Which place is cheaper, Valdivia or Cartagena?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Cartagena or Valdivia?
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 Valdivia can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Cartagena or Valdivia?
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.
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 Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Chile.
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Cartagena Prices
Colombia PricesValdivia Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCartagena $55Valdivia $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Cartagena is $55, while the average daily cost in Valdivia is $84. 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 Cartagena and Valdivia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCartagena $27Valdivia $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCartagena $54Valdivia $80
Compare Hotels in Cartagena and Valdivia
Looking for a hotel in Cartagena 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.
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 Valdivia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cartagena $7.46Valdivia $8.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Cartagena Tour Privado x5 horas con Transfers: $276
- Cartagena to Santa Marta Private Transfer Service: $268
- Private transfer from Cartagena to Santa Marta or viceversa: $250
- Private Transfer from Cartagena Airport (CTG) to Santa Marta Port: $220
- Private Transfer from Cartagena hotels to Santa Marta Cruise Port: $220
- Private Transfer from Santa Marta Cruise Port to Cartagena hotels: $211
- Private Transfer from Cartagena Hotels to Santa Marta Cruise Port: $210
- Private Transfer from Cartagena Airport (CTG) to Santa Marta Port: $210
- Cartagena to or from Palomino Private Transfer: $198
- Cartagena Tour Privado x3 horas con Transfers: $197
- Cartagena to or from Tayrona Park Private Transfer: $188
- Cartagena to or from Minca Private Transfer: $178
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia
Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Cartagena or Valdivia?
Prices for flights to both Valdivia 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
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Food Meals for one dayCartagena $17Valdivia $37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Cartagena Fritters Cooking Class – by Lunático Experience: $23
- Street food tour Cartagena: $40
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $42
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $44
- Traditional cooking class in a restaurant in the historic center: $45
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $47
- Flavors of Colombia: Cooking Class with Chef Andrés: $52
- Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $52
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Food Tour of the Old City Flavors and Culture: $59
- Dinner Cruise Along Cartagena's Bay: $60
- Cartagena Island Dinner (Island of Tierra Bomba): $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cartagena $21Valdivia $13
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cartagena City Tour & Convento de la Popa (AM): $40
- Palenque Native Guide, free entrance tickets, dance show & lunch: $110
- Palmarito Tour with Private Beach, Pools and Full Food: $66
- Playa Morena Beach Club Whith Lunch And Walking tour of fort San Fernando: $43
- Private city tour: $197
- Shore excursion Accessible sightseeing tour : $170
- Walking Tour of Cartagena Including a Colombian Cup of Coffee: $160
- 16. Punta Arena Tour (Tierra Bomba Island): $25
- 2 hrs Tour in Cartagena Bay with Sunset View: $30
- 2-Hour Cartagena Bay Tour: $30
- 2-Hour Color and Art Tour in Getsemani: $65
- 2-Hour Private Tour of Bazurto Market: $65
Tours and Activities in Valdivia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.
- City Tour in Valdivia: $26
- Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
- Huilo Huilo Reserve Tour from Valdivia with Lunch: $68
- Huilo Huilo Hot Springs Tour from Valdivia with Lunch: $80
- Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $89
- Private City Tour: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCartagena $9.17Valdivia $4.79
Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena
Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Open Bar Sunset Cruise with Bar Crawl After Party: $16
- Group Night Experience: Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $21
- Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $21
- Getsemaní Pub Crawl with Shots and Dance Class: $22
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $24
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Centro Histórico Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $29
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
- Pub Crawl-Last Call For Alcohol-Cartagena Night Tour (Bar/Club) : $50
- Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena : $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cartagena and Valdivia, we can see that Valdivia 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 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 Cartagena.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cartagena Expensive? and Is Valdivia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cartagena or Valdivia?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of Cartagena 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.
When is the best time to visit Cartagena or Valdivia?
Valdivia has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cartagena experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Cartagena or Valdivia in the Summer?
Both Valdivia and Cartagena during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Valdiviain January. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 29°C (84°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In Valdivia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cartagena. In the summer, Cartagena often gets less sunshine than Valdiviain January. Cartagena gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 296 hours of full sun.
Cartagena usually gets more rain in July than Valdiviain January. Cartagena gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCartagena 29°C (84°F)Valdivia 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Valdivia in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cartagena and Valdivia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Cartagena is much warmer than Valdivia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in April.
Cartagena usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during autumn. Cartagena gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 132 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cartagena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cartagena usually receives more rain than Valdiviain April. Cartagena gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCartagena 27°C (81°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Valdivia in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cartagena as well as Valdivia. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Cartagena is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cartagena in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Valdivia averages at about 7°C (45°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 Valdiviain July. Cartagena gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 66 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Valdivia. Cartagena usually gets less rain in January than Valdiviain July. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCartagena 27°C (81°F)Valdivia 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Valdivia in the Spring?
Both Valdivia and Cartagena are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
In April, Cartagena is generally much warmer than Valdiviain October. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 28°C (82°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. Cartagena usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valdivia during spring. Cartagena gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. In April, Cartagena usually receives less rain than Valdiviain October. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCartagena 28°C (82°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Valdivia and Cartagena
| Cartagena | Valdivia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
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.