A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Negril vs. Puerto Montt for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Negril or Puerto Montt?

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 Puerto Montt. 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 Puerto Montt?

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!

Puerto Montt

The Lake District is a region of snow capped volcanoes, pale green lakes and endless miles of virgin and ancient forests. Found 1,016 km away from Santiago de Chile, Puerto Montt is famous for its beautiful lakes and its germanic architecture, old wooden houses and its legendary Iglesia Catedral, found on the town's main square, la Plaza de Armas. The monument, entirely built with alerce (cypress) wood, is the oldest building of the city. The capital of the Lake Region is a good starting point for many memorable excursions in the area.

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


Which place is cheaper, Puerto Montt or Negril?

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

  • Negril Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Puerto Montt Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Negril $153
    Puerto Montt $112

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $153, while the average daily cost in Puerto Montt is $112. 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 Puerto Montt in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $104
    Puerto Montt $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $208
    Puerto Montt $130
Compare Hotels in Negril and Puerto Montt

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Puerto Montt? 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 Negril


Hotels in Puerto Montt


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 Puerto Montt Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.55
    Puerto Montt $6.89
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Negril:


  • Taxi From Airport
    $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril

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

  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril Hotel: $21
  • Grand Palladium Private Transfers from MBJ Airport: $30
  • Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Hotel: $34
  • Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Falmouth, Grand Palladium: $35
  • Private Transfer from MontegoBay Airport to Lucea/Grand Palladium: $35
  • Grand Palladium Hotel Transfer from Montego Bay Jamaica Airport: $35
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
  • Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Hotel: $38
  • Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $40
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfers Private Taxi to Hotels in Negril: $40
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Hotel Lucea Ja: $42
  • Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium: $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Montt

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Montt:

  • Transfer from Puerto Montt Airport to Castro: $300
  • Puerto Montt El Tepual Airport (PMC) to Pucon - Arrival Transfer: $264
  • Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) to Puerto Varas - Round-Trip Transfer: $113
  • Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) to Puerto Varas - Round-Trip Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Puerto Airport (PMC) to Puerto Montt Port: $81
  • Private Transfer from Puerto Montt Port to Puerto Airport (PMC): $81
  • Transfer from Puerto Montt Airport to Frutillar: $80
  • Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) to Puerto Varas City- Arrival Transfer: $57
  • Private Transfer from Puerto Montt Port to Puerto Airport (PMC): $57
  • Private Transfer from Puerto Airport (PMC) to Puerto Montt Port: $57
  • Transfer from Puerto Montt Airport to Puerto Varas: $50
  • Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas Airport English private transfer: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Puerto Montt?

Prices for flights to both Puerto Montt 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Negril $39
    Puerto Montt $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril

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

  • The Jungle Nightclub Experience with Optional Dinner in Negril: $80
  • Local food tour and local fields: $164

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $26
    Puerto Montt $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril

For Negril, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 2 Hr Horseback Ride
    $43

Tours and Activities in Negril

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

  • ATV Adventure and Zipline with Rick's Cafe Sunset Tour in Negril: $42
  • Seven Mile Beach and Rick's Cafe Sunset Tour in Negril Jamaica: $50
  • Rick's Cafe Glass Bottom Sunset Cruise: $62
  • Negril Glass Bottom Boat Tour Snorkeling and Booby Cay: $65
  • Martha Brae River Bamboo Rafting Tour: $67
  • Rockland's Bird Sanctuary Tour from Montego Bay/ Falmouth: $70
  • Private Guided 2-Hour Tour in Montego Bay: $77
  • Negril Country Side Tour & Rick's Cafe: $82
  • 3 Hour Day Party Pass for Tourists at Jamaica Countryside Estate: $85
  • Off-road ATV Adventure with Wall Climbing: $85
  • Negril Catamaran Sunset Cruise with Snorkeling, Drinks & DJ: $89
  • NEGRIL CATAMARAN CRUISE Sunset Ricks Cafe ALL HOTELS: $89

Tours and Activities in Puerto Montt

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Montt are as follows:

  • Alerce Andino National Park/Alerce Millenario/Cruises: $105
  • Calbuco Island & Ancient Arrayán Forest Tour from Puerto Varas: $89
  • Chiloé Island Full Day Experience Castro, Ancud, Dalcahue & Lunch: $169
  • Cruise Shore Private Excursion Osorno Volcano & Petrohué Falls: $256
  • Custom Tour of the Lakes Region in Chile: $120
  • Explore Peulla Full Day Tour from Puerto Montt: $84
  • Petrohué Falls Osorno Volcano Pto Varas Sightseeing Driver Only: $130
  • Private Day tour Petrohue Falls, Osorno Volcano & Puerto Varas: $250
  • Private Shore Excursion Tour to Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas and Frutillar: $287
  • Private Tour of Puerto Montt with Stops: $82
  • Puerto Montt Shared Tour Volcan Osorno Small Groups: $109
  • Half day Llanquihue and Frutillar City tour: $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $9.93
    Puerto Montt $4.82

Sample the Local Flavors in Negril

Also in Negril, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Negril One Love Bus Bar Crawl: $26


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Puerto Montt, we can see that Negril is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Montt much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Negril is in Caribbean Islands and Puerto Montt 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 Puerto Montt would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Montt 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 Puerto Montt.

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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Puerto Montt?

Puerto Montt has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Puerto Montt, 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.


When is the best time to visit Negril or Puerto Montt?

Puerto Montt 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 Puerto Montt in the Summer?

Both Puerto Montt 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.

Negril is much warmer than Puerto Montt in the summer. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Puerto Montt fluctuates around 16°C (60°F)in January.

In Puerto Montt, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Negril. In the summer, Negril often gets more sunshine than Puerto Monttin January. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Montt receives 204 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in July than Puerto Monttin January. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Puerto Montt 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Negril or Puerto Montt in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Puerto Montt. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round.

In the autumn, Negril is much warmer than Puerto Montt. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Montt averages at about 11°C (51°F)in April.

In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Montt during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Montt receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Puerto Montt 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 Puerto Monttin April. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Puerto Montt 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Negril or Puerto Montt in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Negril as well as Puerto Montt. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Negril is generally much warmer than Puerto Monttin July. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and Puerto Montt fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the winter, Negril often gets more sunshine than Puerto Monttin July. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Montt receives 67 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Puerto Montt. Negril usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Monttin July. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Puerto Montt 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Negril or Puerto Montt in the Spring?

Both Puerto Montt and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year.

Negril is much warmer than Puerto Montt in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Puerto Montt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Montt during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Montt receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Montt. It's quite rainy in Negril. In April, Negril usually receives less rain than Puerto Monttin October. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Puerto Montt 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Puerto Montt and Negril

Negril Puerto Montt
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 224 mm (8.8 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 229 mm (9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 9°C (47°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)