A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fortaleza vs. Puerto Madryn for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Fortaleza or Puerto Madryn?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Puerto Madryn 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: Fortaleza or Puerto Madryn?

Fortaleza

A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.

Puerto Madryn

Puerto Madryn is mostly known as the gateway to Peninsula Valdes, welcoming tourists who come for whale watching. The Peninsula Valdes is a nature reserve designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site; 97 km long and 63 km wide, it is connected to the continent by an isthmus of 35 km from which we can see both gulfs, San Jose at north and the Nuevo at south.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Camping Tours in Argentina, and The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Puerto Madryn or Fortaleza?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $83, while the average daily cost in Puerto Madryn is $61. 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 Fortaleza and Puerto Madryn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fortaleza $29
    Puerto Madryn $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fortaleza $58
    Puerto Madryn $82
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Puerto Madryn

Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza or Puerto Madryn? 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 Fortaleza


Hotels in Puerto Madryn


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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Puerto Madryn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fortaleza $20
    Puerto Madryn $2.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza

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

  • Transfer from Fortaleza Airport to Hotels in Orla Marítima: $8.62
  • Transfer to Beach Park: $11
  • Roundtrip transfer from Pinto Martins Airport to Hotels in Fortaleza: $17
  • Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $19
  • Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $28
  • Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Fortaleza Roundtrip Airport Transfers: $38
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Porto das Dunas: $39
  • Fortaleza Airport Private Transfer: $40
  • Private Transfer from Cumbuco to Fortaleza (FOR) Airport: $48
  • Fortaleza to Fortaleza Airport (FOR) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Cumbuco: $48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Madryn

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Madryn:

  • Puerto Madryn Airport Private Transfer: $216
  • From Punta Tombo Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $138
  • Trelew Airport Shuttle Transfer To Puerto Madryn : $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Puerto Madryn?

Prices for flights to both Puerto Madryn and Fortaleza 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
    Fortaleza $39
    Puerto Madryn $7.60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fortaleza $15
    Puerto Madryn $45

Tours and Activities in Fortaleza

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

  • Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $12
  • 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $12
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $14
  • Águas Belas Tour: $14
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $16
  • Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $17
  • Fortaleza Panoramic City Tour with visit to Cumbuco Beach: $19
  • Tour 3 Beaches in 1 day (Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes and Canoa Quebrada): $23
  • Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $23
  • Jericoacoara Tour in a Full Day - Leaving Fortaleza by Girafatur: $25
  • City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $25
  • Historical and Cultural City Tour of Fortaleza: $29

Tours and Activities in Puerto Madryn

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Madryn are as follows:

  • 3 hour 4x4 tour around Puerto Madryn: $110
  • Cruise Shore Exc. Ea San Lorenzo (Penguins) Lunch Included: $159
  • Cruise Shore Excursion Ea San Lorenzo Peninsula Valdes - Patagonia - Argentina: $159
  • Cruise Shore Excursion Peninsula Valdes - Box Lunch Included: $105
  • Cruise Shore Excursion Peninsula Valdes - Pto Madryn - Patagonia - Argentina: $95
  • Cruise Shore Excursion Pta Tombo (penguins): $105
  • Cruise Shore Excursion Punta Tombo - From Puerto Madryn Patagonia: $120
  • Cruise Shore Punta Loma and city overview: $83
  • Day trip in an all-terrain vehicle: 4x4 adventure + lunch at a Patagonian ranch: $160
  • Dolphin Watching Adventure: $105
  • El Doradillo Whale Watching Half-Day Tour from Puerto Madryn: $60
  • Exclusive Full Day Tour Penguin Colony in Punta Tombo from Madryn: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fortaleza $9.58
    Puerto Madryn $12


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

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


Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Puerto Madryn?

Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Puerto Madryn. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza and Puerto Madryn, 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 Fortaleza or Puerto Madryn?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Fortaleza or Puerto Madryn in the Summer?

Both Puerto Madryn and Fortaleza during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fortaleza for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Fortaleza is a little warmer than Puerto Madryn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fortaleza in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Puerto Madryn averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in January than Puerto Madryn. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. July to January is the dry season in Fortaleza. January to July is the rainy season in Fortaleza.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Puerto Madryn 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Puerto Madryn in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Puerto Madryn. Many visitors come to Fortaleza in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In April, Fortaleza is generally much warmer than Puerto Madryn. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 27°C (80°F), and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Fortaleza gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Puerto Madryn. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Fortaleza 27°C (80°F) 
    Puerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Puerto Madryn in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Puerto Madryn. Most visitors come to Fortaleza for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Fortaleza is much warmer than Puerto Madryn in the winter. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Puerto Madryn. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In the winter, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than Puerto Madryn. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Madryn receives 209 hours of full sun.

Fortaleza usually gets more rain in July than Puerto Madryn. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, July to January in Fortaleza is the dry season. January to July in Fortaleza is the rainy season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Fortaleza 26°C (79°F) 
    Puerto Madryn 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Puerto Madryn in the Spring?

Both Puerto Madryn and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Fortaleza because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Fortaleza is much warmer than Puerto Madryn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fortaleza in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Puerto Madryn averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In October, Fortaleza usually receives less rain than Puerto Madryn. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Puerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Puerto Madryn and Fortaleza

Fortaleza Puerto Madryn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 356 mm (14 in) 14°C (58°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 26°C (80°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (53°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)