A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bogota vs. El Calafate for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bogota or El Calafate?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bogota or El Calafate, 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: Bogota or El Calafate?

Bogota

Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.

El Calafate

Located in Patagonia, El Calafate has become a popular tourist destination in Argentina because of its beautiful setting on the stunningly blue Lago Argentina. The town sits on the southern border of the lake in the southwestern part of the Santa Cruz Province. It's about 320 kilometers from Rio Gallegos.

The rise in popularity of Patagonia as a tourist destination has truly put this small town on the map. You'll find no shortage of trekkers in the town and it makes an excellent base to explore different parts of the Los Glaciares National Park. Popular places to visit include Perito Moreno Glacier, Cerro Chalten, and Cerro Torre.

El Calafate has a cold semi-arid climate. The summers are cool to warm and very dry while the winters are cold and damp. Lago Argentino has a significant influence over the town's climate. The shallow bay where the town is located is usually frozen during the winter months.

Check out our ultimate guide to Hiking in Patagonia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina, and The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, El Calafate or Bogota?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bogota is $51, while the average daily cost in El Calafate is $10. 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 Bogota and El Calafate in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bogota $26
    El Calafate $3.51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bogota $52
    El Calafate $7.02
Compare Hotels in Bogota and El Calafate

Looking for a hotel in Bogota or El Calafate? 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 Bogota


Hotels in El Calafate


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: Bogota Hotel Prices and El Calafate Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bogota $8.57
    El Calafate $3.62
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $7.39
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.38
  • 2 Bus Passes
    $0.87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota

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

  • Transfer in private vehicle from Bogota City - El Dorado Airport (BOG): $16
  • Transfer in private SUV from Bogota City - Bogota Airport (BOG): $18
  • Transfer in private Minivan from El Dorado Airport (BOG) - Bogota City: $20
  • Transfer in Private vehicle from El Dorado Airport -Bogota City: $15
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from El Dorado Airport (BOG) - Bogota City: $16
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Bogota City- El Dorado Airport (BOG): $20
  • Transfer from El Dorado Airport to Hotels in Bogota (one way): $13
  • Transfer Aeropuerto El Dorado - Hotel or Accomodation (Private Transfer): $27
  • Salt Cathedral Zipaquira • Premium Private Transfer: $39
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Bogota City Airport (BOG) - Bogota City: $40
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Bogota Airport (BOG)-Bogota City: $34
  • Private Visit to Zipaquira's Town & Salt Cathedral + In&Out Transfer + (6 hours): $176

Typical Local Transportation Prices in El Calafate

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in El Calafate:


  • Taxi
    $1.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Calafate

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

  • Transfer to and form Airport El Calafate: $33
  • Transfer iPrivate Vehicle from Calafate Airport (FTE) - Calafate City: $25
  • Transfer from your hotel to El Calafate airport: $7.00
  • Transfer from the airport to your hotel in El Calafate: $7.00
  • Transfer from Calafate Airport to your Stay in Calafate: $20
  • South Glacier Pioneers with transfer: $300
  • Shared transfer to El Calafate -El Chaltén: $75
  • Shared Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Calafate): $32
  • Shared Transfer Airport - Hotel in El Calafate: $32
  • Roundtrip transfer in Private Car from Calafate Airport (FTE)- Calafate City: $49
  • Private Transfer Hotel-Bus Station or Bus Station-Hotel (Calafate): $35
  • Private Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Calafate): $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Bogota or El Calafate?

Prices for flights to both El Calafate and Bogota 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
    Bogota $13
    El Calafate $3.81
Typical Food Prices in Bogota

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


  • Breakfast
    $1.54
  • Hot Dog
    $0.90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota

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

  • Bogota Local Food Tour in the City Center: $13
  • Peruvian cooking workshop: $26
  • Street Food Tour in Bogota with 10+ Tastings: $42
  • Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $49
  • PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
  • Food Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $55
  • Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
  • Carimañola Cooking Class in Bogota: $60
  • Bogotá Food Tour - La Candelaria: $61
  • Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $90
  • Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res DC: $100
  • Private Street Food Tour in Candelaria Bogota: $133

Typical Food Prices in El Calafate

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


  • Dessert
    $0.01
  • Dinner
    $1.85
  • Dinner
    $1.09

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in El Calafate

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

  • Argentine Dinner with Live Music Folklore -Estancia 25 de Mayo: $48
  • Country Afternoon with Dinner Show - Estancia 25 de Mayo: $100
  • Estancia 25 de Mayo Tour with Dinner & Transfer: $114
  • Lakes and Caves Tour with Dinner: $117
  • Estancia 25 de Mayo in El Calafate - PM visit with dinner: $186

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bogota $13
    El Calafate $3.80
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Beer
    $1.28

Tours and Activities in Bogota

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

  • Bogotá Architecture Private Tour (6 Hrs.): $149
  • Bogota Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Private Tour + Lunch: $80
  • Express Salt Cathedral Tour• Guided Tour & Tickets • 5h: $219
  • La Candelaria and Monserrate Walking Half Day Tour: $234
  • Lake Guatavitá Private Day Tour: $226
  • Salt Cathedral Zipaquira - Group tour and daily departure: $80
  • Zipaquira Salt Cathedral group tour Daily Departures: $80
  • *Private tour* to Guatavita sacred lagoon + Nemocon salt mine: $155
  • 2 Day Tour in Barichara: $220
  • 3 Day Desert of the Tatacoa, an unforgettable experience closer to the stars: $299
  • 3 days- private tour Chingaza-Guatavita Savannah Expedition: $60
  • 3-4 Hours Tour in flight connection: $180

Typical Entertainment Prices in El Calafate

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for El Calafate's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Glacerium Museum
    $1.43

Tours and Activities in El Calafate

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

  • Argentine Cuisine Experience in El Calafate: $65
  • "Calafate Night" Astrotourism in El Calafate: $140
  • "Glaciares Gourmet" - Maria Turquesa Cruiser Navigation (classic): $285
  • "Todo Glaciares" boat tour from El Calafate. : $190
  • Alternative tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier: $71
  • Blue Safari Experience: Hiking and Navigation on Glaciers: $171
  • CALAFATE: Panoramic tour: The best balconies of Calafate: $190
  • Cañadón Experience: $160
  • Cañadón Experience: $130
  • Calafate City Tour with Walichu Caves: $78
  • Chalten Full Day Trekking Experience - Laguna de los Tres: $180
  • Darwin Experience - kayaks & adventure: $230

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bogota $13
    El Calafate $1.91

Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:

  • Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá: $26
  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá : $29
  • Saturday Bar Crawl in La Candelaria, Bogotá: $32
  • Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Chapinero, Bogotá: $35
  • Pub Crawl in Bogotá: $40
  • Pub Crawl in Bogota - Ancient Brews : $103

Typical Alcohol Prices in El Calafate

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


  • Beer
    $0.01
  • Alcohol
    $0.38

Sample the Local Flavors in El Calafate

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

  • Calafate Wine Tours | Pedestrian City Tour Paired with Wines: $42


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bogota or El Calafate?

Bogota has a larger population, and is about 890 times larger than the population of El Calafate. When comparing the sizes of Bogota and El Calafate, 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.