A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cordoba vs. Punta Arenas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cordoba or Punta Arenas?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cordoba or Punta Arenas, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Cordoba or Punta Arenas?

Cordoba

Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.

Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Cordoba?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cordoba is $8.40, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $63. 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 Cordoba and Punta Arenas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cordoba $3.05
    Punta Arenas $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cordoba $6.10
    Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Cordoba and Punta Arenas

Looking for a hotel in Cordoba or Punta Arenas? 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 Cordoba


Hotels in Punta Arenas


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: Cordoba Hotel Prices and Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cordoba $2.08
    Punta Arenas $1.80
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cordoba

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

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

  • Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas

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

  • Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
  • Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $64
  • Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Cordoba or Punta Arenas?

Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas and Cordoba 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
    Cordoba $3.83
    Punta Arenas $21
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba

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


  • Empanadas
    $0.01
  • Sandwich
    $0.00
  • Ice Cream
    $0.00

Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas

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


  • Donut
    $1.05
  • Dinner
    $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cordoba $1.88
    Punta Arenas $6.44

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

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

  • Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $50
  • Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
  • Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
  • Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
  • Cordoba City Tour: $50
  • Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $62
  • Cordoba Cumbrecita Tour with Spanish Speaking Guide: $88
  • Cordoba Jesuit Legacy Tour: $87
  • Cumbrecita Tour: $88
  • El Inicio WineTour x 2 Pax (History and Wines): $85
  • Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
  • Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80

Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas

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

  • Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
  • Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
  • Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
  • King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
  • King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $138
  • Magallanes Forest and Club Andino Tour from Punta Arenas: $290
  • Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
  • Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
  • Mountain Bike Adventure in Punta Arenas: $192
  • Pali Aike Full-Day Adventure from Punta Arenas: $300
  • Private City Cruise Tour: $225
  • Private Half Day Punta Arenas City Tour From the Hotel only: $250

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cordoba $1.48
    Punta Arenas $4.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:

  • Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $119
  • Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $130
  • Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $150

Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:


  • Alcohol
    $7.34


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cordoba or Punta Arenas?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Cordoba and Punta Arenas, 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 Cordoba or Punta Arenas?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Cordoba or Punta Arenas in the Summer?

Both Punta Arenas and Cordoba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In January, Cordoba is generally cooler than Punta Arenas. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 10°C (50°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Punta Arenas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during summer. Cordoba gets 277 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Cordoba usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Cordoba gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F) 
    Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?

Both Punta Arenas and Cordoba during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Cordoba is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the autumn, Cordoba often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenas. Cordoba gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun.

Cordoba usually gets more rain in April than Punta Arenas. Cordoba gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Cordoba 16°C (61°F) 
    Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Punta Arenas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cordoba and Punta Arenas.

It's quite cold in Punta Arenas in the winter. In the winter, Cordoba is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cordoba in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during winter. Cordoba gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Cordoba usually receives less rain than Punta Arenas. Cordoba gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F) 
    Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Punta Arenas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cordoba as well as Punta Arenas.

In October, Cordoba is generally much warmer than Punta Arenas. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 19°C (66°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. In the spring, Cordoba often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenas. Cordoba gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun.

Cordoba usually gets more rain in October than Punta Arenas. Cordoba gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F) 
    Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Cordoba

Cordoba Punta Arenas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 1°C (35°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)