Which place is cheaper, El Calafate or Humahuaca?
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 Humahuaca or El Calafate?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Humahuaca or El Calafate? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Humahuaca or El Calafate?
Humahuaca
Located in the northwest region of Argentina, Humahuaca is a town nearly 3000m high in elevation, found on the border of the rio Grande. It is the largest settlement with the biggest population along the famous quebrada de Humahuaca gorge, but it has managed to keep its authenticity with its cobblestoned streets, adobe houses, quaint plazas filled with inhabitants of Andean traits and handicraft shops. If you have the chance to visit Humahuaca in February, during the carnival, you will appreciate how traditions are kept alive in this part of Argentina. Humahuaca has become a popular tourist destination in Argentina because of its beautiful setting next to the spectacular Serranía de Hornocal (colored mountains). While most visitors rapidly make their way through Humahuaca before continuing to the other two main Quebrada towns, Pumamarca and Tilcara, some enjoy spending a night or two there. Indeed, the town offers a perfect starting point to visit the region and has a few interesting landmarks not to miss, such as the historic church and Soto Avendano's Independence Monument. If you decide to stay in Humahuaca, remember that nights get chilly and ask the tourist office for any information (in the Cabildo, on the main square, opened Monday to Friday from 7h to 21h and Saturday from 9h to 12h and 13h to 16h and only Sunday mornings).
El Calafate
Located in Patagonia, El Calafate has become a popular tourist destination in Argentina because of its beautiful setting on the stunningly blue Lago Argentina. The town sits on the southern border of the lake in the southwestern part of the Santa Cruz Province. It's about 320 kilometers from Rio Gallegos.
The rise in popularity of Patagonia as a tourist destination has truly put this small town on the map. You'll find no shortage of trekkers in the town and it makes an excellent base to explore different parts of the Los Glaciares National Park. Popular places to visit include Perito Moreno Glacier, Cerro Chalten, and Cerro Torre.
El Calafate has a cold semi-arid climate. The summers are cool to warm and very dry while the winters are cold and damp. Lago Argentino has a significant influence over the town's climate. The shallow bay where the town is located is usually frozen during the winter months.
Check out our ultimate guide to Hiking in Patagonia.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina, The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina.
-
Humahuaca Prices
Argentina PricesEl Calafate Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHumahuaca $70El Calafate $73
The average daily cost (per person) in Humahuaca is $70, while the average daily cost in El Calafate is $73. 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 Humahuaca and El Calafate in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHumahuaca $54El Calafate $46
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHumahuaca $108El Calafate $92
Compare Hotels in Humahuaca and El Calafate
Looking for a hotel in Humahuaca or El Calafate? 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: El Calafate Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Humahuaca $4.39El Calafate $5.25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Humahuaca
Also for Humahuaca, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Salta: 2-Day Cachi and Humahuaca Tour with Transfer: $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Calafate
Also for El Calafate, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Perito Moreno Full Day Minitrekking with Transfer & Walkways: $558
- Perito Moreno Glacier Mini Trek with Transfer: $496
- Private Airport Transfer: $270
- "Todo Glaciares" Boat Tour + optional transfers from El Calafate : $205
- FTE Aiport transfer Group 4 to 6 people with luggage: $116
- Perito Moreno Glacier Expedition - Transfer & Guide inc.: $98
- Transfer to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate: $72
- Private Transfer: Calafate Airport to City Center: $59
- Roundtrip transfer in Private Car from Calafate Airport (FTE)- Calafate City: $49
- Private Airport Transfer in Calafate: $45
- Transfers Between Airport and Hotels: $44
- El Calafate Airport (FTE) Private Transfer to El Calafate City: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Humahuaca or El Calafate?
Prices for flights to both El Calafate and Humahuaca 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 dayHumahuaca $6.03El Calafate $8.37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in El Calafate
For El Calafate, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Argentine Dinner with Live Music Folklore -Estancia 25 de Mayo: $75
- Estancia 25 de Mayo Tour with Dinner & Transfer: $107
- Country Afternoon with Dinner Show - Estancia 25 de Mayo: $125
- Lakes and Caves Tour with Dinner and Wine Included: $182
- Estancia 25 de Mayo Experience with Dinner from Calafate: $190
- Lakes and Caves Tour with Dinner: $200
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Humahuaca $30El Calafate $65
Tours and Activities in Humahuaca
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Humahuaca.
- Hornocal: Full-Day Tour to the Hill of Seven Colors: $65
Tours and Activities in El Calafate
For El Calafate, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Argentine Cuisine Experience in El Calafate: $110
- 4 Days & 3 Nights El Calafate & El Chaltén Magical Adventure: $1,350
- Adventure Horseback Riding on Cerro Frias: $160
- CAÑADON EXPERIENCE - TREKKING & STAY - PRIVATE VEHICLE: $1,500
- CALAFATE: Panoramic tour: The best balconies of Calafate: $175
- Calafate Panoramic tour: The best balconies of Calafate 4x4: $185
- Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Boat Tour: $185
- DARWIN EXPERIENCE KAYAK & ADVENTURE: $240
- Darwin Experience: $245
- Day Tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate: $80
- EL CALAFATE Native experience lakes and caverns: $229
- El Calafate Balconies Experience: 3-Hour 4WD Tour: $131
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHumahuaca $7.15El Calafate $10
Sample the Local Flavors in El Calafate
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in El Calafate:
- Calafate Wine Tours | Pedestrian City Tour Paired with Wines: $85
When comparing the travel costs between Humahuaca and El Calafate, we can see that El Calafate 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 Humahuaca Expensive? and Is El Calafate Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Humahuaca or El Calafate?
Humahuaca has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of El Calafate. When comparing the sizes of Humahuaca and El Calafate, 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.