A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cali vs. Arica for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Cali or Arica?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cali and Arica 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: Cali or Arica?

Cali

Cali is Colombia's third largest city. Founded in 1536, can be explored on foot: walk under the shade of trees along the riverbank, admire the architecture of churches and other national monuments, and visit the city's many museums. Being the salsa capital of the world, Cali is primarily a destination for salsa and party but it also offers some great days out in the nearby natural surroundings. In Cali, travelers can enjoy music festivals, learn about sugarcane farming, and take in the mountainous landscapes.

Arica

A mixture of coastline, desert and high Andean plateau, Arica is a seaside resort town, known for its surfing beaches located at the tip of Northern Chile. Arica boasts that it is "the land of the eternal spring," but its temperate climate and beaches are not the only reason to visit this small city. Arica's tourism is still principally geared toward domestic visitors and those from southern Peru and La Paz, who flock to its beaches mid-December through February. It is very easy to spend a few days in Arica in the sand, or seeing the sights in town, at a slow pace but the city also offers plenty of fun activities and exciting day trips.

Which place is cheaper, Arica or Cali?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cali is $25, while the average daily cost in Arica is $86. 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 Cali and Arica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cali $5.99
    Arica $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cali $12
    Arica $76
Compare Hotels in Cali and Arica

Looking for a hotel in Cali or Arica? 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 Cali


Hotels in Arica


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: Cali Hotel Prices and Arica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cali $5.60
    Arica $19
Typical Local Transportation prices in Cali

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cali:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cali

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

  • Transfers from Cali airport comfortable and safe: $42
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Cali City- Cali Airport (CLO): $25
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Cali Airport (CLO) - Cali City: $25
  • Transfer in Private Car from Cali Airport (CLO) -Cali City: $22
  • Transfer Airport Private- Hotels North: $36
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Cali Airport (CLO) - Cali City: $51
  • Private Transfer from Cali City -Cali Airport (CLO): $22
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport : $16
  • From Cali Airport: One-way Privater Transfer to Cali: $58
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by Minivan: $96
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by Minibus: $171
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by 2x4 Vehicle: $68

Typical Local Transportation prices in Arica

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $2.26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arica

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

  • Private Transfer from Arica Cruise Port to Arica city hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from Arica Cruise Port to Arica Airport (ARI): $27
  • Private Transfer from Arica City hotels to Arica Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Transfer from Arica Airport (ARI) to Arica Cruise Port : $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Cali or Arica?

Prices for flights to both Arica and Cali 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
    Cali $8.54
    Arica $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cali

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

  • Alameda Market Cali Food Tour: $13
  • Street Food Tour: $17
  • The Cali Walking Street Food Tour: $25
  • Street Food Tour - Live A Unique Gastronomic Experience: $47
  • Alameda Market Food Tour: $48
  • Patio Santo Style Rumba Dinner: $168

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cali $11
    Arica $21

Tours and Activities in Cali

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

  • 3 Hours Alameda Market Tour: $13
  • A Taste of Food and Drink Tour of 9th Avenue: $50
  • A day to enjoy nature and have an adventure in the Jordan river: $49
  • Cali ATV tours - Take your adrenaline to the maximum on the road: $149
  • Cali Bike Park Tour: $95
  • Cali City Tour: $117
  • Cali City Tour: $29
  • Cali City Tour - The Best Of Cali In Comfort: $49
  • Cali City Tour by 3 Hours (transportation + guide): $180
  • Cali City Tour by 5 Hours (transportation + guide): $248
  • Cali City Tour by 8 Hours (transportation + guide): $370
  • Cali Downtown Walking Tour: $49

Tours and Activities in Arica

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

  • Arica, City Tour - Half day: $261
  • 4-Days Unique Experience at the Chilean High Plateau: $1,038
  • Archaeological Tour: $32
  • Arica Private City Tour: $158
  • Arica, City Tour & Archeology in Azapa - Half day: $225
  • Private Arica and Ancient Cultures Tour: $225

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cali $8.45
    Arica $21

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Cali or Arica?

Cali is bigger, and its population is about 12.9 times larger than the population of Arica. When comparing the population of Cali vs. Arica, 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 and the activities that interest you.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
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Cali vs. Arica Travel Comparison

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