Which place is cheaper, Lima or Puerto Madryn?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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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 Camping Tours in Argentina, The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Puerto Madryn Prices
Argentina PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPuerto Madryn $61Lima $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Madryn is $61, while the average daily cost in Lima is $95. 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 $41Lima $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPuerto Madryn $82Lima $104
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 $2.53Lima $6.06
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Madryn
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Madryn:
- Trelew Airport Shuttle Transfer To Puerto Madryn : $42
- From Punta Tombo Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $138
- Puerto Madryn Airport Private Transfer: $216
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Short Taxi Ride$4.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.95
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.95
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM): $13
- Private Transfer to Lima Airport (LIM): $13
- Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $16
- Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM) to Callao Port: $17
- Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $17
- Private Airport Transfer to Miraflores San Isidro and Barranco: $18
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima Hotels: $18
- Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $18
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 $7.60Lima $32
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.59
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Ice cream$3.73
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Coffee$3.15
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Donut$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $32
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $40
- Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour : $48
- #1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class: $49
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $55
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Peru’s Most Beloved Recipes Cooking Class: $58
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- Lima Night: Cooking Experience with locals: $65
- Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65
- Vegan Peruvian Food Cooking Class | Ceviche + Pisco Sour: $69
- 4 iconic restaurants of Lima / 3-hour guided food tour: $69
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Puerto Madryn $45Lima $9.15
Tours and Activities in Puerto Madryn
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Madryn are as follows:
- Madryn Bike Tours. Punta Loma: sea lions, shipwrecks, and cliffs: $55
- El Doradillo Whale Watching Half-Day Tour from Puerto Madryn: $60
- Excursion to Punta Loma and Puerto Madryn for Cruisers: $60
- Shore Tour Punta Loma & city tour cruise passengers Puerto Madryn: $65
- Punta Loma & City Tour for Cruise Passengers: $65
- Puerto Madryn Punta Loma Shore Tour with Craft Beer Tasting: $70
- El Doradillo Whale Watching Half-Day Tour: $70
- Punta Loma Shore Excursion with City tour: $75
- Cruise Shore Punta Loma and city overview: $83
- Solo Ballenas - Share-Based Whale Watching and Guided Tour: $83
- Peninsula Valdes Full Day Tour: $90
- Punta Tombo Tour, the Penguin Experience: $90
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)$17
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Movie Tickets$2.44
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Lima City Tour with Baby Alpaca Class and Pisco Tasting: $16
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $18
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Bike Tour Lima: $19
- Water Magic Circuit Lima Night Tour by Panoramic Bus: $20
- Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
- Bohemian and artistic ravine walking tour: $22
- Lima Half-Day City Walking Tour (Small Groups): $24
- Pisco Sour experience with mini causitas at República del Pisco: $25
- Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPuerto Madryn $12Lima $5.95
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$7.71
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Beer$4.30
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Cocktail$3.44
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $19
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $30
- Local Wine Tour : $55
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
- Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima : $138
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.