A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Asuncion vs. Mendoza for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Asuncion or Mendoza?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Asuncion or Mendoza, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Asuncion or Mendoza?

Asuncion

Asuncion is a vastly underrated city. It is the capital but also the administrative economic and cultural center of Paraguay. It is located in the south central part of the country, near the border with Argentina and it is one of the oldest cities in South America, with people living here since almost 500 years. The city has a beautiful and simple center, with a few unique colonial and beaux arts buildings, international cuisine, shady plazas and friendly people. Its handful of historic buildings around the Plaza de los Heroes, Plaza Uruguaya and Manzana de la Ribera, two or three small museums, old bars and cafes, but also smart suburbs, ritzy shopping malls and fashionable nightclubs will keep you entertained for a day or two. It is a very charming city for travellers and apart from the sights, the city boasts a good tourist infrastructure with hotels and restaurants.

Mendoza

Mendoza is a city in western Argentina and more precisely in the desertic Cuyo region. Mendoza is the center of the Argentinian wine industry and is famed around the world for its vineyards and wine production. Spread across the valley of the Rio Mendoza and in the foothills of the Andean mountain range, Mendoza is also near the Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. The bustling and scenic city of wide, leafy avenues, atmospheric plazas and cosmopolitan cafes spoils visitors with unique natural attractions and historical landmarks. If you can, visit Mendoza during the harvest festival at the end of February. There are many events and festivals in Mendoza and they are usually free. Each has a different theme, and they usually have a stage with singing and dancing and booths that sell food around a plaza. Seventy percent of Argentina's wines are produced here, and Mendoza is especially known for its world-famous malbecs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, and The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Mendoza or Asuncion?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Asuncion is $68, while the average daily cost in Mendoza is $7.36. 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 Asuncion and Mendoza in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Asuncion $22
    Mendoza $2.79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Asuncion $44
    Mendoza $5.58
Compare Hotels in Asuncion and Mendoza

Looking for a hotel in Asuncion or Mendoza? 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 Asuncion


Hotels in Mendoza


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: Asuncion Hotel Prices and Mendoza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Asuncion $8.82
    Mendoza $1.46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asuncion

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

  • Transfer in private minivan from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $29
  • Transfer in private minivan Asuncion City - Silvio Pettirosi Airport (ASU): $29
  • Transfer in private car from Asuncion City - Asuncion Airport (ASU): $20
  • Transfer in Private Car from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $21
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $59
  • RoundTrip Private Transfer Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mendoza

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

  • Zuccardi Santa Julia+Lunch at Antigal Winery.Transfer included: $150
  • Vistalba Winery + Susana Balbo Lunch. (Michelin Guide) Transfer inc: $230
  • Visita Decero+Almuerzo S Balbo (Guia Michelin). Transfer privado: $230
  • Visita Achaval F+Almuerzo Lagarde(Guia Michelin).Transfer privado: $230
  • Visit Trapiche+Lunch El Enemigo (Michelin). Private transfer: $290
  • Trapiche Winery + Laur + Antigal Winery Lunch.Transfer included: $180
  • Transfer to Salentein Uco Valley with Lunch and Visit: $260
  • Tour of 3 Top Wineries in Lujan and Maipu. Transfer Included: $100
  • Tasting in two wineries + full lunch. Transfer included: $130
  • Shared Transfer Mendoza Bus Station / Downtown Hotel: $27
  • Private Transfer Vinicolas Valle de Uco: $190
  • Private Transfer Vinicolas Lujan de Cuyo / Maipu: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Asuncion or Mendoza?

Prices for flights to both Mendoza and Asuncion 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
    Asuncion $17
    Mendoza $3.29

Typical Food Prices in Mendoza

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


  • Empanadas
    $0.01

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mendoza

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

  • Cooking class - Gastronomic Experience - 12 classes per year: $150
  • Full-Day Small-Group Mendoza Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
  • Visit Los Toneles + Saffron Dinner (Michelin Star). With Transfer: $240
  • Food Tour: $250
  • Night Visit to Bodega Toneles + Dinner at El Enemigo. Transport: $270
  • Cooking class at Bodega Lamadrid Winery in Luján de Cuyo: $270

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Asuncion $16
    Mendoza $2.08

Tours and Activities in Asuncion

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

  • Asunción Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
  • Asuncion Birding Tour: $70
  • Birding and Nature Chaco Tour: $140
  • Crystal Fall - day tour in a reduced group: $120
  • Day Tour “Cerrito”: $231
  • Day tour “Circuito San Bernardino”: $214
  • Day tour “Circuito Sapucai”: $221
  • Day tour “Pai Pukú”: $230
  • Day tour to “National Park Ybycuí”: $265
  • Full day Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour: $207
  • Golden Triangle Tour: $110
  • Half-Day Yparacai Lake Tour from Asuncion with Pick Up: $185

Tours and Activities in Mendoza

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

  • Aconcagua short hike, and high mountain tour with barbecue.: $185
  • Admire the majesty of the Cordillera: AltaMontaña Experience: $250
  • Adrenaline Canopy Tour on the Mendoza River: $77
  • Adventure Park - Unforgettable Challenge!: $75
  • Amazing High mountain tour to Aconcagua: $140
  • Andes Day Horseback Riding Tour and BBQ: $189
  • Andes High Mountain Tour in Mendoza: $99
  • Andes High Mountain full day Tour: $76
  • Andes Hiking Experience Full Day: $175
  • Asado em Casa Mendocina Experience with Friends: $150
  • Choose your Wine Adventure at Uco Valley: $148
  • City Tour And Wines With Lunch: $137

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Asuncion $10
    Mendoza $1.25
Typical Alcohol Prices in Asuncion

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Asuncion are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.22

Typical Alcohol Prices in Mendoza

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Mendoza:


  • Beer
    $0.01

Sample the Local Flavors in Mendoza

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mendoza:

  • Classic Wine Tasting: $22
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $28
  • Premium Wine Tasting: $45
  • Vineyards with Wine Tasting in Mendoza: $49
  • Argentinean Asado with Local Host and Wine Tasting: $99
  • Full-Day Private Luján De Cuyo Wine Tour from Mendoza: $143
  • Private Wine Tour, Tastings and Lunch with Pairings: $150
  • Private Maipu Valley Wine Tour from Mendoza: $157
  • Wine Tour with Lunch from Mendoza: $164
  • Full Day Wine Tour with 3 Course Lunch: $165
  • Wine Tour with Lunch and Transport in Mendoza: $170
  • Full Day Private Uco Valley Wine Tour from Mendoza: $178


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

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


Which is Bigger, Asuncion or Mendoza?

Asuncion has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Mendoza. When comparing the sizes of Asuncion and Mendoza, 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.