaraz, Aldos Guest House, and Makalu Lodge. At hostels like these, you can find cheap accommodation in a dorm as well as a social atmosphere, but with very little amenities.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most tourists in Huaraz are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $62 per person, per day.
Huaraz offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Hotel Colomba Huaraz is an excellent choice, while La Aurora is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Huaraz.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $149 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the destination will demand a higher price range. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as 69 Lake - Cordillera Blanca - Private Service - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Huaraz
The cost of hotels in Huaraz can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $51, but peak season () average prices jump to $95. Overall, prices range from $18 to $511. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Huaraz for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $40 (S/.148). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $20 (S/.74) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Huaraz? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Huaraz include:
- Hotel Colomba Huaraz starting at $75
- La Aurora starting at $46
- Hotel el Patio de Monterrey starting at $88
- Casa de Ana B&B starting at $13
- El Jacal Classic starting at $30
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than , will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Huaraz
Huaraz does not has a good public transit system.
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $10 (S/.38) per person, per day, on local transportation in Huaraz. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Huaraz is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$10
S/.38
How much does it cost to go to Huaraz? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Huaraz will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for transit in Huaraz are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Huaraz. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
Food Budget in Huaraz
Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Huaraz can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Huaraz is $30 (S/.112) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$30
S/.112
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Huaraz is around $30 (S/.112) per person, with previous travelers spending from $12 to $72. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Huaraz are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $9
- Lunch: $4 to $12
- Dinner: $9 to $21
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
No trip would be complete without getting to know the local cuisine and a trip to Peru would definitely not be complete without a few bottles of Inca Kola. This mouth wateringly sweet Peruvian classic was actually created by a British immigrant and launched in 1935 to mark the 100th anniversary of Peruvian independence. The nation has been enamoured since then. Huaraz is jam-packed full of local restaurants and eateries and if you know where to head you will get some fantastic, filling, authentic cuisine, all at extremely good value for money. If you want to eat well for not too much look out for the 'Menu del Dia' signs in the local restaurants around town. In Huaraz things are closer to the English tipping culture, rather than the American. A service charge is never included so a 10% tip seems reasonable if the service was good.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
Typical food prices in Huaraz, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
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Lunch
S/.22
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Chips
S/.5.50
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Huaraz
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Huaraz typically cost an average of $19 (S/.72) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$19
S/.72
Huaraz sits at more than 3000m, so if you've just crossed the border from Ecuador or have been relaxing on the beaches of northern Peru, you will need to acclimate yourself to the altitude and take it easy for the first day or two before you are in condition to hike all day. Explore this traditional little town and its local markets. Most of you aren't going to leave Peru without at least one llama themed jumper or a ridiculous hat. Instead of buying them in Cusco, get exactly the same products from one of the many street sellers in Huaraz for a cheaper price.
Hang out in one of the many small parks, practice your Spanish or go taste delicious traditional Peruvian food. If you have time, visit Chavín de Huántar, an archaeological site from the pre-Incan Chavin culture containing 3000-year-old ruins and other artifacts. The site is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and opens from Tuesday to Sunday, 9h to 16h. The entrance fee is USD$3 for adults and USD$1.50 for students. The access point for trips to Chavin de Huantar is Huaraz, 3 hours away on a rather poorly maintained, unpaved road on the side of a mountain. Several bus companies located on Mariscal Caceres avenue offer regular departures throughout the day to Chavin for USD$5 and some agencies offer a package transportation with a guide for USD $12. Several buses to destinations further afield does stop at Chavin around midnight, but then you'll need to have accommodation sorted out ahead. You might also be able to find shared taxis and combis. Another option is to go for a beautiful three-day hike, on an Inca trail, between Olleros, south of Huaraz and Chavin, but make sure you hire a guide, from one of the many tour agencies.
The gateway to the spectacular Cordillera Blanca, Huaraz has become northern Peru's epicentre for adrenaline fuelled activities and outdoor lovers' dreams. For hiking lovers, this place simply has to be on your Peru itinerary. Whether you fancy a one day hike to Laguna 69, or a multi-day trek through the Cordillera Blanca, all can be arranged or started from here. Huascaran National Park, covering nearly 340,000 hectares, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site home to some of South America's most breathtaking scenery and glaciers with 25 trekking routes and 102 mountaineering spots, which you can do on your own or with a tour, and many of these are achievable for anyone with a decent level of fitness. You will need to pay a 10 sole entry fee (USD$3) for one day visitors or a 21-day pass for 65 soles (USD$19). It is not possible to buy multiple day passes, so if you are doing the 4-day Santa Cruz trek for example, you will need to buy the 21-day pass. These are of extremely good value when compared to the costs associated with hiking in Chile's Torres Del Paine, another famous hiking spot in South America. Easier hikes whilst acclimatizing include Rajucolta Valley and Llaca Valley whilst Laguna Churup, Laguna Paron and the Laguna 69 are more challenging. For the truly adventurous, consider then hikes through the gorgeous Cordillera Huayhuash, the Santa Cruz Trek or the Quilcayhuanca & Cojup Valleys. These hikes last anywhere from 5-14 days so take precautions and find a good guide or tour provider. If you want to explore the area differently, there are various places in town that can rent you a bike - either for a single day cruise or a 12-day cycling marathon through villages and over mountains.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Huaraz. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 69 Lake Tour of Peru for $26 details
- Full-Day Private Tour of Chacas from Huaraz for $280 details
- Lake 69 Full-Day Hiking Tour from Huaraz for $40 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Huaraz, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.