Which place is cheaper, Lima or Puerto Madryn?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Puerto Madryn or Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Puerto Madryn or Lima? 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Argentina, The Best 3-Week Tours in Argentina, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPuerto Madryn $14Lima $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Madryn is $14, while the average daily cost in Lima is $77. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPuerto Madryn $5.25Lima $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPuerto Madryn $11Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Puerto Madryn and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Puerto Madryn or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Puerto Madryn $3.28Lima $5.73
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Short Taxi Ride$4.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.00
- Lima Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Miraflores: $5.63
- Lima Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Lima city center: $6.00
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport to Hotels in Lima: $13
- Private transfers from Lima Airport or to Lima Airport: $17
- Transfer from Lima city to the airport: $18
- Miraflores City to Lima Airport(LIM) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel or Hotel-Airport!!: $25
- Jorge Chavez International Airport: Private Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima City hotels: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto Madryn or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $5.69Lima $18
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.34
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Ice cream$3.53
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Coffee$2.99
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Donut$0.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $33
- Lima Market Food Tour: $34
- Lima Market Food Tour - Taste 9 Popular Peruvian Snacks: $35
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
- Lima Night Food Tour: $48
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Puerto Madryn $5.77Lima $8.66
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
- Punta Tombo Tour, the Penguin Experience: $90
- Full Day Peninsula Valdes Experience: $90
- Shore Excursion Punta Loma Sea Lions Reserve Including Puerto Madryn City Tour : $95
- 4 x 4 experience around Puerto Madryn: $100
- Wonderful Punta Tombo Penguin Rookery Tour : $100
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$16
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Movie Tickets$2.31
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Free Walking Tour of Lima: $2.00
- Customize your trip to Peru with Lima Experience: $12
- bike tour: $12
- Party tour Fridays Barranco / Saturdays Miraflores: $18
- Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
- 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $20
- Lima Downtown Tour from Miraflores in 3 hrs: $21
- Coffee tasting experience at Terrua Cafe: $25
- Historic Center Walking Tour with Pisco Sour Tasting: $25
- City Sightseeing Panoramic Bus Tour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPuerto Madryn $3.13Lima $5.63
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.30
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Beer$4.07
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Cocktail$3.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $17
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Local Wine Tour: $50
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Puerto Madryn and Lima, we can see that Lima is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Madryn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Lima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lima 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 Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Puerto Madryn or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Puerto Madryn. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Madryn and Lima, 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 Lima?
Puerto Madryn has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Puerto Madryn or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Puerto Madryn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Puerto Madryn is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Puerto Madryn in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F)in July.
In January, Puerto Madryn usually receives less rain than Limain July. Puerto Madryn gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyPuerto Madryn 22°C (71°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Puerto Madryn or Lima in the Autumn?
Both Lima and Puerto Madryn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In April, Puerto Madryn is generally cooler than Limain October. Daily temperatures in Puerto Madryn average around 14°C (58°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Puerto Madryn usually gets more rain in April than Limain October. Puerto Madryn gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPuerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Puerto Madryn or Lima in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Puerto Madryn and Lima. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Puerto Madryn is much colder than Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Puerto Madryn averages around 7°C (45°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.
In Puerto Madryn, it's very sunny this time of the year. Puerto Madryn usually receives more sunshine than Lima during winter. Puerto Madryn gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Puerto Madryn usually receives more rain than Limain January. Puerto Madryn gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPuerto Madryn 7°C (45°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Puerto Madryn or Lima in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Puerto Madryn as well as Lima. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
In the spring, Puerto Madryn is much colder than Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Puerto Madryn in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.
Puerto Madryn usually gets more rain in October than Limain April. Puerto Madryn gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPuerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Puerto Madryn
| Puerto Madryn | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (71°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 21°C (69°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (64°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 10°C (51°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 7°C (45°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 7°C (45°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (48°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (53°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (58°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 18°C (64°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.