A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brasilia vs. La Paz for Attractions, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Brasilia or La Paz?

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 Brasilia and La Paz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brasilia

Brasilia is a lively, vibrant, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Brasilia travel costs.

La Paz

La Paz is a authentic, cultural, and beautiful city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See La Paz travel costs.

Brasilia and La Paz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Brasilia or La Paz?

Visitors will generally find more to do in La Paz than Brasilia. While Brasilia is larger than La Paz, La Paz has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. La Paz is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Brasilia is known for its big city activities. La Paz is more touristy than Brasilia and is known for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also home to Balandra Beach. Brasilia is popular for its modernist architecture, abundant green space, and planned layout.

How is Brasilia different from La Paz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Paz and Brasilia. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Brasilia or La Paz?

Brasilia
La Paz

La Paz is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brasilia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to La Paz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

Brasilia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a variety of museums that highlight the city's rich history, modernist architecture, and diverse culture. Notable museums include the Museu Nacional, showcasing contemporary art, and the Museu de Arte de Brasília (MAB), which focuses on Brazilian art. The Memorial dos Povos Indígenas offers insight into indigenous cultures, while the Museu do Catetinho takes visitors through the early days of the city’s creation.


Is the Food Better in Brasilia or La Paz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brasilia
La Paz

La Paz is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Brasilia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in La Paz is an experience not to be missed. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Brasilia. The city's food scene is diverse, offering a mix of traditional Brazilian dishes and international cuisine. Since it is home to people from all over Brazil, you can find food from many different regions in one place. Popular dishes include Picanha (Brazilian steak), Feijoada (black bean and pork stew), and Tucunaré na Brasa (grilled fish).

Is Brasilia or La Paz Better for Nightlife?

Brasilia
La Paz

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Brasilia and La Paz.

Brasilia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is more sophisticated and calm compared to other Brazilian capitals. It's not a party city by traditional standards, but it's ideal for those looking to enjoy good food, drinks, and live music in a more relaxed atmosphere. If you're looking for high-energy nightlife, the city might feel quieter, but it's still plenty of fun.

If you're looking for night time activities La Paz has a few options to choose from. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Is Brasilia or La Paz Better for Resorts?

Brasilia
La Paz

La Paz is very good for its resorts. However, Brasilia is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Brasilia is not a resort destination.


Is Brasilia or La Paz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brasilia
La Paz

La Paz is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Brasilia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Brasilia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brasilia or La Paz Better for Beaches?

Brasilia
La Paz

La Paz is renowned for the beach. However, Brasilia is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, La Paz is a very popular vacation destination. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Brasilia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brasilia or La Paz?

Brasilia
La Paz

Shopping is a popular activity in both La Paz and Brasilia.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Brasilia. There is a mix of modern malls, local markets, and high-end boutiques. The city is home to several large shopping centers, such as Shopping Iguatemi, ParkShopping, and Conjunto Nacional, which feature a variety of international brands, local shops, and food courts. For more traditional items, the Feira da Torre is a popular open-air market where you can find local crafts, souvenirs, and handmade goods.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.


Is Brasilia or La Paz Better for Families?

Brasilia
La Paz

La Paz is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Brasilia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

La Paz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

Brasilia offers lots of family activities. While it doesn't have as many theme parks as some of the other large cities in Brazil, there are a number of activities that families can enjoy. There's the Parque da Cidade, where children can ride bikes and play on playgrounds. There's also Nicolândia, a small amusement park with exciting rides. At the Brasília Zoo, kids can see native animals like jaguars, toucans, and capybaras while learning about Brazil's wildlife. The Planetarium of Brasília is a great spot for young space enthusiasts, featuring interactive exhibits and fascinating star shows.

Is Brasilia or La Paz Better for Couples?

Brasilia
La Paz

Both Brasilia and La Paz are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Brasilia is a good city for couples to visit. There are sunset boat rides on Paranoá Lake. If you enjoy culture, you can visit the National Museum or admire the stunning architecture of the Cathedral of Brasília. A romantic dinner at a lakeside restaurant in Pontão do Lago Sul is perfect for a night out with delicious food and a relaxing atmosphere. For nature lovers, a peaceful walk or picnic at Jardim Botânico de Brasília provides a lovely escape from the city.

La Paz is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Is Brasilia or La Paz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brasilia
La Paz

La Paz is well known for backpackers. However, Brasilia is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

La Paz is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Brasilia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's fascinating architecture and great green spaces, but the city has limited nightlife and it isn't the most popular destination for backpackers. There are some budget-friendly hostels and public buses that make it possible to explore without spending too much. Though it lacks a strong backpacker scene, Brasília's mix of culture, green spaces, and history makes it an interesting stop for adventurous travelers.


Is Brasilia or La Paz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Brasilia
La Paz

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Brasilia and La Paz.

You'll find some public transit in Brasilia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transit system is relatively limited compared to larger Brazilian cities, but it still offers a few options for getting around. The Metro is an efficient choice for traveling through central areas, with two main lines that connect key neighborhoods like Asa Norte and Plano Piloto. There are also buses that are more comprehensive.

While La Paz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Is Brasilia or La Paz a more walkable city?

Brasilia
La Paz

La Paz is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Brasilia is not particularly known for its walkability.

La Paz is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable.

Brasilia is generally not a very walkable city. The city isn't particularly walkable because it is very spread out.

For even more information, also check out Is Brasilia Worth Visiting? and Is La Paz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Paz or Brasilia?

How long in Brasilia or La Paz?

It's fun to spend time in either Brasilia or La Paz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Paz due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Brasilia, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Paz.

Families should spend more time in La Paz than Brasilia. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in La Paz, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in La Paz than Brasilia. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in La Paz that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz than Brasilia if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in La Paz.


  • How many days in Brasilia or La Paz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Brasilia 1-3 
    La Paz 2-4

One day in Brasilia or La Paz?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Brasilia. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of La Paz offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Brasilia or La Paz?

Brasilia is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

La Paz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in La Paz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brasilia or La Paz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brasilia. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

La Paz is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brasilia or La Paz?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Brasilia. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

La Paz is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Brasilia?

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 Brasilia is $102, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $132. 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 Brasilia and La Paz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Brasilia $34
    La Paz $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Brasilia $68
    La Paz $94
Compare Hotels in Brasilia and La Paz

Looking for a hotel in Brasilia or La Paz? 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 Brasilia


Hotels in La Paz


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: Brasilia Hotel Prices and La Paz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Brasilia $21
    La Paz $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $160
  • La Paz hotels to La Paz International Airport (LAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
  • One way La Paz Hotels to or from La Paz Airport Transfers : $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Brasilia or La Paz?

Prices for flights to both La Paz and Brasilia 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
    Brasilia $53
    La Paz $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

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

  • 3 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $77
  • 3 hrs SEAFOOD Tour in La Paz: $103

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Brasilia $19
    La Paz $11

Tours and Activities in La Paz

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

  • Mural and Sculpture Art Tour at the Peace Center: $40
  • Coral Farm Snorkel Tour: $56
  • Pearl Farm Experience and shop: $65
  • Balandra Hills Shared Hike and Walk Experience: $80
  • Half Day Sandboarding and Paddleboarding Experience in La Paz: $84
  • Sunset Cruise in La Paz: $88
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $95
  • Snorkeling and Paddle Boarding Adventure in La Paz : $98
  • RZR Tour of Mogote Dunes and Sandboarding: $103
  • Unique Mexican Spirits Tasting & Pairing Experience: $105
  • holy spirit island tour: $109
  • Whale Shark Swim Adventure in La Paz: $110

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Brasilia $14
    La Paz $11


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

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


Which is Bigger, Brasilia or La Paz?

Brasilia has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Brasilia and La Paz, 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.