Which place is cheaper, El Chalten or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Grand Cayman or El Chalten?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Grand Cayman and El Chalten. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Grand Cayman or El Chalten?
Grand Cayman
When people think of the Cayman Islands, they typically think of offshore bank accounts and sunny, cruise ship ports. Grand Cayman has more to offer travelers than a playground for the wealthy or a short stopover for cruise passengers. This tropical island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, it is a shopper's heaven, a center for global finance and an ideal vacation spot.
El Chalten
El Chalten is probably one of the most beautiful areas of Patagonia, especially at the slightest ray of sunshine and one of your cheapest destination while you are travelling in Patagonia. Indeed, you will spend your days hiking and there are no park fees. There are restaurants, souvenir shops, and outdoor stores but most of them will not accept credit cards so before heading out, get cash in El Calafate or your previous stop. For the beginners, it will be long hikes in a magical setting and for the experts perhaps a week long expedition to the greatest glaciers of the world. To discover the way people live in the pampa, you may also decide to stay at an Estancia. In the stunning Estancia Santa Thelma, about 300km away from El Chalten, you will be able to explore the surroundings by horse, live a unique experience in the middle of the nature and its vast plains occupied by thousands of merino sheep and horses and of course eat a typical meal of the region.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina, and The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $214El Chalten $9.93
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, while the average daily cost in El Chalten is $9.93. 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 Grand Cayman and El Chalten in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150El Chalten $4.42
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300El Chalten $8.84
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and El Chalten
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman or El Chalten? 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: Grand Cayman Hotel Prices and El Chalten Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31El Chalten $2.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or El Chalten?
Prices for flights to both El Chalten and Grand Cayman 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 dayGrand Cayman $39El Chalten $3.66
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41El Chalten $2.66
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- West Bay Sightseeing Tour Plus Seven Mile Beach Visit: $45
- Stingraycity Adventure: $69
- Starfish and Stingray City Fun Tour with Reef Snorkeling- 3 stops: $69
- Stingray City Experience Plus One Snorkeling Stop: $69
- Stingray City Sandbar, Coral Gardens and 7-Mile Beach Tour: $70
- Stingray City Experience Plus Two Snorkeling Stops on Grand Cayman: $75
- Stingrays, Starfish and Snorkeling Tour: $75
- Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
- Grand Cayman - Bioluminescent Bay Tour: $95
- Cayman Adventure: Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Gardens: $99
- West Island Guided Tour with Entry Tickets: $120
Tours and Activities in El Chalten
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for El Chalten are as follows:
- 3 Hours Grilled Lamb Experience in Estancia Bonanza: $55
- Rafting experience on the Rio de las Vueltas in Patagonia: $90
- Rio de las Vueltas Rafting Experience - El Chalten: $90
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13El Chalten $1.22
Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:
-
Beer$4.97
Sample the Local Flavors in Grand Cayman
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Grand Cayman:
- Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass Ticket Only: $24
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand Cayman and El Chalten, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is El Chalten much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and El Chalten 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 El Chalten would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in El Chalten 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 Grand Cayman would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grand Cayman than you might in El Chalten.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Grand Cayman Expensive? and Is El Chalten Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Grand Cayman or El Chalten?
El Chalten has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Grand Cayman experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Grand Cayman or El Chalten in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as El Chalten. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as El Chalten. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and El Chalten averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in El Chalten. Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in July than El Chaltenin January. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)El Chalten 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or El Chalten in the Autumn?
Both El Chalten and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.
In October, Grand Cayman is generally a little warmer than El Chaltenin April. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and El Chalten fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in El Chalten. It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In October, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than El Chaltenin April. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)El Chalten 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or El Chalten in the Winter?
Both El Chalten and Grand Cayman during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Grand Cayman is much warmer than El Chalten in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and El Chalten fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in July.
Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in January than El Chaltenin July. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)El Chalten 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or El Chalten in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and El Chalten. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.
In the spring, Grand Cayman is a little warmer than El Chalten. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and El Chalten averages at about 22°C (72°F)in October.
El Chalten receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than El Chaltenin October. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)El Chalten 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for El Chalten and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | El Chalten | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.