Which place is cheaper, Valparaiso or Montanita?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montanita or Valparaiso?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Montanita or Valparaiso, 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: Montanita or Valparaiso?
Montanita
Montanita is a small village located on Manglaralto parish along the southern coast of Ecuador. The Pacific Coast of Ecuador is lined with beach towns, either small villages with local fisherman or larger towns more set up for foreign travellers like Montanita. With one of the best beaches in Ecuador, one of the best surf breaks in the region, and a great laid-back atmosphere Montanita is a great little getaway, especially for the hippies of the world. It has also become a popular weekend destination for English teachers and Spanish students coming from Guayaquil and Quito. The beachfront village of Montanita has a laid-back atmosphere and steady stream of cosmopolitan backpackers, with as many South Americans as gringos.
Valparaiso
Valparaiso, often referred to as Valpo, is an attractive city on the Pacific Coast in Chile. The city has a population of about 300,000 and is only 120 kilometers west of Santiago. The city's main industries aside from tourism include shipping and petroleum refining.
Valparaiso is popular with travelers because of its bohemian culture and brightly colored homes. It also offers some wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Although the city is short on specific sights, the atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a wonderful place to visit.
Valparaiso has a mild Mediterranean climate that is comparable to San Francisco or Santa Barbara. The summer is dry but fog is common year around. Rain can be heavy during the winter season and snow falls occasionally in the highest parts of the city. Winds can also be strong during the winter months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontanita $96Valparaiso $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Montanita is $96, while the average daily cost in Valparaiso is $66. 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 Montanita and Valparaiso in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontanita $41Valparaiso $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontanita $82Valparaiso $72
Compare Hotels in Montanita and Valparaiso
Looking for a hotel in Montanita or Valparaiso? 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: Valparaiso Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montanita $39Valparaiso $4.83
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Valparaiso
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Valparaiso are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$3.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valparaiso
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valparaiso:
- Pick up Valparaiso Visit William Cole Winery & Transfer to Hotel: $270
- Pick up at the Pier and Valparaiso -Viña del Mar and transfer to the Airport: $269
- World Biggest Organic Winery Emiliana, Valparaiso & Transfer : $250
- Private Transfer from Viña del Mar to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $236
- Private Transfer Viña del Mar to Santiago Airport: $170
- Valparaiso Airport Private Transfer: $156
- Small group transfer from Valparaiso/S.Antonio+Tour in Santiago: $140
- Private Transfer from San Antonio Port to Valparaiso or Viña del Mar.: $133
- Transfers from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to Santiago: $120
- Private Transfer from Valparaiso Hotel or port To Santiago Airport or Hotel: $107
- Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City: $89
- Private Transfer from Valparaiso Cruise Port to Santiago hotels: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Montanita or Valparaiso?
Prices for flights to both Valparaiso and Montanita 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 dayMontanita $28Valparaiso $22
Typical Food Prices in Valparaiso
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Valparaiso:
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Empanada$1.89
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valparaiso
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valparaiso.
- Learn to Cook Like a Local: Private Cooking Class in a Viña del Mar Home: $102
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montanita $31Valparaiso $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Valparaiso
Here are a few typical costs in Valparaiso for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Boat Tour$4.19
Tours and Activities in Valparaiso
Here are a few actual costs in Valparaiso for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hour Walking Tour in Valparaiso: $35
- 3-Hour Bike Tour along the Coast of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso: $55
- Cruise Port to Valparaiso & Casablanca: Drop-off in Santiago: $150
- Famous Valparaíso! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $35
- Famous Viña del Mar! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $35
- Full Day Private Walking Tour with a Native Guide & Public Transport: $100
- Guided Panoramic Tour in Valparaíso: $40
- Half-Day Chilean Pacific Coast Tour: Viña del Mar, Reñaca and Concón: $87
- Half-Day Valparaiso City Highlights Tour: $87
- PRIVATE TOUR: Pre-Post Cruise Viña del Mar Valparaiso and Casablanca Winery tour: $155
- Pre or Post Valparaiso Cruise with Santiago City Tour and optional Vineyard: $98
- Private City Tour of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontanita $7.86Valparaiso $7.79
Typical Alcohol Prices in Valparaiso
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Valparaiso are as follows:
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Beer$1.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Valparaiso
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Valparaiso:
- Private Wine Tour in Valparaíso: $166
- Santiago: Valparaíso Walking Tour & Casablanca Wine Tasting: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montanita and Valparaiso, we can see that Montanita is more expensive. And not only is Valparaiso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valparaiso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valparaiso 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 Montanita would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montanita than you might in Valparaiso.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montanita Expensive? and Is Valparaiso Expensive?.
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.