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

Should you visit Negril or Punta Arenas?

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 Punta Arenas. 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 Punta Arenas?

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!

Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Negril?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $63. 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 Punta Arenas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $106
    Punta Arenas $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $212
    Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Negril and Punta Arenas

Looking for a hotel in Negril or Punta Arenas? 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 Punta Arenas


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 Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.71
    Punta Arenas $1.80
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril

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


  • Taxi From Airport
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril

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

  • Royalton Negril Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $280
  • Montego Bay: Private Transfer from Airport to Negril: $250
  • Fun Holiday Beach Resort Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $205
  • Private Airport transfer to/from all hotels in Negril round trip: $170
  • Montego Bay Airport Transfers to Negril Hotels: $134
  • Club Kingston VIP Lounge & Fast Track with Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $112
  • Transfers between Montego Bay Airport and Negril Hotels: $107
  • Private Airport Transfer To Negril Hotels : $107
  • From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Negril: $105
  • Airport Round Trip Transfer from Montego Bay to Grand Palladium: $105
  • Airport Round-Trip Transfers To Negril From Sangster’s International Airport : $90
  • Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Resort in Jamaica: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas

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

  • Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
  • Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $64
  • Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Punta Arenas?

Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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 $23
    Punta Arenas $21

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

Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:


  • Donut
    $1.05
  • Dinner
    $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Negril $27
    Punta Arenas $6.44
Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril

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


  • 2 Hr Horseback Ride
    $44

Tours and Activities in Negril

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

  • YS Falls and Sightseeing Tour Day Adventure: $138
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour: $275
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour [Transportation services]: $125
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Negril: $232
  • Appleton Estate Rum and Black River Safari Private Tour : $185
  • Appleton Rum Factory and Black River Safari Tour: $279
  • Appleton Rum Factory, YS Falls, and Reggae Horseback Ride & Swim Combo Tour: $195
  • Appleton and Y.S Falls Tour from Negril Hotels: $261
  • Atv Adventure and Ricks Cafe with Private Transportation: $367
  • Atv Adventure and Ziplines with Private Transportation: $413
  • Atv, Seven Mile Beach and Rick’s Cafe Tour & Transportation: $333
  • Atv, Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe Private Tour: $293

Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas

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

  • Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
  • Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
  • Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
  • King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
  • King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
  • Magallanes Forest and Club Andino Tour from Punta Arenas: $290
  • Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
  • Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
  • Mountain Bike Adventure in Punta Arenas: $192
  • Pali Aike Full-Day Adventure from Punta Arenas: $300
  • Private City Cruise Tour: $225
  • Private Half Day Punta Arenas City Tour From the Hotel only: $250

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $10
    Punta Arenas $4.86

Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:


  • Alcohol
    $7.34


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

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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Punta Arenas?

Punta Arenas has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril and Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?

Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas in the Summer?

Both Punta Arenas and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year.

In the summer, Negril is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 11°C (52°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Punta Arenas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Negril. In July, Negril usually receives more rain than Punta Arenasin January. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Negril or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?

Both Punta Arenas and Negril during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Negril is generally much warmer than Punta Arenasin April. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Negril. In the autumn, Negril often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenasin April. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Punta Arenasin April. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Negril or Punta Arenas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Punta Arenas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round.

Punta Arenas can be very cold during winter. Negril is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 1°C (35°F)in July.

In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Negril usually receives more rain than Punta Arenasin July. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Negril or Punta Arenas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Negril as well as Punta Arenas. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Negril is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 7°C (44°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the spring, Negril often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenasin October. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun.

Negril receives a lot of rain in the spring. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Punta Arenasin October. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Negril

Negril Punta Arenas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 1°C (35°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)