A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Humahuaca vs. La Paz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Humahuaca or La Paz?

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

Should I visit Humahuaca or La Paz? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Humahuaca or La Paz?

Humahuaca

Located in the northwest region of Argentina, Humahuaca is a town nearly 3000m high in elevation, found on the border of the rio Grande. It is the largest settlement with the biggest population along the famous quebrada de Humahuaca gorge, but it has managed to keep its authenticity with its cobblestoned streets, adobe houses, quaint plazas filled with inhabitants of Andean traits and handicraft shops. If you have the chance to visit Humahuaca in February, during the carnival, you will appreciate how traditions are kept alive in this part of Argentina. Humahuaca has become a popular tourist destination in Argentina because of its beautiful setting next to the spectacular SerranĂ­a de Hornocal (colored mountains). While most visitors rapidly make their way through Humahuaca before continuing to the other two main Quebrada towns, Pumamarca and Tilcara, some enjoy spending a night or two there. Indeed, the town offers a perfect starting point to visit the region and has a few interesting landmarks not to miss, such as the historic church and Soto Avendano's Independence Monument. If you decide to stay in Humahuaca, remember that nights get chilly and ask the tourist office for any information (in the Cabildo, on the main square, opened Monday to Friday from 7h to 21h and Saturday from 9h to 12h and 13h to 16h and only Sunday mornings).

La Paz

La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, has a breathtaking setting. The city is the highest national capital in the world, with an altitude ranging from about 4,058 m (13,313 ft) above sea level in El Alto, where the airport is located, to 3,100 m (10,170 ft) in the lower residential area. The dynamic and chaotic city was built in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River. La Paz is now a fusion of architectural styles, cultures and beliefs, welcoming everyday new boutique hotels, modern shops, delicious restaurants and reinventing standing establishments. However, generally speaking, Bolivia remains more a backpacker hit than a mainstream tourist destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Argentina, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Luxury Tours to Bolivia, and The Best Budget Tours to Bolivia.


Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Humahuaca?

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 Humahuaca is $56, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $56. 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 Humahuaca and La Paz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Humahuaca $43
    La Paz $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Humahuaca $86
    La Paz $32
Compare Hotels in Humahuaca and La Paz

Looking for a hotel in Humahuaca 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 Humahuaca


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: La Paz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Humahuaca $3.51
    La Paz $9.45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Humahuaca

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

  • From Salta: 2-Day Cachi and Humahuaca Tour with Transfer: $66

Typical Local Transportation Prices in La Paz

Some typical examples of transportation costs in La Paz are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

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

  • Private Transfer from La Paz to Uyuni.: $295
  • La Paz Private Airport Transfer Service: $90
  • Private Transfer from Airport to your Hotel in La Paz City : $77
  • Private Transfer From Hotel to Airport in La Paz City : $68
  • Private Transfer From your Hotel to Bus Station in La Paz City : $68
  • Private Transfer From Bus Station to Hotel in La Paz City : $68
  • Private Transfer from your Hotel to Airport in La Paz City : $54
  • Private Transfer from Airport to your Hotel in La Paz City : $54
  • Private Transfer From Hotel to Bus Station in La Paz City : $52
  • Airport Transfer In_night: $47
  • Private Departure Transfer: La Paz Hotels to El Alto International Airport: $37
  • Private Transfer from El Alto Airport to La Paz, Bolivia Hotels: $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Humahuaca or La Paz?

Prices for flights to both La Paz and Humahuaca 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
    Humahuaca $4.82
    La Paz $29

Typical Food Prices in La Paz

For La Paz, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Fruit
    $0.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

For La Paz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • La Paz : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $77

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Humahuaca $24
    La Paz $16

Tours and Activities in Humahuaca

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

  • Hornocal: Full-Day Tour to the Hill of Seven Colors: $65
  • Tilcara: Humahuaca Tour + Hornocal + Quebrada de las Señoritas (Triple Combo): $95

Tours and Activities in La Paz

For La Paz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • From Private Tour to Tiwanaku Ruins and Puma Punku.: $173
  • Bike Tour to the Death Road: $85
  • Chacaltaya 5,435m & Valle De Luna. 2 For 1 Special Tour.: $38
  • Cholet Tour - Andean Architecture and Culture - El Alto: $26
  • City Tour plus Cable Car La Paz: $10
  • City Tour with Drone!: $204
  • City Walking Tour in La Paz: $8.00
  • Copacabana & Isla del Sol. 2Days1Night. SPANISH GUIDE. PRIVATE TOUR. MIN 2 PPL: $174
  • Cusco Bus Ticket from La Paz City 7:30 a.m. : $60
  • Customizable Private City Tour - La Paz: $45
  • Death Road Biking - DOUBLE SUSPENSION BIKE (SHARED TOUR): $100
  • Death Road Biking Tour: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Humahuaca $5.71
    La Paz $11


When comparing the travel costs between Humahuaca and La Paz, we can see that La Paz is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Humahuaca or La Paz?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Humahuaca. When comparing the sizes of Humahuaca 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.