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

Should you visit Mar del Plata or Valdivia?

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

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Valdivia?

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.

Valdivia

Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Argentina, The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.

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

Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Valdivia?

Mar del Plata has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of Mar del Plata and Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?

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 Valdivia in the Summer?

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

Mar del Plata is a little warmer than Valdivia in the summer. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 20°C (69°F) in January, and Valdivia fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Valdivia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mar del Plata. Mar del Plata usually receives less sunshine than Valdivia during summer. Mar del Plata gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than Valdivia. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

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

In the autumn, Mar del Plata is a little warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mar del Plata in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Valdivia averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in April than Valdivia. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

In July, Mar del Plata is generally a little warmer than Valdivia. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 9°C (47°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Valdivia. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

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

Mar del Plata is a little warmer than Valdivia in the spring. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Mar del Plata often gets less sunshine than Valdivia. Mar del Plata gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Valdivia. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in October than Valdivia. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Valdivia and Mar del Plata