Which place is cheaper, Lima or Mar del Plata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mar del Plata or Lima?
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 Lima can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Argentina, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMar del Plata $8.78Lima $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $8.78, while the average daily cost in Lima is $77. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMar del Plata $3.15Lima $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMar del Plata $6.30Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Mar del Plata or Lima? 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: Mar del Plata Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mar del Plata $2.50Lima $5.73
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Short Taxi Ride$4.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Private Transfer From Lima To Paracas With 2 Stops : $175
- Premium Peruvian Horse Show with Lunch & Transfers: $150
- Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $119
- Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
- Lima round trip transfers airport - hotel - airport + City Tour: $89
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima city hotels: $87
- Private Transfer from Lima city hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $87
- Private Largevan Transfer - Arrival Lima Airport to Hotel: $80
- Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $78
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port : $78
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Lima City - Lima Airport (LIM): $61
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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
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Food Meals for one dayMar del Plata $3.81Lima $18
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.34
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Ice cream$3.53
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Coffee$2.99
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Donut$0.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $33
- Lima Market Food Tour: $34
- Lima Market Food Tour - Taste 9 Popular Peruvian Snacks: $35
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
- Lima Night Food Tour: $48
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mar del Plata $2.27Lima $8.66
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$16
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Movie Tickets$2.31
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Lima in 1 Day! - City Tour + Miraflores, Barranco & San Isidro: $85
- Cultural Tour of the city of Lima & Gastronomic: $62
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
- 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $20
- 2d/1n Tour: Flight to the Nazca, Paracas and Huacachina Lines: $289
- 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
- 3 Day Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $159
- 3-Hour Guided Bicycle Tour in Miraflores: $30
- 3-Hour Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Lima: $51
- 360° Panoramic bus - Sightseeing Tour: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMar del Plata $1.78Lima $5.63
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.30
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Beer$4.07
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Cocktail$3.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $17
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Local Wine Tour: $50
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mar del Plata and Lima, we can see that Lima 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 Lima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lima 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 Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Mar del Plata. When comparing the sizes of Mar del Plata and Lima, 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 Lima?
Mar del Plata has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Mar del Plata during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
Mar del Plata is a little warmer than Lima in the summer. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 20°C (69°F) in January, and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Mar del Plata. In the summer, Mar del Plata often gets more sunshine than Limain July. Mar del Plata gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
Mar del Plata usually gets more rain in January than Limain July. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyMar del Plata 20°C (69°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and Lima. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Mar del Plata is cooler than Lima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mar del Plata in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Lima averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.
In April, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than Limain October. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberMar del Plata 15°C (59°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Lima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as Lima. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
In July, Mar del Plata is generally much colder than Limain January. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 9°C (47°F), and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Mar del Plata usually gets more rain in July than Limain January. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMar del Plata 9°C (47°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Mar del Plata are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Mar del Plata is much colder than Lima in the spring. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.
Mar del Plata usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lima during spring. Mar del Plata gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than Limain April. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilMar del Plata 13°C (56°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Mar del Plata
| Mar del Plata | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (69°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 9°C (48°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (47°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (49°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.