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

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Should you visit Cartagena or Ushuaia?

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 Ushuaia can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Cartagena or Ushuaia?

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.

Ushuaia

Ushuaia is a city on the Tierra del Fuego island of Argentina on the Beagle Strait. The city is considered to be one of the southernmost cities in the world and is often used as a base for cruises to Antarctica. Ushuaia's close proximity to Antarctica and their amazing hiking trails have made it a popular tourist destination over the past few decades.

Which city is cheaper, Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia is $43. 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 Ushuaia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cartagena $19
    Ushuaia $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cartagena $38
    Ushuaia $42
Compare Hotels in Cartagena and Ushuaia

Looking for a hotel in Cartagena or Ushuaia? 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 Ushuaia


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 Ushuaia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cartagena $5.16
    Ushuaia -

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

Typical Local Transportation prices in Ushuaia

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ushuaia

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

  • Overnight Ushuaia - Airport transfers, Tierra del Fuego National Park and Lakes!: $339
  • Private Airport Transfer: Malvinas Argentinas Int. Airport (USH) to Ushuaia: $14
  • Private Airport Transfer: Ushuaia to Malvinas Argentinas International (USH): $14
  • Private Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $54
  • Private Transfer Airport-Port or Port-Airport (Ushuaia): $55
  • Private Transfer Hotel-Bus Station or Bus Station-Hotel (Ushuaia): $27
  • Shared Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $22
  • Transfer Cerro Castor (Round Trip): $19
  • Transfer Ushuaia Airport - Hotel in Ushuaia - Ushuaia Airport: $35
  • Transfer Ushuaia Airport - Hotel in Ushuaia - Ushuaia Airport: $35
  • Ushuaia Airport Arrival Transfer: $15
  • Ushuaia Airport Departure Transfer: $18

Is it cheaper to fly into Cartagena or Ushuaia?

Prices for flights to both Ushuaia 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
    Ushuaia $8.13

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

Typical Food prices in Ushuaia

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ushuaia:


  • Lunch for Two
    $0.27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ushuaia

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

  • Esmeralda Lagoon Hiking Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $100
  • Meeting with Beavers and Lagoon Tour with Dinner: $176

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cartagena $15
    Ushuaia $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

Tours and Activities in Ushuaia

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

  • Ushuaia Double Decker Bus Tour: $16
  • Estancia Harberton Museum Admission Ticket: $25
  • Tierra del Fuego National Park Admission Ticket: $25
  • Tierra del Fuego National Park Half-Day Tour with Optional End of the World Train Ride: $32
  • City Tour: $32
  • City Tour "Bajo Cero" + Mini Trekking + Thematic Gallery: $37
  • Ushuaia City Half-Day Tour with optional Museums: $39
  • Ushuaia City Tour with Museums: $39
  • Double-Decker Sightseeing Tour: $39
  • Ushuaia-End of the World tour -National Park 4 hours (shared tour-): $40
  • Tierra Del Fuego National Park Tour: $42
  • City Tour of Ushuaia: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cartagena $6.33
    Ushuaia -

Typical Alcohol prices in Ushuaia

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ushuaia are as follows:


  • Wine
    $0.24
  • Beer
    $0.05

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Cartagena or Ushuaia?

Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia in the Summer?

Both Ushuaia and Cartagena during the summer are popular places to visit. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate.

In July, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Ushuaiain January. Temperatures in Cartagena average around 29°C (84°F), and Ushuaia stays around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Cartagena. In the summer, Cartagena often gets more sunshine than Ushuaiain January. Cartagena gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ushuaia receives 169 hours of full sun.

Cartagena usually gets more rain in July than Ushuaiain January. Cartagena gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Cartagena 29°C (84°F) 
    Ushuaia 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Cartagena or Ushuaia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cartagena and Ushuaia. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.

Cartagena is much warmer than Ushuaia in the autumn. The temperature in Cartagena is usually 27°C (81°F) in October, and Ushuaia stays around 6°C (43°F)in April.

Cartagena usually receives more sunshine than Ushuaia during autumn. Cartagena gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Ushuaia receives 74 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 Ushuaiain April. Cartagena gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F) 
    Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Cartagena or Ushuaia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cartagena as well as Ushuaia. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ushuaia. In the winter, Cartagena is much warmer than Ushuaia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cartagena in January are around 27°C (81°F), and Ushuaia is about 2°C (36°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 Ushuaiain July. Cartagena gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ushuaia receives 61 hours of full sun.

Cartagena usually gets less rain in January than Ushuaiain July. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Cartagena 27°C (81°F) 
    Ushuaia 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Cartagena or Ushuaia in the Spring?

Both Ushuaia and Cartagena are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate.

In April, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Ushuaiain October. Temperatures in Cartagena average around 28°C (82°F), and Ushuaia stays around 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. Cartagena usually receives more sunshine than Ushuaia during spring. Cartagena gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Ushuaia receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cartagena usually receives less rain than Ushuaiain October. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Cartagena 28°C (82°F) 
    Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Ushuaia and Cartagena

Cartagena Ushuaia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)


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