Is Mar del Plata expensive to visit?
Mar del Plata is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
If you're not cautious, Mar del Plata can become costly, but you can save with strategies like looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $4 (AR$3,885) per day, mid-range travelers spend $10 (AR$9,982) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $26 (AR$26,102) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Mar del Plata.
Within South America, Mar del Plata is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in South America for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Mar del Plata.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Mar del Plata Expensive?
Mar del Plata, Argentina
How much money do I need for a trip to Mar del Plata?
The average Mar del Plata trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Mar del Plata travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Mar del Plata cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Mar del Plata cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $4 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Mar del Plata is filled with plenty of hostels, such as Mar & Juana and Hostel El Refugio. Staying in these hostels means you can enjoy low-cost dorm accommodation and a fun social atmosphere, although amenities may be basic.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Tourists visiting Mar del Plata generally aim to explore the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $10 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Mar del Plata. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Ribera Sur Hotel Mar del Plata is a good kid-friendly option, and Facon Del Mar Hotel is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Mar del Plata here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $26. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination will require a more luxurious budget.
Accommodation Budget in Mar del Plata
The range of hotel prices in Mar del Plata can be pretty surprising. Luxury hotels tend to offer more amenities, but come with higher price tags, especially during peak season. The average off-season room is $65, but during peak season the average price can reach $121. From $35 for budget hotels to $252 for luxury, there's something for everyone. Hostels are cheaper, especially dorms. Book early or travel during the off-season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Mar del Plata for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $5.26 (AR$5,445). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $2.63 (AR$2,722) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Mar del Plata? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Mar del Plata include:
- Nuit Hotel starting at $100
- Hotel Spa Republica starting at $128
- Hotel Uthgra Sasso starting at $170
- Hotel Dos Reyes starting at $80
- Ribera Sur Hotel Mar del Plata starting at $49
By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of , you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.
Food Budget in Mar del Plata
One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Mar del Plata can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Mar del Plata is $5.50 (AR$5,691) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$5.50
AR$5,691
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Mar del Plata is around $6 (AR$5691) per person, with previous travelers spending from $2 to $15. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Mar del Plata are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $2
- Lunch: $1 to $2
- Dinner: $2 to $4
- Coffee: $0
- Fast Food or Street Food: $1
Mar del Plata is an amazing beach city offering many attractions; one of them being excellent food! From the most exquisite seafood (especially the calamaries!) to a classic Argentine bife de chorizo, you won't be disappointed by Mar del Plata's delicious restaurants with fabulous views of the ocean beyond.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Mar del Plata
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Mar del Plata typically cost an average of $1.89 (AR$1,960) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$1.89
AR$1,960
The popular Argentine beach destination and once a glamorous seaside resort is also known for its stunning architecture and cultural attractions. There are a few sights that you could visit as a family or during your romantic adventure in Mar del Plata. First, climb the water tower in Mar del Plata for the best views around the city. You will also find a free elevator to the top, which is powered by water, where you will get superb 360-degree views of the coast and the city. Another important sight in Mar del Plata is the Torreón del Monje, which looks like a castle with its lookout tower, red domes, and stone footbridge, though it has now been transformed into a restaurant and an event space. You will find this imposing medieval-style landmark, built during Mar del Plata's golden era by businessman Ernesto Tornquist in his attempts to beautify the town that surrounded his summer villa, along the rocks next to the ocean at Punta Piedras. Finally, Mar del Plata has a thriving fishing industry, so head down to the port to watch the red, orange, and yellow ships return with their daily catches. Step onto la Banquina de Pescadores, a charming wharf where you will have the chance to take scenic photos. Continue by strolling around the many souvenir stands and cheap, fresh seafood vendors where you can grab some great fried calamari.
The Museo de Arte Contemporaneo is an icon within the city. The MAR is a relatively new museum in a modern and shiny building which faces the sea. It features contemporary artwork, including pop art, sculptures, and various pieces by famous Argentine artists in bright spaces and rotating exhibits. You can also head to the Juan Carlos Castagnino Municipal Art Museum, situated on Stella Maris hill, which holds over 450 artworks housed in French chateaux-style building that dates from 1909.
However Mar Del Plata is mainly famous for its outdoor activities. This haven for sporty types has a long beach side where you can walk, run or rollerblade along, but also surf, sail and windsurf on the mad waters of the Atlantic. No matter what your taste in beach life, there is something for everyone in Mar del Plata. La Perla is set against the backdrop of the city skyline and has everything necessary to enjoy traditional day by the sea. Playa Varese is also a perfect spot for a relaxed beach vibe, where you can enjoy watersports and fishing. Head to Playa Grande for great day parties on the beach or in fabulous beach clubs. Further south you can find the dunes and forests for a real escape from the city and an hour away from Mar del Plata is the Playa Escondido or "Hidden Beach" for naturists.
For family fun, check out the AquaSol water park a short drive north of the city. You can rent lockers, floats, and umbrellas, and there is a wave pool, a big variety of water slides, a zip-line and a restaurant. The entrance fee is affordable. If you've had enough beach time, the Aquarium is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Only a few miles out of the city, discover this impressive city aquarium with its colorful tanks of fish, natural lagoons and saltwater lake and learn more about the local flora and fauna by familiarizing yourself with the marine mammals, birds, sharks, and even a few rescued animals that they rehabilitate here. There's a touch pool so you can get up close and personal with the sea life and shows which feature performances by dolphins and sea lions. This is one of the most modern aquariums in South America.
Mar del Plata, Argentina
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.