Should I Visit La Plata or San Carlos de Bariloche for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit La Plata or San Carlos de Bariloche?

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 La Plata and San Carlos de Bariloche can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: La Plata or San Carlos de Bariloche?

La Plata

Just over an hour from Buenos Aires, the bustling university city of La Plata is notable for being South America's first planned city. Indeed, also known as the City of Diagonal, La Plata's intricate grid system includes diagonal streets that run through it, contributing to easy navigation but confusing intersections.La Plata is the Capital of the Province of Buenos Aires, the main Argentine state, so you will find lots of elaborate government buildings alongside leafy green plazas in this laid back as well as active city. La Plata is a happening university town with a population of over 700,000. You can walk the width of it in under an hour, stopping at trendy craft beer bars, local music joints, and great restaurants along the way. Also, football is a religion in Argentina and if you're looking for some local atmosphere, La Plata is the place to go! Two of Argentina's biggest football teams, Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata and Estudiantes de La Plata challenge each other each year. If you are around during that special day for the city, you will witness thousands of fans wearing the relevant colours heading off to watch the match and parade by calle 7.

San Carlos de Bariloche

Set in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Argentina, San Carlos de Bariloche is the biggest city in the Lake District. Bariloche is popular for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and trekking, swimming, fishing and horseback riding in the summertime.

No matter the time of year, there is something for everyone in Bariloche. Skiing season begins from June to October while fishing season is from November to April. Summer is from December to March, but visiting during low seasons (Spring in October to December and Autumn in late-April to mid-June) also has its benefits when it comes to saving cash and avoiding crowds.

Check out our ultimate guide to Hiking in Patagonia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina, and The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina.

Which place is cheaper, San Carlos de Bariloche or La Plata?

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

La Plata Prices
Argentina Prices

San Carlos de Bariloche Prices
Argentina Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

La Plata $9.25

San Carlos de Bariloche $7.87

The average daily cost (per person) in La Plata is $9.25, while the average daily cost in San Carlos de Bariloche is $7.87. 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 La Plata and San Carlos de Bariloche in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

La Plata $2.89

San Carlos de Bariloche $2.23
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

La Plata $5.78

San Carlos de Bariloche $4.46

Compare Hotels in La Plata and San Carlos de Bariloche

Looking for a hotel in La Plata or San Carlos de Bariloche? 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: La Plata Hotel Prices and San Carlos de Bariloche Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

La Plata $2.06

San Carlos de Bariloche $1.90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Carlos de Bariloche

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Carlos de Bariloche:

Bariloche Airport BRC to Cerro Catedral RoundTrip Transfer: $189
Private Transfer from Cascada Los Alerces to Bariloche (BRC) Airport: $157
Private Transfer from Bariloche (BRC) Airport to Villa Traful: $157
Private Transfer from Hotel Tronador to Bariloche (BRC) Airport: $157
Private Transfer from Bariloche (BRC) Airport to Hotel Tronador: $157
Private Transfer Bariloche Airport to Bariloche or Villa La Angostura by minibus: $149
Private Transfer Bariloche or Villa La Angostura to Bariloche Airport by Minibus: $149
BARILOCHE: PRIVATE TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT TO CITY CENTER: $135
Private Transfer from Bariloche (BRC) Airport to Lago Correntoso: $131
Private Transfer from Bariloche (BRC) Airport to Villa La Angostura: $131
Private Transfer Bariloche or Villa La Angostura to Bariloche Airport BRC by van: $124
Cerro Catedral to Bariloche Airport (BRC) - Departure Transfer: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into La Plata or San Carlos de Bariloche?

Prices for flights to both San Carlos de Bariloche and La Plata 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

La Plata $4.87

San Carlos de Bariloche $4.01

Typical Food Prices in La Plata

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to La Plata:

Ice Cream

$0.01

Typical Food Prices in San Carlos de Bariloche

Some typical examples of dining costs in San Carlos de Bariloche are as follows:

Pastries

$0.01
Empanadas

$0.03

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

La Plata $1.80

San Carlos de Bariloche $2.55

Typical Entertainment Prices in La Plata

For La Plata, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:

Sciencias Naturales Museum Entrance Fee

$0.01

Tours and Activities in San Carlos de Bariloche

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Carlos de Bariloche are as follows:

2-Days Experience Bariloche with Airfare from Buenos Aires: $1,690
4-Hour Guided Tour of the Small Circuit: $60
Adventure in El Manso Horseback Riding in the Heart of Patagonia: $250
Adventure to Cerro Tronador and Black Ventisquero from Bariloche: $114
Bariloche Horseback Riding & Traditional Argentine Barbecue Tour: $193
Bariloche San Martin de los Andes and Seven Lakes Road Tour: $150
Bariloche TOUR Cerro Catedral with ascent and guide: $150
Bariloche: Beer Tour through 3 breweries: $181
Bariloche: Blest Port and Cantaros Waterfall Tour : $190
Bariloche: Cerro Tronador and Ventisquero Negro Glacier Tour: $77
Bariloche: Cerro Tronador and Ventisquero Negro Tour: $113
Bariloche: Full-Day El Bolsón and Puelo Lake Tour: $72

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

La Plata $1.00

San Carlos de Bariloche $1.53

Typical Alcohol Prices in San Carlos de Bariloche

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in San Carlos de Bariloche from other travelers:

Beer

$0.01

Sample the Local Flavors in San Carlos de Bariloche

Also in San Carlos de Bariloche, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

Bariloche: Patagonian Experience wine tasting: $80
Bariloche: Wine Tasting Winehouse Experience: $100

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Plata Expensive? and Is San Carlos de Bariloche Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Plata or San Carlos de Bariloche?

La Plata has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of San Carlos de Bariloche. When comparing the sizes of La Plata and San Carlos de Bariloche, 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.

A Travel Price Comparison for Argentina La Plata vs. San Carlos de Bariloche for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit La Plata or San Carlos de Bariloche?

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

Where Should I go: La Plata or San Carlos de Bariloche?

La Plata

San Carlos de Bariloche

Which place is cheaper, San Carlos de Bariloche or La Plata?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in La Plata and San Carlos de Bariloche

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Carlos de Bariloche

Is it cheaper to fly into La Plata or San Carlos de Bariloche?

Food

Typical Food Prices in La Plata

Typical Food Prices in San Carlos de Bariloche

Entertainment

Typical Entertainment Prices in La Plata

Tours and Activities in San Carlos de Bariloche

Alcohol

Typical Alcohol Prices in San Carlos de Bariloche

Sample the Local Flavors in San Carlos de Bariloche

Which is Bigger, La Plata or San Carlos de Bariloche?

Related Articles for La Plata

Related Articles for San Carlos de Bariloche

A Travel Price Comparison for Argentina La Plata vs. San Carlos de Bariloche for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit La Plata or San Carlos de Bariloche?

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

Where Should I go: La Plata or San Carlos de Bariloche?

La Plata

San Carlos de Bariloche

Which place is cheaper, San Carlos de Bariloche or La Plata?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in La Plata and San Carlos de Bariloche

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Carlos de Bariloche

Is it cheaper to fly into La Plata or San Carlos de Bariloche?

Food

Typical Food Prices in La Plata

Typical Food Prices in San Carlos de Bariloche

Entertainment

Typical Entertainment Prices in La Plata

Tours and Activities in San Carlos de Bariloche

Alcohol

Typical Alcohol Prices in San Carlos de Bariloche

Sample the Local Flavors in San Carlos de Bariloche

Which is Bigger, La Plata or San Carlos de Bariloche?

Related Articles for La Plata

Related Articles for San Carlos de Bariloche

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