A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montevideo vs. Lake Titicaca (Puno) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Montevideo or Lake Titicaca (Puno)?

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 Lake Titicaca (Puno) 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 Lake Titicaca (Puno)?

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.

Lake Titicaca (Puno)

Lake Titicaca, which directly translates to "puma stone" in Quechua, is located high in the Andes Mountains straddling Peru and Bolivia, with about 60% of the lake in Peru and 40% in Bolivia. Among the lake are three main islands, the most popular of which are the Uros Islands, also known as the floating islands, where the Uros people live on totora reeds that grow in the lake.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Photography Tours in Peru, and The Best Jungle Trekking Tours in Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Titicaca (Puno) or Montevideo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Montevideo Prices
    Uruguay Prices
    Lake Titicaca (Puno) Prices
    Peru Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montevideo $70
    Lake Titicaca (Puno) $72

The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $70, while the average daily cost in Lake Titicaca (Puno) is $72. 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 Lake Titicaca (Puno) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $38
    Lake Titicaca (Puno) $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $76
    Lake Titicaca (Puno) $56
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Lake Titicaca (Puno)

Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or Lake Titicaca (Puno)? 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 Lake Titicaca (Puno)


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 Lake Titicaca (Puno) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montevideo $7.04
    Lake Titicaca (Puno) $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

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

  • Private Transfer Montevideo Airport to Hotel O Hotel - Aero: $23
  • Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
  • Montevideo to Carrasco Airport (MVD) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport to Montevideo: $40
  • Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $40
  • Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $41
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $41
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $41
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lake Titicaca (Puno)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Lake Titicaca (Puno):


  • Taxi
    $0.88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Titicaca (Puno)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lake Titicaca (Puno):

  • Private Transfer From Puno to Chivay, English Speaking Driver: $225
  • Private Transfer from Inca Manco Capac (JUL) Airport to Puno: $96
  • Private transfer airport-puno-viceverse: $60
  • Private Transfer from Juliaca Airport to Puno or Viceversa: $52
  • Private transfer from Juliaca Airport to Puno or Viceversa: $52
  • Private Transfer from Juliaca Airport to Puno Plaza de Armas: $40
  • Puno Arrival Transfer from bus or railway Station: $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Lake Titicaca (Puno)?

Prices for flights to both Lake Titicaca (Puno) 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 $22
    Lake Titicaca (Puno) $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

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

  • Montevideo Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $65
  • Private Uruguayan Cooking Class with Local Chef: $85
  • Uruguayan Wine Pairing Dinner at City Winery Uruguay: $90
  • Show + Dinner - El Milongon (No Transport): $93
  • The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $98
  • Dinner and Tango Show at the Historic Bar Fun Fun, Established in 1895: $100
  • El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $107
  • Traditional Dinner & Tango Show at Primuseum: $110
  • Food Tour with Asado, Chivito, and Mate: $221

Typical Food Prices in Lake Titicaca (Puno)

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lake Titicaca (Puno) are as follows:


  • Tamales
    $1.62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montevideo $20
    Lake Titicaca (Puno) $32

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: $5.00
  • El Juguetero Museum Entry Ticket: $7.00
  • Museo Andes 1972 / Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Guided Tour of the National Hat Factory: $10
  • Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
  • Complete Half-Day Tour with Guide and 6 Stops: $20
  • Experience the Local Magic at a Bohemian Nightclub with a Live Show: $20
  • Montevideo Full Unique Tour Includes Barrio Carrasco: $22
  • Montevideo Jogging Tour: $25
  • Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo: $25
  • Tourist Bus Discover Montevideo: $25
  • Half-Day City Tour with Live Guide: $25

Tours and Activities in Lake Titicaca (Puno)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lake Titicaca (Puno) are as follows:

  • 2 Days All Inclusive Puno Tour From Puno: $270
  • 2 Days and 1 Night Tour from Puno to Colca Canyon and Arequipa: $240
  • 2-Hour Crop Circles Private Tour on Lake Titicaca from Puno: $119
  • 2-day Tour: Puno To Chivay And Canyon Of Colca: $255
  • 3-Hour Uros Floating Islands Tour from Puno: $22
  • 3h Boat Tour to Uros Island from Puno: $40
  • 4h Tour to Sillustani Inca Tombs from Puno: $28
  • Bus Tour of the Puno to Cusco Sun Route with Buffet Lunch: $62
  • Chullpas Tour of Sillustani Inca Cemetery: $18
  • Copacabana and Isla del Sol Tour from Puno (Whole Day): $130
  • Cultural Tour to Uros Floating Island - Non touristic: $64
  • From Puno Uros and Taquile Full Day Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    Lake Titicaca (Puno) $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

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

  • Bodega Pizzorno wine tasting in Montevideo: $45
  • Wine tasting of 4 wines from 4 wineries & empanadas in Montevideo: $50
  • Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $125
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Private Wine Tours by Wine Explorers Uruguay: $205
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $220
  • Wine Tasting Tour for Cruise Passengers: $450


When comparing the travel costs between Montevideo and Lake Titicaca (Puno), we can see that Lake Titicaca (Puno) is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Lake Titicaca (Puno)?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lake Titicaca (Puno). When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and Lake Titicaca (Puno), 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.