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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, 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. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
    Argentina Prices
    Montanita Prices
    Ecuador Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $56
    Montanita $117

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, while the average daily cost in Montanita is $117. 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 $40
    Montanita $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $80
    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: Montanita Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.07
    Montanita $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • 8hr Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $298
  • Rojo Tango Show with Optional Private Transfers in Buenos Aires: $265
  • Gaucho Day: Estancia with Private Transfer: $264
  • Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $260
  • Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
  • Gaucho Day: Areco Town & Estancia with Private Transfer: $249
  • Private Transfer Aeroparque J. Newbery Airport In Buenos Aires: $245
  • Horseback Riding Experience in Carlos Keen with Transfers: $233
  • Private Transfer Cruise Port In Buenos Aires: $233
  • Buenos Aires Exp. Winery Gamboa Tasting and Lunch and Transfer: $192
  • Transfer Airports-Cruise Port: $190
  • Buenos Aires Private Tour + Transfer to Airport: $189

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 $7.49
    Montanita $48

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.

  • Argentine Cooking, Wine & Beef Tasting at Argentine Experience: $30
  • Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $37
  • Tango Porteño Show or Dinner Show with Barra Libre Buenos Aires: $37
  • BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $39
  • Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
  • Buenos Aires Family Empanada Cooking Class Kids Take the Lead: $44
  • Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
  • Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
  • BA: Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $46
  • El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $30
    Montanita $31

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food): $300
  • - Exclusive Buenos Aires By Night : Walking Tour on Corrientes Avenue -: $40
  • 1-Hour Catamaran Cruise in the Tiger Delta: $20
  • 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina: $43
  • 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market: $13
  • 3 Hours Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barracas: $45
  • 5 Hour Private Driving and Walking Tour of Buenos Aires: $185
  • 5 Stops Walking Tour of Buenos Aires hidden Wineries: $82
  • @argentinahighlights City LGBTQ tour: $150
  • Adventure in Parque de la Costa: $95
  • Argentina Polo Experience by La Guapeada Polo: $267
  • Argentine Asado by Maru. Private experience in Buenos Aires: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.13
    Montanita $7.86

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:

  • BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
  • Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
  • Wine Tasting and Local Specialties in Buenos Aires: $58
  • Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $65
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $65
  • Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $69
  • Empanadas & Argentine wine tour: $74
  • BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
  • Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
  • Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown: $97
  • Private Walking Tour & Argentine wine Tasting: $103


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)