A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rio de Janeiro vs. Huaraz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Rio de Janeiro or Huaraz?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rio de Janeiro and Huaraz 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.

Where Should I go: Rio de Janeiro or Huaraz?

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.

Huaraz

Huaraz is a large town in the Cordillera Blanca region of Peru's Central Sierra. Huaraz stands tall at 3100m; travellers from Lima might need a day or two to acclimatize to the change in atmosphere. Nearly wiped out by the earthquake of 1970, the town of 100,000 blends a mix of modern and native culture. Huarez is first and foremost a trekking metropolis. During high season the streets buzz with hundreds of backpackers and adventurers freshly returned from arduous hikes or planning their next expedition. The town has many markets, shops, quality restaurants and hopping bars catering to tourist and local needs. Mountain adventures in the off-season can be equally rewarding, but the vibe is calmer and some places go into hibernation once the rains set in.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Peru, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Huaraz or Rio de Janeiro?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Rio de Janeiro Prices
    Brazil Prices
    Huaraz Prices
    Peru Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Rio de Janeiro $115
    Huaraz $66

The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $115, while the average daily cost in Huaraz is $66. 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 Rio de Janeiro and Huaraz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rio de Janeiro $64
    Huaraz $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rio de Janeiro $128
    Huaraz $42
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Huaraz

Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro or Huaraz? 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 Rio de Janeiro


Hotels in Huaraz


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: Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices and Huaraz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rio de Janeiro $7.65
    Huaraz $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:


  • Taxi Ride
    $2.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Business Car: $113
  • All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $85
  • Angra dos Reis Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro : $122
  • AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $90
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Van: $137
  • Boat Party by Night in Rio de Janeiro Admission & Transfer : $68
  • Buzios Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $200
  • Buzios Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $40
  • Cabo Frio Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro : $124
  • Cabo Frio Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $63
  • Carnaval Party Tour and Samba Class in Rio with Transfer: $60
  • Corcovado & Favela Tour with Transfer: $85

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huaraz

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Huaraz are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $2.29

Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Huaraz?

Prices for flights to both Huaraz and Rio de Janeiro 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
    Rio de Janeiro $34
    Huaraz $32
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:


  • Popcorn
    $0.56
  • Corn on the Cob
    $0.75
  • Hamburger
    $0.94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.

  • Waterfront Dinner and Live Music in Rio de Janeiro: $46
  • Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $75
  • Authentic Brazilian BBQ & Wine: A Guided Dinner Experience in Rio: $79
  • Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $85
  • Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
  • Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
  • LGBTQ+ Cooking Class in Rio: Cook, Toast & Celebrate Together: $95
  • Brazilian BBQ Cooking & Drinks Class + Patio Party in Copacabana: $95
  • Dinner and Show at the Official Roxy Dinner Show - Rio de Janeiro: $122
  • Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $126
  • Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
  • Flavors of Cooking Class and Caipirinhas: $130

Typical Food Prices in Huaraz

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Huaraz:


  • Lunch
    $6.31
  • Chips
    $1.58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rio de Janeiro $21
    Huaraz $21

Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro

Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.51
  • Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $4.51
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $10
  • Rocinha Local Tour: $19
  • Rocinha favela walking tour with a local guide: $20
  • Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $23
  • Tour of the Heart of Historic Rio de Janeiro : $23
  • Rio de Janeiro Tour with App – No Guide, Start When You Want: $24
  • Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School : $25
  • Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail : $26
  • Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide: $29

Typical Entertainment Prices in Huaraz

Here are a few typical costs in Huaraz for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Climbing Gear
    $18

Tours and Activities in Huaraz

Here are a few actual costs in Huaraz for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Traditional Picante de Cuy Gastronomy Tour in Huaraz: $15
  • Pastoruri Glacier - Day Tour - Ice and Adventure: $28
  • Pastoruri Glacier | Nevado Snowy Full Day Tour: $29
  • Glacier Pastoruri and Puya Raimondi Full Day Tour: $30
  • From Tour to the Pastoruri Glacier and Puya Raimondi: $32
  • From Tour to Llanganuco Lakes (Chinancocha Lake): $33
  • From Tour to Archeological Complex of Chavin: $34
  • Lake 69 Trek Day Tour - White Mountain Range: $35
  • Paron Lake Full Day Tour: $35
  • From Paron Lake Hiking Tour: $35
  • From Lake 69 Trek Day Tour - White Mountain Range: $35
  • Full day tour to the Parón Lagoon: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rio de Janeiro $12
    Huaraz $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
  • Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
  • Rio Pub Crawl: Taste Caipirinhas & Local Bar Snacks: $95
  • Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive? and Is Huaraz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Huaraz?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Huaraz. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Huaraz, 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 Rio de Janeiro or Huaraz?

Rio de Janeiro has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Huaraz experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Huaraz in the Summer?

Both Huaraz and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Huaraz because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Huaraz can be very cold during summer. In the summer, Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Huaraz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Huaraz averages at about 3°C (37°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. In January, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Huarazin July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F) 
    Huaraz 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Huaraz in the Autumn?

Both Huaraz and Rio de Janeiro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Huaraz year-round.

The weather in Huaraz can be very cold. In April, Rio de Janeiro is generally much warmer than Huarazin October. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 25°C (77°F), and Huaraz fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in April than Huarazin October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F) 
    Huaraz 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Huaraz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Huaraz. The winter months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Huaraz attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Huaraz in the winter. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Huaraz fluctuates around 7°C (45°F)in January.

Huaraz receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than Huarazin January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F) 
    Huaraz 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Huaraz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Huaraz. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Huaraz throughout the year.

In the spring, Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Huaraz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Huaraz averages at about 6°C (43°F)in April.

Rio de Janeiro usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Huarazin April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F) 
    Huaraz 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Huaraz and Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Huaraz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)