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

Should you visit Cali or Valdivia?

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 Valdivia 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 Valdivia?

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.

Valdivia

Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bogota, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Colombia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Valdivia 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 Valdivia is $69. 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 Valdivia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cali $6.16
    Valdivia $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cali $12
    Valdivia $80
Compare Hotels in Cali and Valdivia

Looking for a hotel in Cali or Valdivia? 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 Valdivia


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 Valdivia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cali $5.76
    Valdivia $8.08
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cali

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cali

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

  • Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
  • City Highlights Private Bus Tour with Transfer: $152
  • National Park Waterfalls Tour with Lunch & Transfer: $117
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cali Airport CLO to Cali City by Minivan: $102
  • Arrival Transfer from Cali Airport CLO to Cali City by MiniSuv: $98
  • From Cali Airport: One-way Privater Transfer to Cali: $58
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Cali Airport (CLO) - Cali City: $51
  • Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) to Cali/Palmira-RoundTrip Transfer: $48
  • Airport Transfers Cali (per way): $35
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Cali City- Cali Airport (CLO): $25
  • Alfonso Airport CLO to Cali or Palmira Hotels Arrival Transfer: $24
  • Transfer in Private Car from Cali Airport (CLO) -Cali City: $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia

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

  • Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Cali or Valdivia?

Prices for flights to both Valdivia 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 $8.77
    Valdivia $21

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: $14
  • Street Food Tour: $21
  • Alameda Market Food Tour: $55
  • Flavors of Food tour at the local market: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cali $11
    Valdivia $13

Tours and Activities in Cali

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

  • 4 Hours Private River Tour to Pance Cali Colombia : $60
  • A day to enjoy nature and have an adventure in the Jordan river: $65
  • Cali ATV tours - Take your adrenaline to the maximum on the road: $159
  • Cali Bike Park Tour: $95
  • Cali Bike Tour: $32
  • Cali City Tour - The Best Of Cali In Comfort: $53
  • Cali City Tour by 3 Hours (transportation + guide): $185
  • Cali City Tour by 5 Hours (transportation + guide): $255
  • Cali City Tour by 8 Hours (transportation + guide): $380
  • Cali Downtown Walking Tour: $57
  • Cali Mountain Bike Tour: $95
  • Cali Salsa & Resistance Street Art Tour: $14

Tours and Activities in Valdivia

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.

  • Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $76
  • Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
  • Private City Tour: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cali $8.68
    Valdivia $4.79


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cali and Valdivia, we can see that Valdivia 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 Valdivia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valdivia than you might in Cali.

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


Which is Bigger, Cali or Valdivia?

Cali has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of Cali and Valdivia, 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.