Which place is cheaper, El Chalten or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Negril or El Chalten?
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 Negril and El Chalten. 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: Negril or El Chalten?
Negril
Negril is a town in western Jamaica known for its miles of white sand beaches and cliffs. It is certainly one of the more laid back towns on the island yet still attracts a lot of tourists. The hotels are as close to the water as you can get, and the sand gets whiter and whiter the further away from populated areas you get. The water is unbelievably clear and warm in Negril!
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina, and The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $139El Chalten $9.93
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, 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 Negril and El Chalten in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $106El Chalten $4.42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $212El Chalten $8.84
Compare Hotels in Negril and El Chalten
Looking for a hotel in Negril 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: Negril Hotel Prices and El Chalten Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.71El Chalten $2.37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Negril:
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Taxi From Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril
Also for Negril, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Grand Palladium Transfer: $23
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Negril Resorts Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $36
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
- Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfer to Lucea Resorts: $37
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium: $40
- Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $40
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer To Negril Hotels Private: $47
- Private Airport Transfer Grand Palladium/ Lady Hamilton Jamaica: $47
- Grand Palladium Private Airport Transfer: $48
- Private Airport Transfers to Negril Hotels: $48
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril Hotel: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or El Chalten?
Prices for flights to both El Chalten and Negril 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 dayNegril $23El Chalten $3.66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril
For Negril, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Club2727 Nightlife Experience with Optional Dinner in Montego Bay: $60
- The Jungle Nightclub Experience with Optional Dinner in Negril: $85
- Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio: $105
- Local food tour and local fields : $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $27El Chalten $2.66
Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril
For Negril, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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2 Hr Horseback Ride$44
Tours and Activities in Negril
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Negril.
- Cruise Ship Excursion in Montego Bay : $41
- From Negril/Palladium: Negril Beach and Ricks Cafe Tour: $49
- Private Glass Bottom Boat Sight Seeing Tour Jamaica: $58
- Buddle's Taxi and Tours : $60
- Blue Hole Mineral Springs, Rick's Café, and Shopping Combo Tour: $75
- Negril Beach and Catamaran Cruise: $79
- Negril guided day tour:7 mile beach and sunset at Ricks Cafe: $80
- Ricks Cafe Sunset Catamaran Cruise Negril Palladium Montego Bay: $85
- Jamwest JamCulture Tour from Negril: $89
- Bob Marley Birth Place Nine Mile Day Tour: $94
- Negril Catamaran Adults Only Cruise, Snorkeling and Rick's Cafe from Negril: $110
- Must Do-Accompong Town Maroon Village Tour & Celebration from Negril: $112
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 dayNegril $10El Chalten $1.22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and El Chalten, we can see that Negril is more expensive. And not only is El Chalten much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Negril is in Caribbean Islands 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 Negril would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Negril 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 Negril Expensive? and Is El Chalten Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Negril or El Chalten?
El Chalten has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Negril experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Negril or El Chalten in the Summer?
Both El Chalten and Negril during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Negril is generally around the same temperature as El Chaltenin January. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and El Chalten fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
El Chalten gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than El Chaltenin January. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 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 JanuaryNegril 27°C (81°F)El Chalten 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Negril or El Chalten in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and El Chalten. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round.
Negril is a little warmer than El Chalten in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and El Chalten fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in April.
El Chalten receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than El Chaltenin April. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 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 AprilNegril 27°C (81°F)El Chalten 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Negril or El Chalten in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as El Chalten. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Negril is much warmer than El Chalten. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and El Chalten averages at about 16°C (61°F)in July.
Negril usually gets more rain in January than El Chaltenin July. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 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 JulyNegril 25°C (77°F)El Chalten 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Negril or El Chalten in the Spring?
Both El Chalten and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year.
In April, Negril is generally a little warmer than El Chaltenin October. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and El Chalten fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite sunny in El Chalten. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than El Chalten during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while El Chalten receives 205 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in El Chalten. It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives less rain than El Chaltenin October. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 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 OctoberNegril 26°C (79°F)El Chalten 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for El Chalten and Negril
| Negril | El Chalten | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 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.