Which place is cheaper, Puerto Varas or Mar del Plata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mar del Plata vs. Puerto Varas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Mar del Plata or Puerto Varas?
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 Puerto Varas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Puerto Varas?
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.
Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas is a city in Southern Chile, in the Los Lagos (Lakes) Region, Llanquihue Province. It is a charming town, only 23 km away from Puerto Montt and surrounded by the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes as well as the impressive Llanquihue lake. In terms of landscape, accommodation and activities, Puerto Varas is well served! Kayak, paddle, canyoning, rock climbing, trekking, ski, fishing, you name it! If you decide to stop in that area, we recommend that you stay in Puerto Varas, as it provides the perfect starting point for many memorable excursions in the area.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMar del Plata $22Puerto Varas $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $22, while the average daily cost in Puerto Varas is $119. 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 Puerto Varas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMar del Plata $7.74Puerto Varas $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMar del Plata $15Puerto Varas $148
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Puerto Varas
Looking for a hotel in Mar del Plata or Puerto Varas? 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 Puerto Varas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mar del Plata $6.13Puerto Varas $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Varas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Varas:
- Puerto Varas Airport Private Transfer: $55
- Transfer from Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport: $50
- Puerto Varas Airport Shuttle Transfer: $34
- Transfer from Hotel in Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport: $24
- Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) - Departure Transfer: $23
- Frutillar to Puerto Montt Airport PMC- Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport: $22
- Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $21
- Frutillar to Puerto Airport (PMC) - Departure Private Transfer: $21
- Cruce Andino Office Private Transfer from Puerto Varas: $21
- Puerto Varas Bus Terminal Private Transfer: $20
- Cruce Andino Office Shuttle Transfer from Puerto Varas: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or Puerto Varas?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Varas 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 $9.35Puerto Varas $27
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mar del Plata $5.57Puerto Varas $21
Tours and Activities in Puerto Varas
Here are a few actual costs in Puerto Varas for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Adventure Fullday Tour Osorno Volcano and Saltos de Petrohue National Park: $150
- Cochamo Swings and Waterfall Tour Chiloe Island: $80
- From Puerto Montt or Osorno Volcano Tour: $31
- From Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt: Chiloé Island Tour: $60
- From Osorno Volcano & Petrohue Falls Day Tour: $49
- Frutillar & Llanquihue Private Tour from Puerto Varas: $113
- Frutillar Bike Tour from Puerto Varas: $75
- Full Day Canyoning Adventure From Puerto Varas: $142
- Full Day Tour to Peulla: $98
- Full-Day Osorno Vulcano and Petrohue Falls Small-Group Tour: $80
- Greater Island Chiloe Tour from Puerto Varas: $376
- Half Day Frutillar Tour from Puerto Varas: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMar del Plata $4.36Puerto Varas $7.12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mar del Plata and Puerto Varas, we can see that Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Puerto Varas than you might in Mar del Plata.
Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Puerto Varas?
Mar del Plata is bigger, and its population is about 22.2 times larger than the population of Puerto Varas. When comparing the population of Mar del Plata vs. Puerto Varas, 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 and the activities that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Mar del Plata or Puerto Varas?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Puerto Varas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as Puerto Varas.
In the summer, Mar del Plata is a little warmer than Puerto Varas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mar del Plata in January average around 20°C (69°F), and Puerto Varas averages at about 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Puerto Varas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mar del Plata this time of the year. In the summer, Mar del Plata often gets more sunshine than Puerto Varas. Mar del Plata gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 204 hours of full sun.
Mar del Plata usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Puerto Varas. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryMar del Plata 20°C (69°F)Puerto Varas 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Puerto Varas in the Autumn?
Both Puerto Varas and Mar del Plata are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In April, Mar del Plata is generally a little warmer than Puerto Varas. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 15°C (59°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Varas. In April, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Puerto Varas. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilMar del Plata 15°C (59°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Puerto Varas in the Winter?
Both Puerto Varas and Mar del Plata during the winter are popular places to visit.
Mar del Plata is a little warmer than Puerto Varas in the winter. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 9°C (47°F) in July, and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Puerto Varas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Varas. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyMar del Plata 9°C (47°F)Puerto Varas 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Puerto Varas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and Puerto Varas.
In the spring, Mar del Plata is a little warmer than Puerto Varas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mar del Plata in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Puerto Varas averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Mar del Plata usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Varas during spring. Mar del Plata gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Varas receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.
Puerto Varas receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Puerto Varas. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberMar del Plata 13°C (56°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Varas and Mar del Plata
| Mar del Plata | Puerto Varas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (69°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jun | 9°C (48°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (47°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (49°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
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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.
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