Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Managua 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 Managua and Punta Arenas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or Punta Arenas?
Managua
Managua is the capital, and largest city in Nicaragua. The economy is generally centered around the trade of coffee, cotton, and other types of agriculture. It also is a textile capital for the area. Managua is also a very reasonably priced destination in Central America. Restaurants and hotels are quite affordable and you'll find all kinds of international cuisine around the city. Transportation is also incredibly affordable and you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised at the cost of intercity bus rides.
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 Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, 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 dayManagua $55Punta Arenas $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, 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 Managua and Punta Arenas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23Punta Arenas $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Managua and Punta Arenas
Looking for a hotel in Managua 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: Managua Hotel Prices and Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20Punta Arenas $1.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
- Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
- Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $64
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Punta Arenas?
Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas and Managua 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 dayManagua $17Punta Arenas $21
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.Managua $16Punta Arenas $6.44
Tours and Activities in Managua
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Managua.
- 3 full days PRIVATE tour at Granada, Masaya and Leon area from Managua: $210
- Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $88
- Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.: $155
- Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
- Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
- Leon City and Rum Tasting Tour from Managua: $215
- Managua City Tour: $88
- Managua City Tour: $84
- Managua Love Stories: A Romantic Tour: $189
- Managua Love Stories: A Walking Tour: $97
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $164
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $321
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- Magallanes Forest and Club Andino Tour from Punta Arenas: $290
- Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
- Mountain Bike Adventure in Punta Arenas: $192
- Pali Aike Full-Day Adventure from Punta Arenas: $300
- Private City Cruise Tour: $225
- Private Half Day Punta Arenas City Tour From the Hotel only: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11Punta 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 comparing the travel costs between Managua and Punta Arenas, we can see that Punta Arenas 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. Even though Managua is in Central America and Punta Arenas is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Managua Expensive? and Is Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or Punta Arenas?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Managua 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 Managua or Punta Arenas?
Punta Arenas has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Managua experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Managua or Punta Arenas in the Summer?
Both Punta Arenas and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
In July, Managua is generally much warmer than Punta Arenasin January. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 27°C (81°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite sunny in Punta Arenas. Managua usually receives less sunshine than Punta Arenas during summer. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Managua. In July, Managua usually receives more rain than Punta Arenasin January. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManagua 27°C (81°F)Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Managua or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?
Both Punta Arenas and Managua during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Managua is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F)in April.
In the autumn, Managua often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenasin April. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually gets more rain in October than Punta Arenasin April. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilManagua 27°C (81°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Managua or Punta Arenas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Punta Arenas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Punta Arenas. In the winter, Managua is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Managua in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 1°C (35°F)in July.
In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. Managua usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during winter. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Managua usually receives less rain than Punta Arenasin July. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyManagua 26°C (79°F)Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Managua or Punta Arenas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Managua as well as Punta Arenas. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Managua is generally much warmer than Punta Arenasin October. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 29°C (84°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In the spring, Managua often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenasin October. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun.
Managua usually gets less rain in April than Punta Arenasin October. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberManagua 29°C (84°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Managua
| Managua | Punta Arenas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.