Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Fortaleza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Fortaleza or Punta Arenas?
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 Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas?
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.
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 Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.
-
Fortaleza Prices
Brazil PricesPunta Arenas Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFortaleza $86Punta Arenas $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $86, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $81. 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 Punta Arenas in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFortaleza $30Punta Arenas $33
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFortaleza $60Punta Arenas $66
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Punta Arenas
Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza 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.
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 Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fortaleza $21Punta Arenas $1.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza to Canoa Quebrada: $411
- Shared Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $240
- Private transfer in 4X4 Fortaleza A Jeri or Jeri A Fortaleza: $220
- Transfer 4x4 Fortaleza x Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara x Fortaleza: $210
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Icaraí-Amontada: $140
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Canoa Quebrada: $125
- Transfer 4 X 4 Fortaleza to Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara to Fortaleza: $120
- Shared Transfer from Fortaleza to Cumbuco: $117
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Flexeiras: $117
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Mundaú: $116
- Jericoacoara - Fortaleza x Jericoacoara transfer: $110
- Shared Transfer from Fortaleza to Aquiraz: $106
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales: $267
- Oneway Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport to Punta Arenas: $36
- Transfer Airport Punta Arenas: $30
- Punta Arenas Airport Transfer: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Punta Arenas?
Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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 dayFortaleza $41Punta Arenas $37
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
-
Donut$1.08
-
Dinner$26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Punta Arenas
For Punta Arenas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Chilean Cooking Classes + Wine at a Local’s Home: $113
- Punta Arenas : Typical Chilean Cooking Class + Chilean Wine: $120
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fortaleza $15Punta Arenas $6.62
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Águas Belas Tour: $15
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
- Beach Park Full-Day Trip Including Brief Tour of Fortaleza: $35
- Beach of Beautiful Waters + Barra Nova (including Buggy Tour): $52
- Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $20
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $24
- City Tour and Praia Futuro Beach: $163
- City-Tour Private in Fortaleza learn about acity and its history: $90
- Cumbuco Beach Tour: $12
- Cumbuco in 1 Day: Unforgettable Tour: $31
- Exploring Cumbuco: 1-Day Adventure: $31
- Fortaleza City Tour: $30
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- 5-Day Patagonia Fjords Cruise: Punta Arenas to Ushuaia: $1,980
- Adventure to the End of the World: King Penguins and Tierra del Fuego in 1 Day: $210
- Authentic Local Tour, Culture and Patagonian Viewpoints: $88
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Cruise Explorer Highlights in a Hurry: $49
- Cruises Shore Excursions : Highlights + Fort Bulnes: $185
- For Cruises: Magdalena Island (Penguins) for Private Groups: $4,200
- Fuerte Bulnes Shore Tour for Cruisers in Punta Arenas: $80
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $160
- Full-Day King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour from Punta Arenas: $140
- Guided Tour of Punta Arenas and Fort Bulnes: $300
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $163
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFortaleza $9.98Punta Arenas $5.00
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
-
Alcohol$7.54
When comparing the travel costs between Fortaleza and Punta Arenas, we can see that Fortaleza is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Punta Arenas?
Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Punta Arenas in the Summer?
Both Punta Arenas and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Fortaleza for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Fortaleza is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fortaleza in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 11°C (52°F).
It's quite sunny in Punta Arenas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Punta Arenas during summer. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In January, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Fortaleza is July to January. The rainy season in Fortaleza is January to July.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?
Both Punta Arenas and Fortaleza during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Punta Arenas. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 27°C (80°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In the autumn, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenas. Fortaleza gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in April than Punta Arenas. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures AprilFortaleza 27°C (80°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Punta Arenas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Punta Arenas. Most visitors come to Fortaleza for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Punta Arenas can be very cold. Fortaleza is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the winter. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).
In Fortaleza, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during winter. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. July to January in Fortaleza is the dry season. Also, January to July is the rainy season in Fortaleza.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JulyFortaleza 26°C (79°F)Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Punta Arenas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Punta Arenas. 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 Punta Arenas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fortaleza in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 7°C (44°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In the spring, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenas. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun.
Fortaleza usually gets less rain in October than Punta Arenas. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures OctoberFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Fortaleza
| Fortaleza | Punta Arenas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 356 mm (14 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 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.