A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cartagena vs. Temuco for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Cartagena or Temuco?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cartagena and Temuco can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Cartagena or Temuco?

Cartagena

The capital of the Bolivar Department of Colombia, Cartagena is one of the most visited cities in the country. It sits on Colombia's northern coast by the Caribbean Sea. It's a port city with a population of almost 900,000, making it the fifth largest city in Colombia. The city has a rich history and was the first Spanish colony on the American continent. It was also one of the first sanctuaries for freed African slaves in the Americas.

Temuco

Temuco is a large and modern city found 680 km south of Santiago. While the city is dynamic, it does not have any particular charm with the exception of being a great point of departure for many excursions around the lake region and the many national parks found in the surrounding area. Temuco is also well known for its Mapuche culture, a proud and rebellious community of around 20 000 in the area today, who has fought continuously against every invaders in the past.

Which city is cheaper, Temuco or Cartagena?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cartagena is $33, while the average daily cost in Temuco is $76. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cartagena and Temuco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cartagena $19
    Temuco $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cartagena $38
    Temuco $84
Compare Hotels in Cartagena and Temuco

Looking for a hotel in Cartagena or Temuco? 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 Cartagena


Hotels in Temuco


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: Cartagena Hotel Prices and Temuco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cartagena $5.16
    Temuco $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:

  • One way private water transfer between Cartagena and the Islands (6 ppl max): $530
  • Private Transfer from La Manga Club to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $259
  • Private Transfer from Cartagena to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $249
  • Private Transfer Cartagena to Palomino (or vice versa): $195
  • Private transfer to Barranquilla from Cartagena- Traslado privado a Barranquilla: $170
  • Departure Private Transfer Cartagena City to Cartagena Airport CTG by Minivan: $96
  • Transfer to Tayrona Park, Santa Marta or Barranquilla City from Cartagena: $84
  • Departure Private Transfer Cartagena City to Cartagena Airport CTG by 2x4 Car: $72
  • Private transfer Cartagena airport -Mamonal: $65
  • Transfer Cartagena: $50
  • Transfer service in Cartagena: $50
  • Private Transfer: Cartagena to Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG): $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Temuco

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

  • Transfer from Temuco Airport to Huilo Huilo: $160
  • Transfer from Temuco Airport to Pucon: $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Cartagena or Temuco?

Prices for flights to both Temuco and Cartagena 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
    Cartagena $6.76
    Temuco $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.

  • Cartagena Cuisine Cooking Experience: $30
  • BIKE & BITE food tour: $52
  • Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
  • Street food tour with Julie: $64
  • Food Tour in Cartagena Walled City: $66
  • Street Food & Local Food Tour: $66
  • SkyKitchen 4 Course Cooking Class: $81
  • Bazurto Market Tour and Cooking Class in Cartagena: $92
  • Cartagena - Food Tour: $100
  • Caribbean Cuisine Cooking Class: $105
  • Shared Local Cooking Class and Lunch in Cartagena: $110
  • Bazurto Local Market Tour & Cooking Class: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cartagena $15
    Temuco $7.47

Tours and Activities in Cartagena

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

  • 2 Hour Panoramic tour for cruise ship passengers: $40
  • 4-Hour Fishing Experience with Locals Near Cartagena: $103
  • 6 Hr Cartagena Fishing Experience: $974
  • Accessible sightseeing tour of Cartagena: $140
  • Audio Guide - Walking Tour with Interactive (Cartagena de Indias): $10
  • Aviario National Park Shared Tour: $63
  • Bar Tour for Guys and Bachelor Parties: $20
  • Bazurto Market + La Popa Convent Cartagena City Tour 4H: $81
  • Bazurto Market Half day tour in Cartagena: $125
  • Biking Tour Cartagena: $19
  • Birdwatching & Photography experience at the National Aviary in Barú: $279
  • Bolivar Pirate Island Experience with Lunch: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cartagena $6.33
    Temuco $4.88

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Cartagena or Temuco?

Temuco has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cartagena experiences a tropical climate with fairly warm weather most of the year.

Should I visit Cartagena or Temuco in the Summer?

Both Temuco and Cartagena during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Cartagena is much warmer than Temuco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cartagena in July are around 29°C (84°F), and Temuco is about 17°C (62°F)in January.

In Temuco, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cartagena. In the summer, Cartagena often gets less sunshine than Temucoin January. Cartagena gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Temuco receives 290 hours of full sun.

Cartagena usually gets more rain in July than Temucoin January. Cartagena gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Cartagena 29°C (84°F) 
    Temuco 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Cartagena or Temuco in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cartagena and Temuco. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate.

In October, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Temucoin April. Temperatures in Cartagena average around 27°C (81°F), and Temuco stays around 12°C (53°F).

Cartagena usually receives more sunshine than Temuco during autumn. Cartagena gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Temuco receives 150 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cartagena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cartagena usually receives more rain than Temucoin April. Cartagena gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F) 
    Temuco 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Cartagena or Temuco in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cartagena as well as Temuco. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.

Cartagena is much warmer than Temuco in the winter. The temperature in Cartagena is usually 27°C (81°F) in January, and Temuco stays around 8°C (46°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In the winter, Cartagena often gets more sunshine than Temucoin July. Cartagena gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Temuco receives 78 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Temuco. Cartagena usually gets less rain in January than Temucoin July. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F) 
    Temuco 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Cartagena or Temuco in the Spring?

Both Temuco and Cartagena are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Cartagena is much warmer than Temuco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cartagena in April are around 28°C (82°F), and Temuco is about 12°C (54°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. Cartagena usually receives more sunshine than Temuco during spring. Cartagena gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Temuco receives 193 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cartagena usually receives less rain than Temucoin October. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Cartagena 28°C (82°F) 
    Temuco 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Temuco and Cartagena

Cartagena Temuco
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (47°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)


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Cartagena vs. Temuco Travel Comparison

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