A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Montanita for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Montanita?

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 Montanita 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 Montanita?

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.

Montanita

Montanita is a small village located on Manglaralto parish along the southern coast of Ecuador. The Pacific Coast of Ecuador is lined with beach towns, either small villages with local fisherman or larger towns more set up for foreign travellers like Montanita. With one of the best beaches in Ecuador, one of the best surf breaks in the region, and a great laid-back atmosphere Montanita is a great little getaway, especially for the hippies of the world. It has also become a popular weekend destination for English teachers and Spanish students coming from Guayaquil and Quito. The beachfront village of Montanita has a laid-back atmosphere and steady stream of cosmopolitan backpackers, with as many South Americans as gringos.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Montanita 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 Montanita is $96. 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 Montanita in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
    Montanita $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
    Montanita $82
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Montanita

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Montanita? 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 Montanita


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58
    Montanita $39
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
    $0.13
  • Local Bus
    $0.00
  • Metro Ride
    $0.00
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.03
  • Taxi
    $0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $261
  • Rojo Tango Show with private transfers in Buenos Aires: $259
  • Rojo Tango Show: Skip the Line Ticket including Private Transfer: $250
  • Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $250
  • Ministro Pistarini Airport to Colón Roundtrip Transfer: $250
  • Ministro Pistarini Airport to Gualeguaychú Round Trip Transfer: $239
  • Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
  • LOCAL AIRPORT TRANSFER (AEP) ROUND TRIP with english speaking driver: $200
  • Skip the line Boca Juniors & River Plate Stadium and Museum tour with transfer: $196
  • Private Transfer: Round trip transfer from/to EZE International Airport: $190
  • Private Transfer Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) In Buenos Aires: $185
  • Private Tour of Buenos Aires + Transfer Out to Ezeiza Airport: $180

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

Prices for flights to both Montanita 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 $3.25
    Montanita $28
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
    $0.16
  • Cake and Coffee
    $0.53
  • Dinner
    $1.88
  • Powerade
    $0.12
  • Lunch
    $0.83
  • Dinner
    $1.21
  • Chocolate
    $3.12

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.

  • 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $37
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
  • Argentinian grilled pizza class in San Telmo: $40
  • Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $40
  • Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
  • Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50
  • Skip the Line Ticket for Tango Porteño Show with Dinner : $53
  • Tango Porteño Show with Private Transfers (with optional dinner): $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34
    Montanita $31
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
    $0.58

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $59
  • Private Full Day City Tour by Iconic Buenos Aires: $290
  • Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
  • 1-hour Paramotor Experience in Buenos Aires Argentina: $100
  • 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $239
  • 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
  • 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
  • 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
  • 5hs Premium Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires: $55
  • @argentinahighlights Private City Tour in Buenos Aires: $120
  • A Back-Street Beer Brewing Tour of Buenos Aires: $123

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81
    Montanita $7.86
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
    $0.67

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 and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $42
  • Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
  • Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
  • Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
  • Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
  • Private Asado and Wine Tasting in Argentina: $130


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

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 Montanita Expensive?.



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

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Montanita experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

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

Both Montanita and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montanita year-round.

In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as Montanita. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Montanita averages at about 25°C (78°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Montanitain July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montanita receives 107 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in January than Montanitain July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Montanita receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F) 
    Montanita 25°C (78°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Montanita. Montanita attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than Montanitain October. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and Montanita fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Montanita during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Montanita receives 117 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Montanitain October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Montanita receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F) 
    Montanita 26°C (78°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Montanita. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montanita throughout the year.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Montanita in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Montanita fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in January.

In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Montanitain January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montanita receives 88 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in July than Montanitain January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Montanita receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F) 
    Montanita 27°C (80°F)

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

Both Montanita and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Montanita because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Montanita. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Montanita averages at about 27°C (81°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Montanita during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Montanita receives 133 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Montanitain April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Montanita receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F) 
    Montanita 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Montanita and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina Montanita
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 25°C (78°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 25°C (78°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)