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

Should you visit Asuncion or Ponce?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Asuncion or Ponce, 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 Ponce?

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.

Ponce

Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).

Which place is cheaper, Ponce 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 Ponce is $205. 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 Ponce in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Asuncion $22
    Ponce $151
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Asuncion $44
    Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Asuncion and Ponce

Looking for a hotel in Asuncion or Ponce? 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 Ponce


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Asuncion $8.82
    Ponce $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asuncion

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:

  • Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
  • Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
  • Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
  • Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $189
  • San juan Puerto Rico PrivateTransfers Airport,Hotels,Cruise Ports: $60
  • San Juan hotels to San Juan PR Cruise Port - Departure Transfer: $46
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $92
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
  • San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Asuncion or Ponce?

Prices for flights to both Ponce 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
    Ponce $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.

  • Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
  • Private Half-Day Food Tour : $130
  • Private San Juan Cooking Class with a Local Expert: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Asuncion $16
    Ponce $56

Tours and Activities in Asuncion

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

  • Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Asuncion: $34
  • Walking Tour with a Local in Asuncion "The Mother of Cities": $35
  • Asunción Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
  • Asuncion Birding Tour: $70
  • Crystal Fall - day tour in a reduced group: $85
  • Golden Triangle Tour: $110
  • Birding and Nature Chaco Tour: $140
  • Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour from Asunción: $160
  • Half-Day Yparacai Lake Tour from Asuncion with Pick Up: $185
  • Full day Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour: $207
  • Day tour “Circuito San Bernardino”: $214
  • Day tour “Circuito Sapucai”: $221

Tours and Activities in Ponce

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:

  • Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
  • Scuba Boat Diving Experience in Gilligan's Island at Copamarina: $160
  • 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
  • 2-Hour Private UTV Can-Am Beach Tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $264
  • 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
  • 5 hours Tour in La Parguera Private Boat Charter: $200
  • 7 Hours River Tour with Beach and Learn to Make Piña Colada : $195
  • 90 Minute Portrait Photoshoot Experience in the Caribbean: $129
  • ATV Adventure at Hacienda Campo Rico: $136
  • Adventure Trail Tour in the foothills of the National Rainforest: $110
  • Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
  • All Inclusive Cordillera Cay’s Sailing Catamaran Beach & Snorkeling Tour: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Asuncion $10
    Ponce $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Asuncion

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


  • Beer
    $1.22

Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce

Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
  • Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
  • Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
  • Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Tour: $99


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

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


Which is Bigger, Asuncion or Ponce?

Asuncion has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Asuncion and Ponce, 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 Asuncion or Ponce?

Asuncion has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ponce experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Asuncion or Ponce in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Asuncion as well as Ponce. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.

In the summer, Asuncion is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Asuncion in January average around 29°C (84°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (83°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asuncion this time of the year. In the summer, Asuncion often gets less sunshine than Poncein July. Asuncion gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.

Asuncion receives a lot of rain in the summer. Asuncion usually gets more rain in January than Poncein July. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Asuncion 29°C (84°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Asuncion or Ponce in the Autumn?

Both Ponce and Asuncion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Asuncion is generally cooler than Poncein October. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 24°C (75°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Ponce. Asuncion usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during autumn. Asuncion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ponce. It's quite rainy in Asuncion. In April, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Poncein October. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Asuncion 24°C (75°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Asuncion or Ponce in the Winter?

Both Ponce and Asuncion during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.

Asuncion is cooler than Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Asuncion often gets less sunshine than Poncein January. Asuncion gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.

Asuncion usually gets less rain in July than Poncein January. Asuncion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Asuncion 19°C (66°F) 
    Ponce 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Asuncion or Ponce in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Asuncion and Ponce. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Asuncion is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Asuncion in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Asuncion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asuncion usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during spring. Asuncion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

Asuncion gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Poncein April. Asuncion gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Asuncion 25°C (77°F) 
    Ponce 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Ponce and Asuncion

Asuncion Ponce
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 29°C (84°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)


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