Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Huaraz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Huaraz or Punta Arenas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Huaraz and Punta Arenas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Huaraz or Punta Arenas?
Huaraz
Huaraz is a large town in the Cordillera Blanca region of Peru's Central Sierra. Huaraz stands tall at 3100m; travellers from Lima might need a day or two to acclimatize to the change in atmosphere. Nearly wiped out by the earthquake of 1970, the town of 100,000 blends a mix of modern and native culture. Huarez is first and foremost a trekking metropolis. During high season the streets buzz with hundreds of backpackers and adventurers freshly returned from arduous hikes or planning their next expedition. The town has many markets, shops, quality restaurants and hopping bars catering to tourist and local needs. Mountain adventures in the off-season can be equally rewarding, but the vibe is calmer and some places go into hibernation once the rains set in.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Peru, The Best 10-Day Tours in Peru, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHuaraz $50Punta Arenas $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Huaraz is $50, 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 Huaraz and Punta Arenas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHuaraz $20Punta Arenas $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHuaraz $40Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Huaraz and Punta Arenas
Looking for a hotel in Huaraz 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: Huaraz Hotel Prices and Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Huaraz $10Punta Arenas $1.80
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huaraz
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Huaraz are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$2.17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer - Punta Arenas Airport(PUQ) to Punta Arenas Port: $71
- Private Transfer - Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas Airport(PUQ): $71
- Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas hotels to Punta Arenas Port: $64
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Round-Trip Transfer: $66
- Punta Arenas Airport to Puerto Natales Private Transfer: $80
- Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
- Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ): $64
Is it cheaper to fly into Huaraz or Punta Arenas?
Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas and Huaraz 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 dayHuaraz $18Punta Arenas $21
Typical Food Prices in Huaraz
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Huaraz:
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Lunch$5.97
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Chips$1.49
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Huaraz $19Punta Arenas $6.44
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huaraz
Here are a few typical costs in Huaraz for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Climbing Gear$17
Tours and Activities in Huaraz
Here are a few actual costs in Huaraz for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 69 Lake Tour of Peru: $26
- Ancash: Adventure and Climbing to Mountain Alpamayo |6D-5N|: $3,303
- Ancash: Nevado pastors and puyas Raymondi Tour | Full Day |: $40
- Ancash: Trek and Adventure to Quillcayhuanca |3Days-2Nights|: $410
- From Ancash: Fantastic tour Huaraz/Nevado Pastoruri |4D-3N|: $192
- From Ancash: Huaraz Adventure with meals |3Days-2Nights|: $142
- From Ancash: Tour Huaraz with Puya Raymondi |4Days-3Nights|: $197
- From Ancash: Tour fantastic in Huaraz |2Days-1Night|: $92
- From Ancash: Tour in Huaraz with tickets and Hotel |5D-4N|: $250
- From Huaraz | Live an adventure between mountains and lakes: $214
- From Huaraz || Full day tour Laguna 69 in -Cordillera Blanca: $36
- From Chavín de Huantar fullday tour: $56
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- Half day traditional City Tour: $50
- City Sightseeing and Monuments Guided Tour: $52
- Regular city cruise tour: $65
- Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Punta Arenas Sightseeing Tour: $72
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $138
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
- Punta Arenas Private City Tour Shore Excursion: $155
- Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHuaraz $15Punta Arenas $4.86
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Huaraz and Punta Arenas, we can see that Punta Arenas is more expensive. And not only is Huaraz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Huaraz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Huaraz 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 Huaraz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Huaraz Expensive? and Is Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Huaraz or Punta Arenas?
Punta Arenas has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Huaraz. When comparing the sizes of Huaraz 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 Huaraz or Punta Arenas?
Punta Arenas has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Huaraz experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Huaraz or Punta Arenas in the Summer?
Both Punta Arenas and Huaraz during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Huaraz because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Huaraz can be very cold during summer. In July, Huaraz is generally much colder than Punta Arenasin January. Daily temperatures in Huaraz average around 3°C (37°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Huaraz usually gets more rain in July than Punta Arenasin January. Huaraz gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryHuaraz 3°C (37°F)Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Huaraz or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Huaraz and Punta Arenas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Huaraz year-round.
The weather in Huaraz can be very cold. Huaraz is much colder than Punta Arenas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Huaraz averages around 4°C (39°F) in October, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F)in April.
In October, Huaraz usually receives more rain than Punta Arenasin April. Huaraz gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilHuaraz 4°C (39°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Huaraz or Punta Arenas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Huaraz as well as Punta Arenas. Huaraz attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Punta Arenas. In the winter, Huaraz is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Huaraz in January average around 7°C (45°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 1°C (35°F)in July.
Huaraz receives a lot of rain in the winter. Huaraz usually gets more rain in January than Punta Arenasin July. Huaraz gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyHuaraz 7°C (45°F)Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Huaraz or Punta Arenas in the Spring?
Both Punta Arenas and Huaraz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Huaraz throughout the year.
In April, Huaraz is generally cooler than Punta Arenasin October. Daily temperatures in Huaraz average around 6°C (43°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In April, Huaraz usually receives more rain than Punta Arenasin October. Huaraz gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberHuaraz 6°C (43°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Huaraz
| Huaraz | Punta Arenas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 7°C (45°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 8°C (46°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 5°C (41°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 4°C (39°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 3°C (37°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 3°C (37°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 4°C (39°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 112 mm (4.4 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.