Which place is cheaper, El Calafate or Mendoza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mendoza or El Calafate?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mendoza and El Calafate. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Mendoza or El Calafate?
Mendoza
Mendoza is a city in western Argentina and more precisely in the desertic Cuyo region. Mendoza is the center of the Argentinian wine industry and is famed around the world for its vineyards and wine production. Spread across the valley of the Rio Mendoza and in the foothills of the Andean mountain range, Mendoza is also near the Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. The bustling and scenic city of wide, leafy avenues, atmospheric plazas and cosmopolitan cafes spoils visitors with unique natural attractions and historical landmarks. If you can, visit Mendoza during the harvest festival at the end of February. There are many events and festivals in Mendoza and they are usually free. Each has a different theme, and they usually have a stage with singing and dancing and booths that sell food around a plaza. Seventy percent of Argentina's wines are produced here, and Mendoza is especially known for its world-famous malbecs.
El Calafate
Located in Patagonia, El Calafate has become a popular tourist destination in Argentina because of its beautiful setting on the stunningly blue Lago Argentina. The town sits on the southern border of the lake in the southwestern part of the Santa Cruz Province. It's about 320 kilometers from Rio Gallegos.
The rise in popularity of Patagonia as a tourist destination has truly put this small town on the map. You'll find no shortage of trekkers in the town and it makes an excellent base to explore different parts of the Los Glaciares National Park. Popular places to visit include Perito Moreno Glacier, Cerro Chalten, and Cerro Torre.
El Calafate has a cold semi-arid climate. The summers are cool to warm and very dry while the winters are cold and damp. Lago Argentino has a significant influence over the town's climate. The shallow bay where the town is located is usually frozen during the winter months.
Check out our ultimate guide to Hiking in Patagonia.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in Argentina, The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Argentina, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMendoza $6.97El Calafate $9.55
The average daily cost (per person) in Mendoza is $6.97, while the average daily cost in El Calafate is $9.55. 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 Mendoza and El Calafate in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMendoza $2.65El Calafate $3.24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMendoza $5.30El Calafate $6.48
Compare Hotels in Mendoza and El Calafate
Looking for a hotel in Mendoza or El Calafate? 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: Mendoza Hotel Prices and El Calafate Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mendoza $1.38El Calafate $3.34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mendoza
Also for Mendoza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Wineries + Lunch and Private Transfer , all Inclusive.: $140
- Vistalba Winery + Susana Balbo Lunch. (Michelin Guide) Transfer inc: $230
- Visit Trapiche+Lunch El Enemigo (Michelin). Private transfer: $300
- Visit Family Wineries with Lunch and Private Transfer: $100
- Top Winery and Gourmet Experience in Uco Valley.Transfer included: $230
- Tasting in two wineries + full lunch. Transfer included: $160
- Shared Transfer Mendoza Bus Station / Downtown Hotel: $27
- Private transfers to Vinicolas de Lujan and Maipú: $150
- Private Transfer Vinicolas Valle de Uco: $190
- Private Transfer Lujan de Cuyo or Maipu to Mendoza Airport MDZ : $30
- One Way Shared Transfer Mendoza Airport/Downtown Hotel: $40
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MDZ Airport Transfer: $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in El Calafate
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in El Calafate:
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Taxi$1.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Calafate
Also for El Calafate, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel in El Calafate: $12
- Transfer from Calafate Airport to your Stay in Calafate: $26
- Shared transfer to El Calafate -El Chaltén: $75
- Shared Transfer from El Calafate Airport to downtown Hotel: $19
- Shared Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Calafate): $32
- Roundtrip transfer in Private Car from Calafate Airport (FTE)- Calafate City: $49
- Round trip transfer to Moreno Glacier: $150
- Private Transfer Hotel-Bus Station or Bus Station-Hotel (Calafate): $35
- Private Airport Transfer in Calafate: $50
- Perito Moreno Glacier Expedition: In & Out Transfer Included: $142
- Perito Moreno Full Day Minitrekking with Transfer & Walkways: $410
- One Way Transfer from Airport-Hotel downtown(Calafate) vice versa: $19
Is it cheaper to fly into Mendoza or El Calafate?
Prices for flights to both El Calafate and Mendoza 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 dayMendoza $3.11El Calafate $3.51
Typical Food Prices in Mendoza
For Mendoza, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Empanadas$0.01
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mendoza
For Mendoza, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bar Safari: 4 Best Mendoza’s Bars in 1 night. + Full Dinner: $93
- Argentinian Cooking class in Grazie Mille Winery in Valle de Uco: $95
- Neapolitan Pizza Class with Lunch and Winery Tour: $130
- Horseback Riding at Sunset and Dinner at an Estancia in Mendoza: $150
- Horseback Riding at Sunset and Dinner in Mendoza: $160
- Trip to the Marañon Art Park from Mendoza. Dinner in Uspallata: $170
- Empanadas Cooking Class in a local's kitchen: $200
- Los Toneles Winery+Dinner at Azafran Restaurant (Michelin Star).: $300
Typical Food Prices in El Calafate
For El Calafate, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dessert$0.01
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Dinner$1.71
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Dinner$1.01
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in El Calafate
For El Calafate, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Argentine Dinner with Live Music Folklore -Estancia 25 de Mayo: $48
- Country Afternoon with Dinner Show - Estancia 25 de Mayo: $100
- Estancia 25 de Mayo Experience with Dinner from Calafate: $155
- Estancia 25 de Mayo in El Calafate - PM visit with dinner: $186
- Lakes and Caves Tour with Dinner: $204
- Lakes and Caves Tour with Dinner: $212
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mendoza $1.97El Calafate $3.51
Tours and Activities in Mendoza
For Mendoza, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Zipline Adventure: Exploring Potrerillos Valley: $89
- 3 Wineries Tour Half Day: $36
- A walking tour of the fascinating history of Mendoza wine: $15
- Admire the majesty of the Cordillera: AltaMontaña Experience: $250
- Adrenaline Canopy Tour on the Mendoza River: $124
- Adventure Park - Unforgettable Challenge!: $75
- Andes Day Hiking Tour Experience : $155
- Andes High Mountain Tour in Mendoza: $121
- Andes High Mountain full day Tour: $78
- Andes Hiking Experience Full Day: $175
- Andes Mountain Tour Circuit Mt Aconcagua: $187
- Asado em Casa Mendocina Experience with Friends: $150
Typical Entertainment Prices in El Calafate
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for El Calafate's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Glacerium Museum$1.32
Tours and Activities in El Calafate
For El Calafate, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Argentine Cuisine Experience in El Calafate: $83
- 4WD Adventure in El Calafate with Optional Hike or Zipline: $112
- Adventure Horseback Riding on Cerro Frias: $140
- Blue Safari Experience: Hiking and Navigation on Glaciers: $180
- Calafate 4-Day Tour: Glaciers, Premium Navigation & Safari: $925
- Calafate City Tour with Walichu Caves: $85
- Calafate Panoramic tour: The best balconies of Calafate 4x4: $220
- Calafate: Kayak through Perito Moreno and Walkways Tour: $430
- Chalten Full Day Trekking Experience - Laguna de los Tres: $180
- Chalten full day Trekking - Laguna de los Tres Experience: $210
- Darwin Experience: $208
- Darwin Experience - kayaks & adventure: $230
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMendoza $1.18El Calafate $1.76
Typical Alcohol Prices in Mendoza
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Mendoza:
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Beer$0.01
Sample the Local Flavors in Mendoza
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mendoza:
- Classic Wine Tasting: $22
- Private Wine Tasting in the Vineyards Facing the Andes: $35
- Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $42
- Premium Wine Tasting: $45
- Vineyards with Wine Tasting in Mendoza: $53
- Argentinean Asado with Local Host and Wine Tasting: $99
- Wine Tour with Lunch and Transport in Mendoza: $100
- Full Day Wine Tour with 3 Course Lunch: $107
- Private Maipu Valley Wine Tour from Mendoza: $160
- wine tours in wine country mendoza Argentina: $160
- All Day, Small Group, Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch: $180
- Private Wine Tour, Tastings and Lunch with Pairings: $180
Typical Alcohol Prices in El Calafate
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in El Calafate:
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Beer$0.01
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Alcohol$0.35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mendoza and El Calafate, we can see that El Calafate is more expensive. And not only is Mendoza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mendoza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mendoza 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 El Calafate would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in El Calafate than you might in Mendoza.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mendoza Expensive? and Is El Calafate Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mendoza or El Calafate?
Mendoza has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of El Calafate. When comparing the sizes of Mendoza and El Calafate, 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.
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.