Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Puerto Madryn?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Puerto Madryn or La Paz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Puerto Madryn or La Paz? 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: Puerto Madryn or La Paz?
Puerto Madryn
Puerto Madryn is mostly known as the gateway to Peninsula Valdes, welcoming tourists who come for whale watching. The Peninsula Valdes is a nature reserve designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site; 97 km long and 63 km wide, it is connected to the continent by an isthmus of 35 km from which we can see both gulfs, San Jose at north and the Nuevo at south.
La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Argentina, The Best 3-Week Tours in Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPuerto Madryn $14La Paz $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Madryn is $14, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $118. 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 Puerto Madryn and La Paz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPuerto Madryn $5.25La Paz $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPuerto Madryn $11La Paz $104
Compare Hotels in Puerto Madryn and La Paz
Looking for a hotel in Puerto Madryn or La Paz? 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: Puerto Madryn Hotel Prices and La Paz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Puerto Madryn $3.28La Paz $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Madryn
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Madryn:
- Trelew Airport Shuttle Transfer To Puerto Madryn : $47
- From Punta Tombo Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $131
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:
- Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
- La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
- La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
- Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $240
- La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto Madryn or La Paz?
Prices for flights to both La Paz and Puerto Madryn 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 dayPuerto Madryn $5.69La Paz $38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.
- 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Puerto Madryn $5.77La Paz $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Puerto Madryn
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Puerto Madryn are as follows:
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Whale Watching for Two$0.35
Tours and Activities in Puerto Madryn
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Madryn are as follows:
- Kayaking adventure in Puerto Madryn: $60
- Excursion to Punta Loma and Puerto Madryn for Cruisers: $60
- From City and Punta Loma Tour: $70
- Shore Excursion: Punta Loma+City Tour, for cruise passengers: $70
- Punta Loma Shore Excursion with City tour: $75
- Punta Loma Excursion for Cruise Passengers: $75
- Full Day Peninsula Valdes Experience - optional Whale Watching : $87
- Peninsula Valdes Full Day Tour: $88
- Punta Tombo Tour, the Penguin Experience: $88
- Full Day Peninsula Valdes Experience: $90
- Shore Excursion Punta Loma Sea Lions Reserve Including Puerto Madryn City Tour : $95
- Wonderful Punta Tombo Penguin Rookery Tour : $100
Tours and Activities in La Paz
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:
- Transparent Boat Tour with Mushroom Rock: $64
- Pearls of Pearl Farm Experience: $64
- Half Day Sandboarding and Paddleboarding Experience in La Paz: $81
- Unique Mexican Spirits Tasting & Pairing Experience: $85
- Sunset Sandboarding at La Paz Dunes Tour: $89
- City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
- Supercombo 2-Day City Tour: $105
- Half Day Private Tour of the Beaches of La Paz: $113
- From Los Cabos: City Tour La Paz, Balandra and Todos Santos: $115
- holy spirit island tour: $116
- Los Cabos Tour from La Paz: $119
- Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz: $119
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPuerto Madryn $3.13La Paz $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Puerto Madryn and La Paz, we can see that La Paz is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Madryn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Puerto Madryn is in South America and La Paz is in North 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 Madryn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Madryn 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 La Paz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Paz than you might in Puerto Madryn.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Puerto Madryn Expensive? and Is La Paz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Puerto Madryn or La Paz?
La Paz has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Puerto Madryn. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Madryn and La Paz, 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 Puerto Madryn or La Paz?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Puerto Madryn is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but La Paz has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Puerto Madryn or La Paz in the Summer?
Both La Paz and Puerto Madryn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In January, Puerto Madryn is generally cooler than La Pazin July. Daily temperatures in Puerto Madryn average around 22°C (71°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
In January, Puerto Madryn usually receives less rain than La Pazin July. Puerto Madryn gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyPuerto Madryn 22°C (71°F)La Paz 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Puerto Madryn or La Paz in the Autumn?
Both La Paz and Puerto Madryn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to La Paz because of the shopping scene.
Puerto Madryn is much colder than La Paz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Puerto Madryn averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and La Paz fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in October.
Puerto Madryn usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as La Pazin October. Puerto Madryn gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPuerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)La Paz 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Puerto Madryn or La Paz in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Puerto Madryn and La Paz. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to La Paz this time of year.
In the winter, Puerto Madryn is much colder than La Paz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Puerto Madryn in July average around 7°C (45°F), and La Paz averages at about 18°C (65°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In Puerto Madryn, it's very sunny this time of the year. Puerto Madryn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Paz during winter. Puerto Madryn gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Puerto Madryn usually receives more rain than La Pazin January. Puerto Madryn gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPuerto Madryn 7°C (45°F)La Paz 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Puerto Madryn or La Paz in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Puerto Madryn as well as La Paz. Also, many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches.
In October, Puerto Madryn is generally much colder than La Pazin April. Daily temperatures in Puerto Madryn average around 14°C (58°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Puerto Madryn usually gets more rain in October than La Pazin April. Puerto Madryn gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPuerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)La Paz 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for La Paz and Puerto Madryn
| Puerto Madryn | La Paz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (71°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 21°C (69°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (64°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 10°C (51°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 7°C (45°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 7°C (45°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (48°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (53°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (58°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 18°C (64°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.