Which place is cheaper, El Chalten or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Merida or El Chalten?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or El Chalten, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Merida or El Chalten?
Merida
Merida is the largest city on the Yucatan Peninsula, which separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea. It is also the capital of the state of Yucatan as a whole. There is a population of 750,000 and is very rich in diversity and culture.
El Chalten
El Chalten is probably one of the most beautiful areas of Patagonia, especially at the slightest ray of sunshine and one of your cheapest destination while you are travelling in Patagonia. Indeed, you will spend your days hiking and there are no park fees. There are restaurants, souvenir shops, and outdoor stores but most of them will not accept credit cards so before heading out, get cash in El Calafate or your previous stop. For the beginners, it will be long hikes in a magical setting and for the experts perhaps a week long expedition to the greatest glaciers of the world. To discover the way people live in the pampa, you may also decide to stay at an Estancia. In the stunning Estancia Santa Thelma, about 300km away from El Chalten, you will be able to explore the surroundings by horse, live a unique experience in the middle of the nature and its vast plains occupied by thousands of merino sheep and horses and of course eat a typical meal of the region.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina, and The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $88El Chalten $9.93
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in El Chalten is $9.93. 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 Merida and El Chalten in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $44El Chalten $4.42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $88El Chalten $8.84
Compare Hotels in Merida and El Chalten
Looking for a hotel in Merida or El Chalten? 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: Merida Hotel Prices and El Chalten Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merida $18El Chalten $2.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida
Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $41
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida hotels to Merida airport: $41
- Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $47
- Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $73
- One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
- Merida Rejon Airport (MID) to Tulum hotels - Round Trip Transfer: $227
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or El Chalten?
Prices for flights to both El Chalten and Merida 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 dayMerida $29El Chalten $3.66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida
For Merida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $62
- Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $89
- Private Yucatecan Cooking Lesson in a Local Merida Home: $90
- Private Market Tour and Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Merida with Transfers: $126
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $16El Chalten $2.66
Typical Entertainment Prices in Merida
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Merida's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Train at the Zoo$0.12
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Uxmal Entrance (for 2)$20
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Mayan Village Entrance (for 2)$6.01
Tours and Activities in Merida
For Merida, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Panoramic Sightseeing Tour of Merida: $8.00
- Mérida Scavenger Hunt and Sights Private Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
- Walking Tour Across the Historic Center in Merida: $22
- Walking Tour in the City of Mérida: $22
- Merida Private Tour on a Budget : $29
- Mérida Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $60
- Merida Street Food Walking Tour: $65
- Tour to Uxmal + Choco Story Chocolate Museum: $67
- Private Walking Tour in City of Merida: $75
- Day of the Dead Tour & Taco buffet: $80
- Tour to progreso, corchito and salt ponds: $81
Tours and Activities in El Chalten
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for El Chalten are as follows:
- 3 Hours Grilled Lamb Experience in Estancia Bonanza: $55
- Rafting experience on the Rio de las Vueltas in Patagonia: $90
- Rio de las Vueltas Rafting Experience - El Chalten: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $16El Chalten $1.22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and El Chalten, we can see that Merida is more expensive. And not only is El Chalten much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Merida is in North America and El Chalten is in South 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 El Chalten would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in El Chalten 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 Merida would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Merida than you might in El Chalten.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Merida Expensive? and Is El Chalten Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Merida or El Chalten?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. El Chalten is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Merida has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Merida or El Chalten in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as El Chalten. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Merida this time of year.
In the summer, Merida is cooler than El Chalten. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and El Chalten averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in El Chalten. Merida usually gets less rain in July than El Chaltenin January. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMerida 21°C (70°F)El Chalten 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Merida or El Chalten in the Autumn?
Both El Chalten and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Merida is generally around the same temperature as El Chaltenin April. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and El Chalten fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in El Chalten. It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than El Chaltenin April. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)El Chalten 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Merida or El Chalten in the Winter?
Both El Chalten and Merida during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Merida in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Merida is a little warmer than El Chalten in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and El Chalten fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in July.
Merida usually gets less rain in January than El Chaltenin July. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyMerida 20°C (68°F)El Chalten 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Merida or El Chalten in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and El Chalten. Most visitors come to Merida for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Merida is around the same temperature as El Chalten. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and El Chalten averages at about 22°C (72°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in El Chalten this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than El Chalten during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while El Chalten receives 205 hours of full sun in the spring.
El Chalten receives a lot of rain in the spring. Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than El Chaltenin October. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)El Chalten 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for El Chalten and Merida
| Merida | El Chalten | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
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.