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

Should you visit La Paz or Victoria?

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 Victoria 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 authentic, cultural, and beautiful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See La Paz travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a relaxing, cultural, and scenic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Victoria travel costs.

La Paz and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or Victoria?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in La Paz than Victoria. While Victoria is larger than La Paz, La Paz has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Paz is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Victoria is known for its hiking. La Paz is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also home to Balandra Beach. Victoria is popular for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is La Paz different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Victoria 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 Victoria?

La Paz is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Victoria is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

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

La Paz is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

La Paz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Victoria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Is La Paz or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both La Paz and Victoria.

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 Victoria. There are a good number of bars and pubs around town. Most offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a cold drink in a casual setting.

Is La Paz or Victoria Better for Resorts?

La Paz is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Victoria 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.

Victoria is not a resort destination.

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

La Paz is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Victoria 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.

Victoria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Victoria Better for Beaches?

La Paz is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Victoria 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.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is La Paz or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Victoria 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 Victoria. There are many outdoor spaces and parks that offer local hiking trails. This is a great way to experience the scenic beauty of the area.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Victoria?

La Paz is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Victoria is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is La Paz or Victoria Better for Families?

Both La Paz and Victoria are very good 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 Victoria. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and get the energy out. Walking trails are popular. You can also do the Malahat SkyWalk which offers impressive views. Cadboro-Gyro Park has a playground, zip-line, and picnic areas. Another hightlight for kids is a visit to the Beacon Hill Children's Farm. If the weather isn't cooperating, you can visit the BC Aviation Museum.

Is La Paz or Victoria Better for Couples?

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

Victoria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city offers many great activities for couples such as a visit to Hatley Park and Castle. The city is also famous for its many flower gardens which are best visited in spring. Kayaking, hiking, and exploring are also favorite activities for couples.

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 Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Victoria. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

Is La Paz or Victoria 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, Victoria is lacking in good 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 Victoria. While there are buses, it's best not to count on them because they're not particularly reliable.

Is La Paz or Victoria a more walkable city?

La Paz and Victoria both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Victoria is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights are close by and easy to walk to.

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either La Paz or Victoria. In our opinion, La Paz has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in La Paz than Victoria. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

Families should spend more time in La Paz than Victoria. 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 Victoria. 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 Victoria 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 Victoria?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Victoria. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or Victoria?

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.

Victoria is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Victoria?

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 Victoria. 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 Victoria?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Victoria. 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 Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Paz and Victoria, we can see that Victoria 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 Victoria would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Victoria 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 Victoria Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Paz or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and Victoria, 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 Victoria?

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 Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and La Paz during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Paz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Victoria for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, La Paz is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Paz in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Victoria averages at about 16°C (60°F).

La Paz usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Victoria. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Victoria. Many travelers come to La Paz for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Victoria in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, La Paz is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 27°C (80°F), and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than Victoria. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit La Paz or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Victoria. Many visitors come to La Paz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Victoria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Victoria can be very cold during winter. La Paz is much warmer than Victoria in the winter. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 18°C (65°F) in January, and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It's quite rainy in Victoria. La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Victoria. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, La Paz is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Paz in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Victoria averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Victoria. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Victoria and La Paz