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

Should you visit La Paz or Kamloops?

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 Kamloops 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 beautiful, authentic, and cultural city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See La Paz travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a nature-filled, laid-back, and outdoorsy city. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food. See Kamloops travel costs.

La Paz and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

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
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in La Paz or Kamloops?

You'll generally find more things to do in La Paz than Kamloops. La Paz is bigger than Kamloops, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. La Paz is better known for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Kamloops is more popular for its skiing and hiking. La Paz is more touristy than Kamloops and is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. Also, La Paz is famous for Balandra Beach. Kamloops is well known for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is La Paz different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is La Paz or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

La Paz
Kamloops

Kamloops is notable for snow skiing. However, La Paz is not a skiing destination.

People head to Kamloops specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There's a long ski season that runs from mid-November to mid-April. The region has two major ski resorts - Sun Peaks Resorts and Harper Mountain.

La Paz is not a skiing destination.


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

La Paz
Kamloops

La Paz is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Kamloops offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.

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

La Paz
Kamloops

La Paz is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

La Paz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 many up and coming restaurants in the Kamloops area. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Is La Paz or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

La Paz
Kamloops

Evening events are notable in both La Paz and Kamloops.

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 Kamloops. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.


Is La Paz or Kamloops Better for Resorts?

La Paz
Kamloops

La Paz is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Kamloops is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, La Paz makes a nice vacation spot. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Kamloops is not a resort destination.

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

La Paz
Kamloops

La Paz is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kamloops is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

La Paz is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Kamloops is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Kamloops Better for Beaches?

La Paz
Kamloops

La Paz is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Kamloops is not a beach destination.

La Paz is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Kamloops is not a beach destination.


Is La Paz or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

La Paz
Kamloops

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kamloops. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Kamloops?

La Paz
Kamloops

La Paz is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

La Paz is well-known for its shopping. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Many visitors go to Kamloops to go shopping. Downtown you'll find local boutiques and eclectic shops. You could also head to Aberdeen Mall for all of the major brands and recognizable stores.

Is La Paz or Kamloops Better for Families?

La Paz
Kamloops

Both La Paz and Kamloops are great to visit with kids.

La Paz is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kamloops. There are great parks and outdoor spaces for kids as well as the Deep Creek Tool Museum, Westsyde Centennial Park and Petting Zoo, and Hells Gate Air Tram. You can also take a ride on the Kettle Valley Railway Steam Engine. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to either Kamloops Wildlife Park or Kangaroo Creek Farm.


Is La Paz or Kamloops Better for Couples?

La Paz
Kamloops

Both La Paz and Kamloops are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

La Paz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Kamloops is a good city for couples to visit. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.

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

La Paz
Kamloops

La Paz is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit La Paz. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Kamloops is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's often overlooked by backpackers, but there is a hostel in town.

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

La Paz
Kamloops

La Paz is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its public transit.

La Paz has some public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Kamloops. There is a bus system through the city.


Is La Paz or Kamloops a more walkable city?

La Paz
Kamloops

La Paz is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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

Kamloops is generally not very walkable. The downtown is the most walkable part of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in La Paz or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in La Paz than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz than Kamloops 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 La Paz or Kamloops? Ideal Length of Stay
    La Paz 2-4 
    Kamloops 1-2

One day in La Paz or Kamloops?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Kamloops. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in La Paz or Kamloops?

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.

Kamloops 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 Kamloops?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kamloops. 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 Kamloops?

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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid-back destination of Kamloops. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Kamloops or La Paz?

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 La Paz is $132, while the average daily cost in Kamloops is $99. 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 La Paz and Kamloops in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Paz $47
    Kamloops $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Paz $94
    Kamloops $88
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Kamloops

Looking for a hotel in La Paz or Kamloops? 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 La Paz


Hotels in Kamloops


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 and Kamloops Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • La Paz hotels to La Paz International Airport (LAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
  • La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159

Is it cheaper to fly into La Paz or Kamloops?

Prices for flights to both Kamloops and La Paz 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
    La Paz $60
    Kamloops $41

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

Typical Food Prices in Kamloops

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


  • Pastries
    $5.80
  • Lunch for Two
    $25
  • Coffee and Gelato
    $12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Paz $11
    Kamloops $13

Tours and Activities in La Paz

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

  • 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
  • 3 Hours La Paz Whale Shark First Class Snorkeling Tour: $167
  • Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $127
  • Birding La Paz Mexico 4hrs.Tour : $160
  • Birding Tour in La Paz Mexico: $177
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $95
  • Cultural and Culinary Tour of El Triunfo, Baja California Sur: $250
  • Desert Off Road Adventure Tour in La Paz: $261
  • Desert and Dunes ATV Adventure in La Paz BCS Mexico: $195
  • Espíritu Santo and Balandra Beach Combo Tour: Sea Lion Snorkeling: $250
  • Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
  • Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145

Tours and Activities in Kamloops

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

  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke: $8.07
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver: $8.08
  • Scenic Kamloops Self Guided Audio Driving Tour to Lake Louise : $12
  • BC Wildlife Park Entry Ticket: $14
  • Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $15
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Kamloops by Zombie Scavengers: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Paz $11
    Kamloops $6.77


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Paz and Kamloops, we can see that La Paz is more expensive. And not only is Kamloops much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kamloops would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kamloops 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 Kamloops.

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 Kamloops Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, La Paz or Kamloops?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kamloops. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and Kamloops, 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 La Paz or Kamloops?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit La Paz or Kamloops in the Summer?

Both Kamloops and La Paz during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kamloops this time of year.

La Paz is a little warmer than Kamloops in the summer. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Kamloops fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

La Paz usually gets less rain in July than Kamloops. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    La Paz 30°C (86°F) 
    Kamloops 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit La Paz or Kamloops in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Kamloops. The shopping scene are the main draw to La Paz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kamloops for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, La Paz is much warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Paz in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Kamloops averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, La Paz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kamloops. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    La Paz 27°C (80°F) 
    Kamloops 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit La Paz or Kamloops in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Kamloops. Many travelers come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kamloops in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kamloops can get quite cold in the winter. In January, La Paz is generally much warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 18°C (65°F), and Kamloops fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Kamloops. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    La Paz 18°C (65°F) 
    Kamloops -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit La Paz or Kamloops in the Spring?

Both Kamloops and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to La Paz in the spring for the beaches.

La Paz is much warmer than Kamloops in the spring. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Kamloops. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    La Paz 23°C (73°F) 
    Kamloops 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Kamloops and La Paz

La Paz Kamloops
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)