Which place is cheaper, Huaraz or Cartagena?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Cartagena or Huaraz?
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 Cartagena and Huaraz can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Cartagena or Huaraz?
Cartagena
The capital of the Bolivar Department of Colombia, Cartagena is one of the most visited cities in the country. It sits on Colombia's northern coast by the Caribbean Sea. It's a port city with a population of almost 900,000, making it the fifth largest city in Colombia. The city has a rich history and was the first Spanish colony on the American continent. It was also one of the first sanctuaries for freed African slaves in the Americas.
Huaraz
Huaraz is a large town in the Cordillera Blanca region of Peru's Central Sierra. Huaraz stands tall at 3100m; travellers from Lima might need a day or two to acclimatize to the change in atmosphere. Nearly wiped out by the earthquake of 1970, the town of 100,000 blends a mix of modern and native culture. Huarez is first and foremost a trekking metropolis. During high season the streets buzz with hundreds of backpackers and adventurers freshly returned from arduous hikes or planning their next expedition. The town has many markets, shops, quality restaurants and hopping bars catering to tourist and local needs. Mountain adventures in the off-season can be equally rewarding, but the vibe is calmer and some places go into hibernation once the rains set in.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Peru, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Peru.
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Cartagena Prices
Colombia PricesHuaraz Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCartagena $55Huaraz $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Cartagena is $55, while the average daily cost in Huaraz is $66. 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 Cartagena and Huaraz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCartagena $27Huaraz $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCartagena $54Huaraz $42
Compare Hotels in Cartagena and Huaraz
Looking for a hotel in Cartagena or Huaraz? 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.
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: Cartagena Hotel Prices and Huaraz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cartagena $7.46Huaraz $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- 18.Transfer (Rafael N-Hotel Decameron Baru Airport) or vice versa: $156
- 2. Transfer from the Airport to the Cartagena Hotel (or vice versa): $40
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $167
- 6.Transfer (Airport-Manzanillo KARIBANA-ESTELAR) Or Vice Versa: $56
- Airport Private Transfer to Hotel in the urban City : $12
- Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $29
- Airport Transfer Hotel: $35
- Airport Transfers Cartagena: $38
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $91
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $63
- Baru: Rafael Nunez International Airport Private Transfer: $94
- TRANSFER CARTAGENA TO SANTA MARTA OR VICEVERSA IN SHARED CAR: $64
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huaraz
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Huaraz are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$2.29
Is it cheaper to fly into Cartagena or Huaraz?
Prices for flights to both Huaraz and Cartagena 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
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Food Meals for one dayCartagena $17Huaraz $32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Cartagena Fritters Cooking Class – by Lunático Experience: $23
- Street food tour Cartagena: $40
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $42
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $44
- Traditional cooking class in a restaurant in the historic center: $45
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $47
- Flavors of Colombia: Cooking Class with Chef Andrés: $52
- Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $52
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Food Tour of the Old City Flavors and Culture: $59
- Dinner Cruise Along Cartagena's Bay: $60
- Cartagena Island Dinner (Island of Tierra Bomba): $60
Typical Food Prices in Huaraz
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Huaraz:
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Lunch$6.31
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Chips$1.58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cartagena $21Huaraz $21
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Ghost of Downtown: Fear in the streets. : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10
- Republican Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour in Cartagena: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Legends of the Streets of Downtown : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Pirate Tales in Cartagena: $10
- Self Guided Audio Tour The Great Battle Fort of San Felipe: $11
- Shared Walking Tour of the Colonial Old Town: $11
- CITY TOUR OVERVIEW of the city Boots castle chiva: $11
- CITYTOUR of Cartagena Monuments, Walls and Castles : $11
- Historic Center & Getsemaní Shared Tour in Cartagena : $12
- Cartagena Sunset Walking Tour: $12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huaraz
Here are a few typical costs in Huaraz for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Climbing Gear$18
Tours and Activities in Huaraz
Here are a few actual costs in Huaraz for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Traditional Picante de Cuy Gastronomy Tour in Huaraz: $15
- Pastoruri Glacier - Day Tour - Ice and Adventure: $28
- Pastoruri Glacier | Nevado Snowy Full Day Tour: $29
- Glacier Pastoruri and Puya Raimondi Full Day Tour: $30
- From Tour to the Pastoruri Glacier and Puya Raimondi: $32
- From Tour to Llanganuco Lakes (Chinancocha Lake): $33
- From Tour to Archeological Complex of Chavin: $34
- Lake 69 Trek Day Tour - White Mountain Range: $35
- Paron Lake Full Day Tour: $35
- From Paron Lake Hiking Tour: $35
- From Lake 69 Trek Day Tour - White Mountain Range: $35
- Full day tour to the Parón Lagoon: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCartagena $9.17Huaraz $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena
Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Open Bar Sunset Cruise with Bar Crawl After Party: $16
- Group Night Experience: Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $21
- Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $21
- Getsemaní Pub Crawl with Shots and Dance Class: $22
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $24
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Centro Histórico Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $29
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
- Pub Crawl-Last Call For Alcohol-Cartagena Night Tour (Bar/Club) : $50
- Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena : $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cartagena and Huaraz, we can see that Huaraz is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cartagena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cartagena 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 Huaraz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Huaraz than you might in Cartagena.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cartagena Expensive? and Is Huaraz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cartagena or Huaraz?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Huaraz. When comparing the sizes of Cartagena and Huaraz, 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 Cartagena or Huaraz?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Cartagena or Huaraz in the Summer?
Both Huaraz and Cartagena are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Huaraz because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Cartagena usually receives around the same amount of rain as Huaraz. Cartagena gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite cold in Huaraz in the summer. In July, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Huaraz. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 29°C (84°F), and Huaraz fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCartagena 29°C (84°F)Huaraz 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Huaraz in the Autumn?
Both Huaraz and Cartagena during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Huaraz year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. Cartagena usually gets more rain in October than Huaraz. Cartagena gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Huaraz. Cartagena is much warmer than Huaraz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Huaraz fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCartagena 27°C (81°F)Huaraz 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Huaraz in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cartagena and Huaraz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round. Huaraz attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Huaraz receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cartagena usually receives less rain than Huaraz. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Cartagena is much warmer than Huaraz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cartagena in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Huaraz averages at about 7°C (45°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCartagena 27°C (81°F)Huaraz 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Huaraz in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cartagena as well as Huaraz. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Huaraz throughout the year.
Cartagena usually gets less rain in April than Huaraz. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Huaraz. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 28°C (82°F), and Huaraz fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCartagena 28°C (82°F)Huaraz 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Huaraz and Cartagena
| Cartagena | Huaraz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.