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

Should you visit Mar del Plata or Temuco?

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 Temuco can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Temuco?

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.

Temuco

Temuco is a large and modern city found 680 km south of Santiago. While the city is dynamic, it does not have any particular charm with the exception of being a great point of departure for many excursions around the lake region and the many national parks found in the surrounding area. Temuco is also well known for its Mapuche culture, a proud and rebellious community of around 20 000 in the area today, who has fought continuously against every invaders in the past.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Argentina, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Chile, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mar del Plata and Temuco, we can see that Temuco 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 Temuco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Temuco 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 Temuco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Temuco?

Mar del Plata has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Temuco. When comparing the sizes of Mar del Plata and Temuco, 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 Temuco?

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 Temuco in the Summer?

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

In January, Mar del Plata is generally a little warmer than Temuco. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 20°C (69°F), and Temuco fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Temuco. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mar del Plata. Mar del Plata usually receives less sunshine than Temuco during summer. Mar del Plata gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Temuco receives 290 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than Temuco. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Temuco and Mar del Plata during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Mar del Plata is a little warmer than Temuco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Temuco fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in April than Temuco. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and Temuco.

In the winter, Mar del Plata is around the same temperature as Temuco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mar del Plata in July average around 9°C (47°F), and Temuco averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Temuco receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Temuco. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as Temuco.

In October, Mar del Plata is generally around the same temperature as Temuco. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 13°C (56°F), and Temuco fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Mar del Plata often gets less sunshine than Temuco. Mar del Plata gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Temuco receives 193 hours of full sun.

Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in October than Temuco. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Temuco and Mar del Plata