A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Quepos vs. La Paz for Beaches, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Quepos or La Paz?

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 Quepos and La Paz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Quepos

Quepos is a laid-back, relaxed, and local town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Quepos travel costs.

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.

Quepos and La Paz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less attractive beach
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Quepos or La Paz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Paz. Although Quepos and La Paz are both popular with visitors, La Paz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. La Paz is more touristy than Quepos and is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also home to Balandra Beach. Quepos is popular for its big game sport fishing.

How is Quepos different from La Paz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Quepos
La Paz

La Paz is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Quepos is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to La Paz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Quepos offers a few options for museum-goers. You won't find much as far as museums go around town.


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

Quepos
La Paz

La Paz is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Quepos 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.

Quepos offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of cafes, fine dining, and seafood restaurants in the area. You can get traditional Costa Rican dishes as well as a more international flavor depending on your preference.

Is Quepos or La Paz Better for Nightlife?

Quepos
La Paz

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Quepos and La Paz.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Quepos. You'll find a few bars and clubs around town, but it is a small town and the selection can be limited.

La Paz has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Is Quepos or La Paz Better for Resorts?

Quepos
La Paz

La Paz is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Quepos is lacking in good options for its resorts.

La Paz has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Quepos has a few resort options worth checking out. It's a fishing town with a local vibe, so you'll likely want to stay outside of town if you're looking for an upscale resort.


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

Quepos
La Paz

La Paz is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Quepos is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Quepos is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Quepos or La Paz Better for Beaches?

Quepos
La Paz

La Paz is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, La Paz is a very popular vacation 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.

Quepos has a beach worth visiting. If you want to be close to the beach, you'll do better to stay at nearby Manuel Antonio. Quepos does have a waterfront and access to deep sea fishing.

Is the Shopping Better in Quepos or La Paz?

Quepos
La Paz

La Paz is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Quepos 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.

Quepos is a great destination for shopping. You'll find boutique shops around town that sell everything from clothing to art.


Is Quepos or La Paz Better for Families?

Quepos
La Paz

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Quepos or La Paz.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Quepos. Most of the beaches are kid-friendly and the children will love the wildlife. You'll also find zipline tours in the area as well as canopy walks.

La Paz is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Quepos or La Paz Better for Couples?

Quepos
La Paz

Quepos is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Quepos is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The beaches and resorts make this a favorite honeymoon destination for couples. There are many great restaurants and plenty of activities like horseback riding or surfing nearby.

La Paz is a good town 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 Quepos or La Paz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Quepos
La Paz

Quepos is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Quepos. It's one of the more popular destinations in Costa Rica, so you'll find plenty of hostels and other backpackers to hang out with.

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.


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

Quepos
La Paz

Visitors will find good public transit in both Quepos and La Paz.

Quepos has some public transit options. There are a number of buses that pass through town. There are also buses that travel between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

You'll find some public transit in La Paz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Is Quepos or La Paz a more walkable city?

Quepos
La Paz

La Paz is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Quepos is somewhat walkable. It is a relatively walkable town.

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

Should I spend more time in La Paz or Quepos?

How long in Quepos or La Paz?

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

Families should spend more time in La Paz than Quepos. 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 Quepos. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in La Paz 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 Quepos 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 Quepos or La Paz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Quepos 2-4 
    La Paz 2-4

One day in Quepos or La Paz?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Quepos. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of La Paz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Quepos or La Paz?

Quepos 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.

La Paz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Quepos or La Paz?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Paz. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Quepos or La Paz?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxed destination of Quepos. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of La Paz. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Quepos?

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 Quepos is $139, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $132. 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 Quepos and La Paz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Quepos $76
    La Paz $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Quepos $152
    La Paz $94
Compare Hotels in Quepos and La Paz

Looking for a hotel in Quepos 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 Quepos


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: Quepos Hotel Prices and La Paz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Quepos $9.55
    La Paz $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos

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

  • Private Transfer: SJO Airport to/from Manuel Antonio (One Way): $99
  • Private Transfer: SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio with Scenic Stop.: $203
  • Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José (Airport SJO): $220
  • Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings : $229

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 Quepos or La Paz?

Prices for flights to both La Paz and Quepos 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
    Quepos $51
    La Paz $60
Typical Food Prices in Quepos

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


  • Lunch
    $15
  • Seafood Dinner (for 1)
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos

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

  • Cooking Class in Manuel Antonio with Medicinal Plants Garden Visit: $77
  • Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $77
  • Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
  • Local Flavor Cooking Experience: $81

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Quepos $17
    La Paz $11

Tours and Activities in Quepos

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

  • Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $25
  • Quepos Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $26
  • Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $27
  • Manuel Antonio Park: Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $27
  • 2-3-Hour Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $28
  • Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $29
  • Manuel Antonio National Park guided tour : $29
  • Guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park: $29
  • Manuel Antonio Park Tour and its Amazing Wildlife and Beaches: $30
  • Manuel Antonio National Park guided Tour: $30
  • Manuel Antonio with Mauro / Tickets not Included! : $30
  • Manuel Antonio National Park: Guided Tour with Beach Time: $30

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Quepos $15
    La Paz $11


When comparing the travel costs between Quepos and La Paz, we can see that Quepos 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. Even though Quepos is in Central America and La Paz is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Quepos or La Paz?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Quepos 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.


When is the best time to visit Quepos or La Paz?

La Paz has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Quepos experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Quepos or La Paz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Quepos as well as La Paz. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to La Paz in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Quepos is generally around the same temperature as La Paz. Daily temperatures in Quepos average around 28°C (82°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. In the summer, Quepos often gets less sunshine than La Paz. Quepos gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 287 hours of full sun.

Quepos receives a lot of rain in the summer. Quepos usually gets more rain in July than La Paz. Quepos gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Quepos 28°C (82°F) 
    La Paz 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Quepos or La Paz in the Autumn?

Both La Paz and Quepos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to La Paz for the shopping scene during these months.

Quepos is around the same temperature as La Paz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Quepos averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and La Paz fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in La Paz. Quepos usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during autumn. Quepos gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 272 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Quepos. In October, Quepos usually receives more rain than La Paz. Quepos gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Quepos is December to April. The hurricane season in Quepos is May to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Quepos 27°C (81°F) 
    La Paz 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Quepos or La Paz in the Winter?

Both La Paz and Quepos during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to La Paz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Quepos is much warmer than La Paz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Quepos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and La Paz averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Quepos. In the winter, Quepos often gets more sunshine than La Paz. Quepos gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 200 hours of full sun.

Quepos usually gets less rain in January than La Paz. Quepos gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Quepos 27°C (81°F) 
    La Paz 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Quepos or La Paz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Quepos and La Paz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to La Paz this time of year.

In April, Quepos is generally a little warmer than La Paz. Daily temperatures in Quepos average around 29°C (85°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In Quepos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Quepos usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during spring. Quepos gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 292 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Quepos usually receives more rain than La Paz. Quepos gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in Quepos is the dry season. May to November is the hurricane season in Quepos.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Quepos 29°C (85°F) 
    La Paz 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for La Paz and Quepos

Quepos La Paz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in) 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in) 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in) 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)