Which place is cheaper, Valparaiso or Flores?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Flores or Valparaiso?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Flores and Valparaiso 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: Flores or Valparaiso?
Flores
The town of Flores is located in Peten, Guatemala. The main hub is located on an island on Lago Peten Itza, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. On the other side of the causeway are the towns of Santa Elena and San Benito, however, all three are often referred to as Flores. Most people visit the area for its proximity to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, though the town itself is also charming with colonial buildings and historic churches lining the cobbled streets.
Valparaiso
Valparaiso, often referred to as Valpo, is an attractive city on the Pacific Coast in Chile. The city has a population of about 300,000 and is only 120 kilometers west of Santiago. The city's main industries aside from tourism include shipping and petroleum refining.
Valparaiso is popular with travelers because of its bohemian culture and brightly colored homes. It also offers some wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Although the city is short on specific sights, the atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a wonderful place to visit.
Valparaiso has a mild Mediterranean climate that is comparable to San Francisco or Santa Barbara. The summer is dry but fog is common year around. Rain can be heavy during the winter season and snow falls occasionally in the highest parts of the city. Winds can also be strong during the winter months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in Guatemala, The Best 2-Week Tours in Guatemala, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFlores $33Valparaiso $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Flores is $33, while the average daily cost in Valparaiso is $66. 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 Flores and Valparaiso in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlores $8.62Valparaiso $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlores $17Valparaiso $72
Compare Hotels in Flores and Valparaiso
Looking for a hotel in Flores or Valparaiso? 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: Flores Hotel Prices and Valparaiso Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Flores $7.86Valparaiso $4.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Flores
Also for Flores, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bus transfer from Flores, Guatemala to Belize City: $20
- Belize, Caye Caulke, San Pedro Van/ Ferry Transfer: $20
- Private transfer Mundo Maya Airport to Flores Island Hotels: $10
- Round-Trip VIP Exclusive Transfer to Tikal from Flores: $137
- Tikal Transfer and Tour Guide From Flores: $60
- Transfer from Flores Guatemala to Caye Caulker Belize: $43
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Valparaiso
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Valparaiso are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$3.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valparaiso
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valparaiso:
- World Biggest Organic Winery Emiliana, Valparaiso & Transfer : $250
- Valparaiso to Santiago Private Transfer or Santiago to Valparaiso: $76
- Valparaiso Airport Private Transfer: $156
- Transfers from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to Santiago: $120
- Small group transfer from Valparaiso/S.Antonio+Tour in Santiago: $140
- Private Transfer from Viña del Mar to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $236
- Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City: $89
- Private Transfer from Valparaiso Port to Santiago Airport (SCL): $81
- Private Transfer from Valparaiso Hotel or port To Santiago Airport or Hotel: $107
- Private Transfer from Valparaiso Cruise Port to Santiago hotels: $81
- Private Transfer from San Antonio Port to Valparaiso or Viña del Mar.: $133
- Private Transfer Viña del Mar to Santiago Airport: $170
Is it cheaper to fly into Flores or Valparaiso?
Prices for flights to both Valparaiso and Flores 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 dayFlores $13Valparaiso $22
Typical Food Prices in Valparaiso
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Valparaiso:
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Empanada$1.89
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valparaiso
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valparaiso.
- Learn to Cook Like a Local: Private Cooking Class in a Viña del Mar Home: $102
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Flores $20Valparaiso $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Flores
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Flores's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Tikal Entrance (for 2)$39
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Map of Tikal$3.22
Tours and Activities in Flores
For Flores, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- From Tikal Guided Tour with Transportation: $25
- Shared Guided Sunset Tour in Yaxhá from Flores: $25
- Basic Tour to Tikal Includes Transportation and Guide Service: $25
- Yaxha: Shared Sunset Tour / Transportation & Guide: $25
- From Tikal Sunset Tour: $30
- Tikal Ruins Day Tour from Flores: $34
- Tikal Group Tour : $42
- Full Day Tikal Sunrise Tour from Flores and Archaeological Tour: $48
- Tikal National Park Full-Day Guided Tour from Flores: $55
- From Flores Guided Tour to Tikal with transportation + lunch: $75
- From Exclusive Tikal Group Tour: $77
- Tikal Day Tour: $90
Typical Entertainment Prices in Valparaiso
Here are a few typical costs in Valparaiso for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Boat Tour$4.19
Tours and Activities in Valparaiso
Here are a few actual costs in Valparaiso for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hour Walking Tour in Valparaiso: $35
- 3-Hour Bike Tour along the Coast of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso: $55
- Citybus Tour from Valparaíso (Viña del Mar, Reñaca and Concón): $33
- Cruise Port to Valparaiso & Casablanca: Drop-off in Santiago: $150
- Famous Valparaíso! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $35
- Famous Viña del Mar! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $35
- Full Day Private Walking Tour with a Native Guide & Public Transport: $100
- Guided Panoramic Tour in Valparaíso: $40
- Half-Day Chilean Pacific Coast Tour: Viña del Mar, Reñaca and Concón: $87
- Half-Day Valparaiso City Highlights Tour: $87
- Learn Urban Sketching while you tour Valparaíso: $35
- PRIVATE TOUR: Pre-Post Cruise Viña del Mar Valparaiso and Casablanca Winery tour: $155
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlores $21Valparaiso $7.79
Typical Alcohol Prices in Flores
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Flores are as follows:
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Two Margaritas$2.57
Typical Alcohol Prices in Valparaiso
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Valparaiso are as follows:
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Beer$1.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Valparaiso
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Valparaiso:
- Private Wine Tour in Valparaíso: $166
- Santiago: Valparaíso Walking Tour & Casablanca Wine Tasting: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Flores and Valparaiso, we can see that Valparaiso is more expensive. And not only is Flores much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Flores is in Central America and Valparaiso is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Flores would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Flores 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 Valparaiso would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valparaiso than you might in Flores.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Flores Expensive? and Is Valparaiso Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Flores or Valparaiso?
Valparaiso has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Flores. When comparing the sizes of Flores and Valparaiso, 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.
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.