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

Should you visit Mar del Plata or San Ignacio?

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 San Ignacio can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or San Ignacio?

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.

San Ignacio

So you want a tropical getaway, but also don't want to lay around with nothing to do. You want an adventure! You want relaxation and exploration.

You want to visit the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.

This section of the Cayo region is really more of a jungle than a typical Belize beach getaway. Located close the ancient Mayan ruins on the western and inland side of Belize, this town is most popular for its many outdoor adventures including hiking, climbing, and caving!

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


Which place is cheaper, San Ignacio 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 San Ignacio is $72. 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 San Ignacio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mar del Plata $3.15
    San Ignacio $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mar del Plata $6.30
    San Ignacio $38
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and San Ignacio

Looking for a hotel in Mar del Plata or San Ignacio? 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 San Ignacio


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 San Ignacio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.50
    San Ignacio $3.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:

  • From Van Transfer To Flores Peten in Guatemala: $20
  • San Ignacio Hotel to Belize City Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or San Ignacio?

Prices for flights to both San Ignacio 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
    San Ignacio $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Ignacio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Ignacio.

  • Xunantunich & Food Tour with local chocolate experience: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.27
    San Ignacio $100

Tours and Activities in San Ignacio

Here are a few actual costs in San Ignacio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • ATV Excursions in Cayo with Waterfalls Experience: $174
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic: $125
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour from San Ignacio : $125
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal with Local Tour guide & Belizean Lunch: $120
  • Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $90
  • Caracol Maya Ruins Tour Including Rio On Pools, Rio Frio Cave and a Picnic Lunch: $125
  • Cave Canoeing with Local Tour Guide: $80
  • Cave Tubing Adventure at Nohoch Che'en and Jaguar Paw : $115
  • Cave Tubing and Zip line Adventure from San Ignacio: $144
  • Cave Tubing with local tour Guide and Belizean Lunch: $90
  • Deluxe Cave Tubing combo Adventure: $125
  • Farm Ride plus Xunantunich tour: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mar del Plata $1.78
    San Ignacio $17


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mar del Plata and San Ignacio, we can see that San Ignacio is more expensive. And not only is Mar del Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mar del Plata is in South America and San Ignacio is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 San Ignacio would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Ignacio 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 San Ignacio Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or San Ignacio?

Mar del Plata has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of San Ignacio. When comparing the sizes of Mar del Plata and San Ignacio, 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 San Ignacio?

Mar del Plata has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Ignacio experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Mar del Plata or San Ignacio in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as San Ignacio. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Ignacio throughout the year.

In the summer, Mar del Plata is cooler than San Ignacio. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mar del Plata in January average around 20°C (69°F), and San Ignacio averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. 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 around the same amount of sunshine as San Ignacioin July. Mar del Plata gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Ignacio receives 226 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Ignacio. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in January than San Ignacioin July. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Mar del Plata 20°C (69°F) 
    San Ignacio 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or San Ignacio in the Autumn?

Both San Ignacio and Mar del Plata are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Ignacio because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Mar del Plata is generally much colder than San Ignacioin October. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 15°C (59°F), and San Ignacio fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. In April, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than San Ignacioin October. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Mar del Plata 15°C (59°F) 
    San Ignacio 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or San Ignacio in the Winter?

Both San Ignacio and Mar del Plata during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Ignacio year-round.

Mar del Plata is much colder than San Ignacio in the winter. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 9°C (47°F) in July, and San Ignacio fluctuates around 24°C (74°F)in January.

San Ignacio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in July than San Ignacioin January. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Mar del Plata 9°C (47°F) 
    San Ignacio 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or San Ignacio in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and San Ignacio. San Ignacio attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Mar del Plata is much colder than San Ignacio. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mar del Plata in October average around 13°C (56°F), and San Ignacio averages at about 27°C (80°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Ignacio this time of the year. Mar del Plata usually receives less sunshine than San Ignacio during spring. Mar del Plata gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while San Ignacio receives 256 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than San Ignacioin April. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Mar del Plata 13°C (56°F) 
    San Ignacio 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for San Ignacio and Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata San Ignacio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (69°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 24°C (74°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 9°C (48°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 9°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 243 mm (9.6 in)
Aug 9°C (49°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 75 mm (3 in) 25°C (77°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 25°C (76°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)