A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Plata vs. San Ignacio for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit La Plata or San Ignacio?

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 Ignacio can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: La Plata or San Ignacio?

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 Ignacio

So you want a tropical getaway, but also don't want to lay around with nothing to do. You want an adventure! You want relaxation and exploration.

You want to visit the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.

This section of the Cayo region is really more of a jungle than a typical Belize beach getaway. Located close the ancient Mayan ruins on the western and inland side of Belize, this town is most popular for its many outdoor adventures including hiking, climbing, and caving!

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 Budget Tours to Belize, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize.


Which place is cheaper, San Ignacio or La Plata?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in La Plata is $8.62, while the average daily cost in San Ignacio is $72. 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 Ignacio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Plata $3.47
    San Ignacio $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Plata $6.94
    San Ignacio $38
Compare Hotels in La Plata and San Ignacio

Looking for a hotel in La Plata or San Ignacio? 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.

Hotels in La Plata


Hotels in San Ignacio


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 Ignacio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Plata $2.47
    San Ignacio $3.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:

  • From Van Transfer To Flores Peten in Guatemala: $20
  • San Ignacio Hotel to Belize City Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into La Plata or San Ignacio?

Prices for flights to both San Ignacio 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 $3.37
    San Ignacio $21
Typical Food Prices in La Plata

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


  • Ice Cream
    $0.01

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Ignacio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Ignacio.

  • Xunantunich & Food Tour with local chocolate experience: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Plata $2.16
    San Ignacio $100
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 Ignacio

Here are a few actual costs in San Ignacio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • ATV Excursions in Cayo with Waterfalls Experience: $174
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic: $125
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour from San Ignacio : $125
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal with Local Tour guide & Belizean Lunch: $120
  • Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $90
  • Caracol Maya Ruins Tour Including Rio On Pools, Rio Frio Cave and a Picnic Lunch: $125
  • Cave Canoeing with Local Tour Guide: $80
  • Cave Tubing Adventure at Nohoch Che'en and Jaguar Paw : $115
  • Cave Tubing and Zip line Adventure from San Ignacio: $144
  • Cave Tubing with local tour Guide and Belizean Lunch: $90
  • Deluxe Cave Tubing combo Adventure: $125
  • Farm Ride plus Xunantunich tour: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Plata $1.20
    San Ignacio $17


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

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 Ignacio Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, La Plata or San Ignacio?

La Plata has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of San Ignacio. When comparing the sizes of La Plata and San Ignacio, 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 La Plata or San Ignacio?

La Plata has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Ignacio experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit La Plata or San Ignacio in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to La Plata as well as San Ignacio. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Ignacio throughout the year.

La Plata is cooler than San Ignacio in the summer. The daily temperature in La Plata averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and San Ignacio fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. In the summer, La Plata often gets less sunshine than San Ignacioin July. La Plata gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Ignacio receives 226 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Ignacio. La Plata usually gets less rain in January than San Ignacioin July. La Plata gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    La Plata 25°C (77°F) 
    San Ignacio 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit La Plata or San Ignacio in the Autumn?

Both San Ignacio and La Plata are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Ignacio because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, La Plata is cooler than San Ignacio. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Plata in April average around 18°C (65°F), and San Ignacio averages at about 26°C (80°F)in October.

La Plata usually receives less sunshine than San Ignacio during autumn. La Plata gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while San Ignacio receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. In April, La Plata usually receives less rain than San Ignacioin October. La Plata gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    La Plata 18°C (65°F) 
    San Ignacio 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit La Plata or San Ignacio in the Winter?

Both San Ignacio and La Plata during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Ignacio year-round.

In July, La Plata is generally much colder than San Ignacioin January. Daily temperatures in La Plata average around 12°C (53°F), and San Ignacio fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

In the winter, La Plata often gets less sunshine than San Ignacioin January. La Plata gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Ignacio receives 199 hours of full sun.

San Ignacio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. La Plata usually gets less rain in July than San Ignacioin January. La Plata gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    La Plata 12°C (53°F) 
    San Ignacio 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit La Plata or San Ignacio in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Plata and San Ignacio. San Ignacio attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

La Plata is much colder than San Ignacio in the spring. The daily temperature in La Plata averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and San Ignacio fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Ignacio this time of the year. La Plata usually receives less sunshine than San Ignacio during spring. La Plata gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while San Ignacio receives 256 hours of full sun in the spring.

La Plata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, La Plata usually receives more rain than San Ignacioin April. La Plata gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    La Plata 18°C (64°F) 
    San Ignacio 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for San Ignacio and La Plata

La Plata San Ignacio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 101 mm (4 in) 24°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 243 mm (9.6 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 25°C (76°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)