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

Should you visit La Plata or Valdivia?

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

Where Should I go: La Plata or Valdivia?

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.

Valdivia

Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.

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 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Plata and Valdivia, we can see that Valdivia is more expensive. And not only is La Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Valdivia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valdivia 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 Valdivia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Plata or Valdivia?

La Plata has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of La Plata and Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit La Plata or Valdivia in the Summer?

Both Valdivia and La Plata are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In January, La Plata is generally much warmer than Valdivia. Daily temperatures in La Plata average around 25°C (77°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Valdivia. La Plata usually receives less sunshine than Valdivia during summer. La Plata gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, La Plata usually receives more rain than Valdivia. La Plata gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Plata or Valdivia in the Autumn?

Both Valdivia and La Plata during the autumn are popular places to visit.

La Plata is much warmer than Valdivia in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Plata averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, La Plata often gets more sunshine than Valdivia. La Plata gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 132 hours of full sun.

Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. La Plata usually gets less rain in April than Valdivia. La Plata gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Plata or Valdivia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both La Plata and Valdivia.

In the winter, La Plata is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Plata in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Valdivia averages at about 7°C (45°F).

La Plata usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during winter. La Plata gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 66 hours of full sun in the winter.

Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, La Plata usually receives less rain than Valdivia. La Plata gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Plata or Valdivia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to La Plata as well as Valdivia.

In October, La Plata is generally much warmer than Valdivia. Daily temperatures in La Plata average around 18°C (64°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, La Plata often gets less sunshine than Valdivia. La Plata gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Valdivia. La Plata receives a lot of rain in the spring. La Plata usually gets less rain in October than Valdivia. La Plata gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Valdivia and La Plata