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

Should you visit La Paz or Albuquerque?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Albuquerque can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a cultural, beautiful, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See La Paz travel costs.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a cosmopolitan, cultural, and outdoorsy town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Albuquerque travel costs.

La Paz and Albuquerque: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or Albuquerque?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in La Paz than Albuquerque. While Albuquerque is larger than La Paz, La Paz has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Paz is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Albuquerque attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. La Paz is more touristy than Albuquerque and is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also well known for Balandra Beach. Albuquerque is famous for its adobe architecture, artisan shops, fascinating cultural venues, and surrounding desert landscapes.

How is La Paz different from Albuquerque?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both La Paz and Albuquerque.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into La Paz. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Albuquerque. The old town has a lot of history including the San Felipe de Neri Church. Also worth visiting is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Unser Racing Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

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

Foodies will find both La Paz and Albuquerque both to be very good destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit La Paz. 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.

Albuquerque has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's local cuisine combines Native American and Spanish flavors to make a variety of unique specialties. You should try the green chili stew, breakfast burrito, sopaipillas, and blue corn pancakes.

Is La Paz or Albuquerque Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both La Paz and Albuquerque.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Albuquerque. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls. These areas have the best nightlife scene and they're also compact enough to explore on foot.

Is La Paz or Albuquerque Better for Resorts?

La Paz is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Albuquerque is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Albuquerque is not a resort destination.

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

La Paz is a great city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Albuquerque is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Albuquerque is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Albuquerque Better for Beaches?

La Paz is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Albuquerque is not a beach destination.

La Paz offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Albuquerque is not a beach destination.

Is La Paz or Albuquerque Better for its Old Town?

Albuquerque is a world-class destination for its old town. However, La Paz does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Albuquerque is revered around the world. There is a wonderful old town where the city's first neighborhood was established. It dates back to the early 1700's and has its roots in Spanish colonial history. The area has many adobe houses, great local restaurants, and artisan shops.

La Paz does not have a historic old town.

Is La Paz or Albuquerque Better for Hiking?

Albuquerque is a town with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Albuquerque. The desert landscape is varied and beautiful. Popular trails in the area include Tree Spring Trail, Birdhouse Ridge, and West Ridge.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Albuquerque?

Both La Paz and Albuquerque are very good shopping destinations.

La Paz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Albuquerque. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items. It's a fun and unique shopping experience, and though it sometimes feels a bit touristy, there are many local shops that offer an authentic experience.

Is La Paz or Albuquerque Better for Families?

La Paz is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

La Paz is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Albuquerque is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of nature centers as well as the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Outside of town there are many parks and natural areas to explore.

Is La Paz or Albuquerque Better for Couples?

Albuquerque is notable for its romantic activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Albuquerque is a very popular place to visit for couples. Surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with culture and charm, this city makes a great romantic getaway. It's particularly wonderful during the famous International Balloon Fiesta.

La Paz is a good city for couples to visit. 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 La Paz or Albuquerque Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Albuquerque is not known for backpackers.

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

Albuquerque is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds around that offer affordable and fun places to stay, but in general this town isn't particularly backpacker friendly.

Is La Paz or Albuquerque Better for Students?

Albuquerque is a town with good options for students. However, La Paz is not popular with students.

Albuquerque is a good town to visit for students. It offers a unique cultural environment that students can appreciate. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities.

La Paz is not popular with students.

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

La Paz is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Albuquerque is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Albuquerque. ABQ Ride is the bus system around town, but most visitors prefer to have their own car.

Is La Paz or Albuquerque a more walkable city?

La Paz is a great city for its walkability. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

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

Albuquerque is a somewhat walkable place. Walkable areas include the old town, the area around the University of New Mexico, and the uptown area.

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

Should I spend more time in Albuquerque or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Albuquerque?

It's fun to spend time in either La Paz or Albuquerque. In our opinion, La Paz has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in La Paz than Albuquerque. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in La Paz than Albuquerque. 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 Albuquerque than La Paz. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque 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.

One day in La Paz or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the authentic city of La Paz. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Albuquerque. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of La Paz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Albuquerque 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.

Five days in La Paz or Albuquerque?

The authentic city of La Paz offers museums and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Albuquerque. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A week in La Paz or Albuquerque?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting La Paz. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Albuquerque. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

Which is Bigger, La Paz or Albuquerque?

Albuquerque has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and Albuquerque, 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.