A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mar del Plata vs. Asuncion for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mar del Plata or Asuncion?

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 Mar del Plata and Asuncion can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Asuncion?

Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata is found only 404 km southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, on the Atlantic coast. Today Mar Del Plata is Argentina‘s most well known beach resort. It has successfully married the two worlds of beach and city into a fun, cosmopolitan urban center with the presence of highly developed tourist infrastructure. Founded in 1874, Mar del Plata was at first mainly an industrial and commercial center before becoming a vacation destination for Argentinians. For a peaceful trip and intimate oceanfront promenades, avoid visiting Mar del Plata during summer time, as the gorgeous arced coastline will be crawling with visitors. But the city is more than just beaches. It also offers some culture, lively nightlife, and great food.

Asuncion

Asuncion is a vastly underrated city. It is the capital but also the administrative economic and cultural center of Paraguay. It is located in the south central part of the country, near the border with Argentina and it is one of the oldest cities in South America, with people living here since almost 500 years. The city has a beautiful and simple center, with a few unique colonial and beaux arts buildings, international cuisine, shady plazas and friendly people. Its handful of historic buildings around the Plaza de los Heroes, Plaza Uruguaya and Manzana de la Ribera, two or three small museums, old bars and cafes, but also smart suburbs, ritzy shopping malls and fashionable nightclubs will keep you entertained for a day or two. It is a very charming city for travellers and apart from the sights, the city boasts a good tourist infrastructure with hotels and restaurants.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina, and The Best Budget Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Asuncion or Mar del Plata?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $8.78, while the average daily cost in Asuncion is $68. 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 Mar del Plata and Asuncion in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mar del Plata $3.15
    Asuncion $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mar del Plata $6.30
    Asuncion $44
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Asuncion

Looking for a hotel in Mar del Plata or Asuncion? 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 Mar del Plata


Hotels in Asuncion


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: Mar del Plata Hotel Prices and Asuncion Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.50
    Asuncion $8.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asuncion

Also for Asuncion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $59
  • RoundTrip Private Transfer Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $52
  • Transfer in private minivan from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $29
  • Transfer in private minivan Asuncion City - Silvio Pettirosi Airport (ASU): $29
  • Transfer in Private Car from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $21
  • Transfer in private car from Asuncion City - Asuncion Airport (ASU): $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or Asuncion?

Prices for flights to both Asuncion and Mar del 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
    Mar del Plata $3.81
    Asuncion $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.27
    Asuncion $16

Tours and Activities in Asuncion

For Asuncion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Asunción Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
  • Asuncion Birding Tour: $70
  • Birding and Nature Chaco Tour: $140
  • Crystal Fall - day tour in a reduced group: $120
  • Day Tour “Cerrito”: $231
  • Day tour “Circuito San Bernardino”: $214
  • Day tour “Circuito Sapucai”: $221
  • Day tour “Pai Pukú”: $230
  • Day tour to “National Park Ybycuí”: $265
  • Full day Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour: $207
  • Golden Triangle Tour: $110
  • Half-Day Yparacai Lake Tour from Asuncion with Pick Up: $185

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mar del Plata $1.78
    Asuncion $10

Typical Alcohol Prices in Asuncion

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Asuncion are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.22


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mar del Plata Expensive? and Is Asuncion Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Asuncion?

Asuncion has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mar del Plata. When comparing the sizes of Mar del Plata and Asuncion, 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 Mar del Plata or Asuncion?

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 Mar del Plata or Asuncion in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and Asuncion.

Mar del Plata is cooler than Asuncion in the summer. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 20°C (69°F) in January, and Asuncion fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asuncion this time of the year. In Mar del Plata, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mar del Plata usually receives less sunshine than Asuncion during summer. Mar del Plata gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Asuncion receives 249 hours of full sun in the summer.

Asuncion receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Asuncion. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Asuncion receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Mar del Plata 20°C (69°F) 
    Asuncion 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Asuncion in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as Asuncion.

In the autumn, Mar del Plata is much colder than Asuncion. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mar del Plata in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Asuncion averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite rainy in Asuncion. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in April than Asuncion. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Asuncion receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Mar del Plata 15°C (59°F) 
    Asuncion 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Asuncion in the Winter?

Both Asuncion and Mar del Plata are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In July, Mar del Plata is generally much colder than Asuncion. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 9°C (47°F), and Asuncion fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In July, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than Asuncion. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Asuncion receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Mar del Plata 9°C (47°F) 
    Asuncion 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Asuncion in the Spring?

Both Asuncion and Mar del Plata during the spring are popular places to visit.

Mar del Plata is much colder than Asuncion in the spring. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Asuncion fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Asuncion, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Mar del Plata often gets less sunshine than Asuncion. Mar del Plata gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asuncion receives 206 hours of full sun.

Asuncion gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in October than Asuncion. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Asuncion receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Mar del Plata 13°C (56°F) 
    Asuncion 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Asuncion and Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata Asuncion
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (69°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Jun 9°C (48°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 9°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 9°C (49°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 75 mm (3 in) 26°C (79°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)