Punta Arenas is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Punta Arenas?
You should plan to spend around $79 (CL$75,014) per day on your vacation in Punta Arenas. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $36 (CL$34,465) on meals
- $1.80 (CL$1,720) on local transportation
- $64 (CL$61,059) on hotels
A one week trip to Punta Arenas for two people costs, on average, $1,100 (CL$1,050,196). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$550
CL$525,098
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,100
CL$1,050,196
-
One Month
Per person
$2,356
CL$2,250,420
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,100
CL$1,050,196
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,199
CL$2,100,392
-
One Month
For a couple
$4,712
CL$4,500,840
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Punta Arenas cost?
A one week trip to Punta Arenas usually costs around $550 (CL$525,098) for one person and $1,100 (CL$1,050,196) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Punta Arenas on average costs around $1,100 (CL$1,050,196) for one person and $2,199 (CL$2,100,392) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Punta Arenas will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Punta Arenas on average costs around $2,356 (CL$2,250,420) for one person and $4,712 (CL$4,500,840) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Punta Arenas expensive to visit?
Punta Arenas is a small yet inviting destination that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
While Punta Arenas can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $36 (CL$33,864) per day, mid-range travelers spend $81 (CL$75,014) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $157 (CL$146,315) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Punta Arenas.
Within South America, Punta Arenas is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Salto or El Calafate.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Punta Arenas Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Punta Arenas?
The average Punta Arenas trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Punta Arenas travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Punta Arenas cost?
Punta Arenas on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$14
(CL$13,405)
|
$32
(CL$30,529)
|
$60
(CL$57,626)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$1
(CL$753)
|
$2
(CL$1,720)
|
$3
(CL$3,287)
|
|
Food2
|
$16
(CL$14,989)
|
$36
(CL$34,465)
|
$70
(CL$67,162)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$3
(CL$2,689)
|
$6
(CL$6,147)
|
$12
(CL$11,745)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-3
(CL$1,019-3,057)
|
$2-7
(CL$2,319-6,957)
|
$5-14
(CL$4,366-13,097)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Punta Arenas on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $36 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Punta Arenas is packed with plenty of hostels, including Hospedaje Magallanes, Hostal Chiloe, and Hostal Ayelen. At hostels like these, you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation and a lively social scene, but amenities might be quite minimal.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. A trip to Punta Arenas wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $81 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Punta Arenas is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Hotel Cabo De Hornos is a solid choice for families, while Hotel Jose Nogueira also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Punta Arenas here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $157. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination will require a premium budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Oneway Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport to Punta Arenas - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Punta Arenas
In Punta Arenas, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $108 and peak season rising to an average of $202. Prices typically range from $71 to $388, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Punta Arenas for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $64 (CL$61,059). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $32 (CL$30,529) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Punta Arenas? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Punta Arenas include:
- Hotel Cabo De Hornos starting at $125
- Hotel Jose Nogueira starting at $111
- Estancia Rio de Los Ciervos starting at $189
- Hostal Ventisqueros starting at $88
- Hotel Chalet Chapital starting at $101
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during , will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Transportation Budget in Punta Arenas
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $1.80 (CL$1,720) per person, per day, on local transportation in Punta Arenas. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Punta Arenas is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$1.80
CL$1,720
The easiest way to get to Punta Arenas is by air. Just outside of the city you will find the area's main international airport. There are plenty of flights that arrive from Puerto Montt and Santiago. Once you arrive at the airport you'll be greeted by a shuttle bus or taxi and the ride is about 15 minutes. You could also take a bus from Puerto Natles or Rio Gallegos in Argentina. If you're in Punta Arenas during the summer months between December and March, don't be surprised if you encounter some crowds from cruise ships, as this is the peak time for cruising.
Once you're in town, you can walk most places. The wind can make walking unpleasant between the months of September and October. During the most windy days they tie a rope line to city lamp posts so that you can hang on.
If you're hoping to head out of town, you can hire a taxi for the trip. It might cost you upwards of US$50 though, depending on your destination of choice.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Punta Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Round-Trip Private Transfer for $56 details
- Oneway Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport to Punta Arenas for $35 details
- Transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales for $267 details
How much does it cost to go to Punta Arenas? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Punta Arenas will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Punta Arenas
Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Punta Arenas can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Punta Arenas is $36 (CL$34,465) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$36
CL$34,465
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Punta Arenas is around $37 (CL$34465) per person, with previous travelers spending from $16 to $72. 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 Punta Arenas are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $11
- Lunch: $6 to $15
- Dinner: $11 to $26
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
Restaurants in the area include pizza, sandwiches, cafes, and seafood among other things. There's a fish market that has a few good seafood eateries on the second floor, but it gets quite crowded at lunch time. There are also a handful of pubs in the area where you can grab a drink and catch up with other travelers.
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 instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.
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.
Below are some standard food costs in Punta Arenas, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
-
Donut
CL$1,000
-
Dinner
CL$24,210
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Punta Arenas
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Punta Arenas typically cost an average of $6.44 (CL$6,147) 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.
$6.44
CL$6,147
There are some interesting things to see both in town as well as outside of town. In town you might be interested in stopping by La Cruz Hill for views of the city. Also visit Maggiorino Borgatello Museum, Punta Arenas Cemetery, and Austral Brewery, which is the southern most brewery in the world and is sometimes open for a tasting session.
Outside of town you can visit a penguin colony known as "Seno Otway" or see whales at Rey Jorge Island Natural Sea Park. There are also a handful of other parks in the area that are well worth a visit.
There are a variety of treks and tours that you can enjoy in the area. If you're interested in ecotourism, Amazing Tours is a company that tailor designs trips for hikers in the area. You can also make a five hour trip (two hours each way by boat) to Isla Magdalena Pinguinera. This island is an excellent place to see pengiuns between the months of October and April. It is important that you stay on the path while you're on the island.
If you're interested in shopping, there's a small open market that sells touristy items in the downtown area. There is also a large outlet mall in the outskirts of town if you need to pick up any supplies or hiking equipment.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Punta Arenas. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Fuerte Bulnes Shore Tour for Cruisers in Punta Arenas for $64 details
- Guided Tour of Punta Arenas and Fort Bulnes for $300 details
- Half day traditional City Tour for $50 details
Nightlife Budget in Punta Arenas
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $4.86 (CL$4,638) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Punta Arenas per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$4.86
CL$4,638
Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.
Here are some typical drink and nightlife prices in Punta Arenas, drawn from the experiences of past travelers. These costs can give you a general sense of what to expect, though your own spending will differ based on how often you enjoy alcoholic beverages and how much you consume. Remember, one of the most effective ways to reduce your travel costs is to limit alcohol consumption.
Travel cost data last updated: Feb 28, 2025
Traveling in Punta Arenas
Patagonia
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
The only thing predictable about the weather in Punta Arenas is that it's unpredictable. Don't be surprised if you get dramatic shifts in the weather over the course of one day. You are almost guaranteed snow during the winter months. The city sits at a low latitude, but has a subpolar oceanic climate. The temperature is influenced by the ocean, and average lows in July are just below freezing, while highs in January are in the high 50s Fahrenheit. Rainfall is most common in April and May and the snowy season is through the entire winter, from June until September.
Check out our ultimate guide to Traveling in Patagonia.
Neighborhoods & Around
The city itself is oriented around its main square, "Plaza de Armas." There are several monuments on the square including one of Hernando de Magallanes. Another interesting area is the port area. It's located in the eastern part of the city right next to the city center. The area is less touristy, but has a few shops, travel agencies, and cafes.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.