Which place is cheaper, El Chalten or Playa del Carmen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Playa del Carmen or El Chalten?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or El Chalten? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Playa del Carmen or El Chalten?
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina, and The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81El Chalten $9.93
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, 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 Playa del Carmen and El Chalten in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40El Chalten $4.42
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80El Chalten $8.84
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and El Chalten
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen 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: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices and El Chalten Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24El Chalten $2.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer to Xplor / Xenses / Xplor Fire from Playa del Carmen: $25
- Shared transfer from Playa del Carmen tu Cancun airport: $25
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen: $31
- Akumal to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Maroma Beach: Entry Ticket to Maroma Beach Club & Transfer: $47
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Puerto Aventuras: $48
- Private Transfer to Xel-Há Park from Playa del Carmen: $53
- Private Transfer Airport-Costa Mujeres/Playa Mujeres 1-8 pax: $59
- Shared roundtrip transfer from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen: $71
- Transfer in Private vehicle from Akumal City - Cancun Airport (CUN) : $74
- Akumal to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or El Chalten?
Prices for flights to both El Chalten and Playa del Carmen 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 dayPlaya del Carmen $24El Chalten $3.66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $60
- Walking Food Tour: $65
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $77
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- Seafood Tour in Playa del Carmen: $101
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Cultural Coba Sunset Adventure with Dinner and show from Cancun: $130
- Sunset Adventure in Coba and Dinner with Show from Riviera Maya: $155
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $157
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17El Chalten $2.66
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Shopping Tour & Tulum Mayan Ruins: $11
- Cancun Airport: Bus Ticket to/from Playa del Carmen: $14
- Tulum Ruins: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Ek Balam: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2024: $20
- YAL-KÚ Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket: $23
- Chichen Itza and Cenote Full Day Tour from Playa del Carmen: $28
- Ultramar Ferry, Regular round ticket, Playa del Carmen-Cozumel: $32
- Tulum and 2 Cenotes Half Day Tour from Riviera: $34
- Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to/from Cozumel: $35
- Mayan tour 4x1: Tulum, Cobá, Cenote & Playa del carmen: $35
- Tulum Ruins and Amusement Park Shared Tour: $37
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21El Chalten $1.22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and El Chalten, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is El Chalten much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America 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 Playa del Carmen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is El Chalten Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen or El Chalten?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. El Chalten is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Playa del Carmen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or El Chalten in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and El Chalten. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as El Chalten. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and El Chalten averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.
El Chalten receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than El Chaltenin January. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)El Chalten 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or El Chalten in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as El Chalten. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than El Chaltenin April. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and El Chalten fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It's quite rainy in El Chalten. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in October than El Chaltenin April. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)El Chalten 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or El Chalten in the Winter?
Both El Chalten and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than El Chalten in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and El Chalten fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in July.
In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than El Chaltenin July. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)El Chalten 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or El Chalten in the Spring?
Both El Chalten and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In the spring, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than El Chalten. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and El Chalten averages at about 22°C (72°F)in October.
In El Chalten, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than El Chaltenin October. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while El Chalten receives 205 hours of full sun.
El Chalten gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than El Chaltenin October. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)El Chalten 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for El Chalten and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | El Chalten | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.