A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Port-of-Spain vs. La Serena for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Port-of-Spain or La Serena?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Port-of-Spain and La Serena 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: Port-of-Spain or La Serena?

Port-of-Spain

Located on the northwest coast of Trinidad island, Port of Spain is the capital of the Caribbean island nation Trinidad & Tobago. It is a hub of activity, especially during the celebration of Carnival for which the island nation is famous.

La Serena

La Serena is a charming town in Northern Chile. It is Chile's second-oldest city and the thriving capital of Region IV. With its beautiful architecture, its long golden shoreline, dignified stone churches, tree-shaded avenues and pretty plazas, La Serena has everything you could ask for!

Chileans on holidays flood in the city in January and February, though it is fairly peaceful outside the summer rush. Some of the city's architecture is from the colonial era, but most is actually neocolonial thanks to president Gabriel Gonzalez Videla, born in La Serena, and her 'Plan Serena' of the late 1940s.

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


Which place is cheaper, La Serena or Port-of-Spain?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Port-of-Spain is $174, while the average daily cost in La Serena is $87. 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 Port-of-Spain and La Serena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Port-of-Spain $80
    La Serena $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Port-of-Spain $160
    La Serena $84
Compare Hotels in Port-of-Spain and La Serena

Looking for a hotel in Port-of-Spain or La Serena? 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 Port-of-Spain


Hotels in La Serena


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: Port-of-Spain Hotel Prices and La Serena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Port-of-Spain $49
    La Serena $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Port-of-Spain or La Serena?

Prices for flights to both La Serena and Port-of-Spain 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
    Port-of-Spain $54
    La Serena $27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Port-of-Spain $59
    La Serena $24

Tours and Activities in La Serena

For La Serena, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Full Day History and Flavors Tour in the Elqui Valley: $50
  • La Serena and Coquimbo City Tour (SIB): $66
  • La Serena and Coquimbo Guided City Tour: $76
  • Full day Tour to Elqui Valley : $80
  • Elqui Valley Full Day Tour: magical towns, pisco and mountains: $85
  • Elqui Valley Tour from La Serena: $120
  • La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour - Short excursion for cruise ships: $128
  • Tour to the internationally renowned Pangue Observatory: $139
  • Tour to Valle del Encanto Archeology, Petroglyphs, Flora, Fauna and Springs: $140
  • Dama Island or Chañaral Navigation Tour Humboldt Penguin Reserve: $140
  • Elqui Valley: Pisco Tour, Wine, Beer: $174
  • Elqui Valley and Vicuña Private Tour Including Lunch: $183

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Port-of-Spain $22
    La Serena $22


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Port-of-Spain and La Serena, we can see that Port-of-Spain is more expensive. And not only is La Serena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Port-of-Spain is in Caribbean Islands and La Serena 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 La Serena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Serena 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 Port-of-Spain would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Port-of-Spain than you might in La Serena.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Port-of-Spain Expensive? and Is La Serena Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Port-of-Spain or La Serena?

La Serena has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Port-of-Spain. When comparing the sizes of Port-of-Spain and La Serena, 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 Port-of-Spain or La Serena?

La Serena has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Port-of-Spain experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or La Serena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Port-of-Spain as well as La Serena. Port-of-Spain attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Port-of-Spain is a little warmer than La Serena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Port-of-Spain in July average around 27°C (81°F), and La Serena averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Serena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Port-of-Spain this time of the year. In the summer, Port-of-Spain often gets less sunshine than La Serenain January. Port-of-Spain gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Serena receives 247 hours of full sun.

Port-of-Spain receives a lot of rain in the summer. Port-of-Spain usually gets more rain in July than La Serenain January. Port-of-Spain gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F) 
    La Serena 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or La Serena in the Autumn?

Both La Serena and Port-of-Spain are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Port-of-Spain throughout the year.

In October, Port-of-Spain is generally much warmer than La Serenain April. Daily temperatures in Port-of-Spain average around 27°C (81°F), and La Serena fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Port-of-Spain. Port-of-Spain usually receives more sunshine than La Serena during autumn. Port-of-Spain gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while La Serena receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Port-of-Spain. In October, Port-of-Spain usually receives more rain than La Serenain April. Port-of-Spain gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F) 
    La Serena 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or La Serena in the Winter?

Both La Serena and Port-of-Spain during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Port-of-Spain because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Port-of-Spain is much warmer than La Serena in the winter. The daily temperature in Port-of-Spain averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and La Serena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Port-of-Spain. In the winter, Port-of-Spain often gets more sunshine than La Serenain July. Port-of-Spain gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Serena receives 160 hours of full sun.

Port-of-Spain usually gets more rain in January than La Serenain July. Port-of-Spain gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Port-of-Spain 26°C (78°F) 
    La Serena 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or La Serena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Port-of-Spain and La Serena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Port-of-Spain year-round.

In the spring, Port-of-Spain is much warmer than La Serena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Port-of-Spain in April average around 27°C (81°F), and La Serena averages at about 14°C (57°F)in October.

In Port-of-Spain, it's very sunny this time of the year. Port-of-Spain usually receives more sunshine than La Serena during spring. Port-of-Spain gets 238 hours of sunny skies, while La Serena receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Port-of-Spain usually receives more rain than La Serenain October. Port-of-Spain gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F) 
    La Serena 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for La Serena and Port-of-Spain

Port-of-Spain La Serena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in) 13°C (55°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 15°C (59°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)


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