A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montevideo vs. Castro for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Montevideo or Castro?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montevideo and Castro can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Montevideo or Castro?

Montevideo

As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.

Castro

The capital of Chiloe, modern and dynamic, has succeeded in keeping its authenticity even though it now has many gigantic supermarkets, hotels and other touristic infrastructures. It is located on the island's eastern coast, halfway between Ancud in the north and Quellon in the south, and is a convenient base for exploring the stunning sites in the region of Chiloe Island. The tourist information is located on the town square in front of the church.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Castro or Montevideo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $61, while the average daily cost in Castro is $90. 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 Montevideo and Castro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $38
    Castro $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $76
    Castro $76
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Castro

Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or Castro? 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.

Hotels in Montevideo


Hotels in Castro


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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and Castro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montevideo $7.02
    Castro $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport transfer in/out to your home!: $20
  • Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
  • Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $50
  • Carrasco Airport MVD to Montevideo Hotels Round Trip Transfer: $100
  • Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $100
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
  • Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $86
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $73
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $30
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $30
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Castro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Castro:

  • Castro Airport Private Transfer in Chiloe: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Castro?

Prices for flights to both Castro and Montevideo 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Montevideo $13
    Castro $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Montevideo Private Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $72
  • The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
  • Show + Dinner - El Milongon (No Transport): $86
  • El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $98
  • El Milongon Dinner Show: $112

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montevideo $20
    Castro $21

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.

  • Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Museo Andes 1972 / Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
  • Tourist Bus "Discover Montevideo": $25
  • Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo : $25
  • Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $25
  • Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers - AudioGuided: $26
  • Shared Montevideo Tour for Cruisers: $27
  • City tour Montevideo: $27
  • Walking tour of Montevideo with a true local guide.: $30
  • Old City Walking Tour with Private Photographer: $30
  • Montevideo : Must-See Sites Walking Tour With A Guide: $31

Tours and Activities in Castro

Here are a few actual costs in Castro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bosque Piedra Reserve Tour: $106
  • Castro Sightseeing Tour in Chiloe: $60
  • Dalcahue and Quinchao Island Full Day Tour in Chiloe: $129
  • Dock of Souls Trekking in Chiloe Private Tour: $206
  • From Puerto Varas: Chiloe Island Full-day Tour: $65
  • Full Day Private Chiloe National Park Tour Following "The Darwin´s Route" : $179
  • Lemuy Island Tour from Castro: $178
  • Lemuy Island in Chiloe Full Day Private Tour: $198
  • Pier of Light Full Day Tour in Chiloe: $151
  • Private Half Day Tour in Patrimonial Castro: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    Castro $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:

  • Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $119
  • The best wine tour: $140
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $215


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montevideo and Castro, we can see that Castro is more expensive. And not only is Montevideo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montevideo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montevideo 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 Castro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Castro than you might in Montevideo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is Castro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Castro?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Castro. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and Castro, 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.