A Travel Price Comparison for Argentina Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. El Chalten for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or El Chalten?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and El Chalten can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Buenos Aires, Argentina or El Chalten?

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

El Chalten

El Chalten is probably one of the most beautiful areas of Patagonia, especially at the slightest ray of sunshine and one of your cheapest destination while you are travelling in Patagonia. Indeed, you will spend your days hiking and there are no park fees. There are restaurants, souvenir shops, and outdoor stores but most of them will not accept credit cards so before heading out, get cash in El Calafate or your previous stop. For the beginners, it will be long hikes in a magical setting and for the experts perhaps a week long expedition to the greatest glaciers of the world. To discover the way people live in the pampa, you may also decide to stay at an Estancia. In the stunning Estancia Santa Thelma, about 300km away from El Chalten, you will be able to explore the surroundings by horse, live a unique experience in the middle of the nature and its vast plains occupied by thousands of merino sheep and horses and of course eat a typical meal of the region.

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


Which place is cheaper, El Chalten or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, while the average daily cost in El Chalten 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and El Chalten in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.20
    El Chalten $4.49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.40
    El Chalten $8.98
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and El Chalten

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or El Chalten? 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina


Hotels in El Chalten


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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and El Chalten Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.60
    El Chalten $2.40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $0.14
  • Local Bus
    $0.00
  • Metro Ride
    $0.00
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.04
  • Taxi
    $0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • One Way Private AEP Airport Transfer to Buenos Aires: $15
  • ONE WAY: Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Transfer to/from Buenos Aires City: $18
  • Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $20
  • Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 20 USD: $20
  • Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $20
  • Private Airport Transfer AEP Jorge New Berry to CAPITAL BA: $27
  • Port Transfers with English speaking guide: $30
  • Private Transfer from Aeroparque to Capital Federal: $33
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires APT-HTL (EZA): $36
  • Airport Transfer: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires : $37
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) Transfer with English speaking driver: $37
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires HTL-APT (EZE): $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or El Chalten?

Prices for flights to both El Chalten and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.30
    El Chalten $3.72
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Lunch
    $0.03
  • Cup of Coffee
    $0.01
  • Empandas
    $0.02
  • Espresso
    $0.01
  • Dinner (Pizza)
    $0.02
  • Ice Cream
    $0.01
  • Breakfast at Airport
    $0.04
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    $0.01
  • Sweets
    $0.01
  • Hot Dog
    $0.01
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    $0.01
  • Lunch for 2
    $0.17
  • Cake and Coffee
    $0.54
  • Dinner
    $1.91
  • Powerade
    $0.12
  • Lunch
    $0.85
  • Dinner
    $1.23
  • Chocolate
    $3.16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $37
  • Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Argentine Empanadas Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
  • Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $44
  • Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
  • Private Walking Tour & Argentinian pizzas Tasting: $50
  • Skip the Line Ticket for Tango Porteño Show with Dinner : $53
  • Tango Porteño Show with Private Transfers (with optional dinner): $54
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $54
  • Aljibe Earlier Tango Show Skip the Line Ticket W/Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.39
    El Chalten $2.70
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)
    $0.04
  • Movie Ticket
    $0.02
  • Tango Class
    $0.03
  • Bar entrance
    $0.59

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Guided Walking Tour of Palermo Soho: $5.00
  • Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Urban Legends and Myths Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery: $6.00
  • Introduction to Argentina (Virtual Live Experience): $6.67
  • Tour in the Boca Neighborhood: $8.00
  • History of Tango (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
  • The Life of Pope Francis in Argentina (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
  • Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Recoleta Cemetery Tour in English : $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
  • Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10

Tours and Activities in El Chalten

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

  • 3 Hours Grilled Lamb Experience in Estancia Bonanza: $55
  • Rafting experience on the Rio de las Vueltas in Patagonia: $90
  • Rio de las Vueltas Rafting Experience - El Chalten: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.83
    El Chalten $1.24
Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.01
  • Beer (0.66L)
    $0.02
  • Cocktail
    $0.03
  • Alcohol
    $0.68

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
  • Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $65
  • Private Walking Tour & Argentine wine Tasting: $78
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
  • Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
  • Half-Day Nightlife Experience in Buenos Aires: Palermo Bar Crawl: $110
  • Bodega Gamboa Premium Wine Tasting with Lunch: $165
  • Wine Tour to Colonia Del Sacramento Uruguay: $168


When comparing the travel costs between Buenos Aires, Argentina and El Chalten, we can see that Buenos Aires, Argentina is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or El Chalten?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or El Chalten in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and El Chalten.

In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally around the same temperature as El Chalten. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 25°C (77°F), and El Chalten fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

El Chalten receives a lot of rain in the summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives around the same amount of rain as El Chalten. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F) 
    El Chalten 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or El Chalten in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as El Chalten.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than El Chalten in the autumn. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and El Chalten fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite rainy in El Chalten. Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in April than El Chalten. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F) 
    El Chalten 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or El Chalten in the Winter?

Both El Chalten and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than El Chalten. Typically, the winter temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in July average around 12°C (53°F), and El Chalten averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than El Chalten. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F) 
    El Chalten 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or El Chalten in the Spring?

Both El Chalten and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the spring are popular places to visit.

In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than El Chalten. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (64°F), and El Chalten fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In El Chalten, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than El Chalten. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while El Chalten receives 205 hours of full sun.

El Chalten gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as El Chalten. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F) 
    El Chalten 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for El Chalten and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina El Chalten
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)