Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Acapulco de Juarez?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Punta Arenas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Punta Arenas? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Acapulco de Juarez or Punta Arenas?
Acapulco de Juarez
Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.
Punta Arenas
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAcapulco de Juarez $81Punta Arenas $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $81, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $63. 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 Acapulco de Juarez and Punta Arenas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAcapulco de Juarez $39Punta Arenas $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAcapulco de Juarez $78Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Punta Arenas
Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Punta Arenas? 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.
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: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices and Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $16Punta Arenas $1.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:
- Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
- Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
- Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
- Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Bahia de Acapulco: $49
- Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Bahía de Acapulco - Acapulco Airport (ACA): $24
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Acapulco Airport (ACA) -Bahía de Acapulco: $24
- Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
- Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
- Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $6.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $64
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Punta Arenas?
Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas and Acapulco de Juarez 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
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Food Meals for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $29Punta Arenas $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.
- High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner +Three Drinks plus SUNSET: $49
- Cliff Divers Exhibition 2 Drinks + Tacos al Pastor Dinner & Beer: $55
- Cliff Diver De Luxe 3 Course Dinner at "La Quebrada" in Acapulco: $56
- Cliff Divers Show With Dinner At Acapulco: $72
- Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only SUNDAY: $84
- Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $89
- Hands ON - Mex Cooking Class Experience - City Market & Lunch : $90
- Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
- Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
- Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
- Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $193
- Divers Show and Luxury Dinner in Acapulco: $199
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $18Punta Arenas $6.44
Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez
Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $44
- 6Hr Walking Tour San Diego Fort Museum Cliff Divers Zocalo: $68
- Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $36
- 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $62
- 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $47
- 4Hrs Small Group Half Day City Tour with Lunch at High Divers: $85
- 4hr City Tour For Cruises or Hotels Diver Peace Chapel & Mural: $40
- 6Hr City Tour Cruise or Hotel Turtle Nesting High Diver & Market: $51
- 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $51
- 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $50
- Acapulco City Tour : $35
- Acapulco Historical Tour with Cliff Divers Show: $65
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- City Sightseeing and Monuments Guided Tour: $52
- Regular city cruise tour: $65
- Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Punta Arenas Sightseeing Tour: $72
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
- Punta Arenas Private City Tour Shore Excursion: $155
- Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
- Mountain Bike Adventure in Punta Arenas: $192
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $11Punta Arenas $4.86
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Punta Arenas, we can see that Acapulco de Juarez is more expensive. And not only is Punta Arenas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Acapulco de Juarez is in North America and Punta Arenas is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Punta Arenas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta Arenas 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 Acapulco de Juarez would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Acapulco de Juarez than you might in Punta Arenas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Punta Arenas?
Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Punta Arenas, 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 Acapulco de Juarez or Punta Arenas?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Punta Arenas is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Acapulco de Juarez has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Punta Arenas in the Summer?
Both Punta Arenas and Acapulco de Juarez during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the summer. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in January.
In Punta Arenas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Punta Arenasin January. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in July than Punta Arenasin January. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAcapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F)Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Punta Arenas. The shopping scene are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year.
In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 7°C (44°F)in April.
In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during autumn. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Punta Arenasin April. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilAcapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Punta Arenas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Punta Arenas. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Punta Arenas can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Acapulco de Juarez is generally much warmer than Punta Arenasin July. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 26°C (79°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the winter, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenasin July. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun.
Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in January than Punta Arenasin July. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyAcapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F)Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Punta Arenas in the Spring?
Both Punta Arenas and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the spring for the beaches.
Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the spring. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during spring. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Punta Arenasin October. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberAcapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Acapulco de Juarez
| Acapulco de Juarez | Punta Arenas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 341 mm (13.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
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.