Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan or Punta Arenas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Punta Arenas or Mazatlan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Mazatlan? 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: Punta Arenas or Mazatlan?
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta Arenas $63Mazatlan $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta Arenas is $63, while the average daily cost in Mazatlan is $79. 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 Punta Arenas and Mazatlan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta Arenas $32Mazatlan $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta Arenas $64Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in Punta Arenas and Mazatlan
Looking for a hotel in Punta Arenas or Mazatlan? 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: Punta Arenas Hotel Prices and Mazatlan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta Arenas $1.80Mazatlan $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $64
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:
- Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
- Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
- Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
- Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
- Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta Arenas or Mazatlan?
Prices for flights to both Mazatlan and Punta Arenas 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 dayPunta Arenas $21Mazatlan $34
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mazatlan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mazatlan.
- Mercado walking food tour: $78
- Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
- Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta Arenas $6.44Mazatlan $9.59
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- City Sightseeing and Monuments Guided Tour: $52
- Regular city cruise tour: $65
- Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Punta Arenas Sightseeing Tour: $72
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
- Punta Arenas Private City Tour Shore Excursion: $155
- Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
- Mountain Bike Adventure in Punta Arenas: $192
Tours and Activities in Mazatlan
Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Barrio Bites tour: $78
- Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
- BeachBlast ATV's & City Tour: $99
- Bird Watching Mazatlán - Birding Tour: $115
- City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
- From Zipline & ATV Adventure with Tequila Tasting: $210
- Half-Day Tour to Tequila Factory and Villages from Mazatlan: $75
- Half-Day Ziplining Experience from Mazatlán: $110
- Jungle and beach ATV tour + lunch + tequila tasting: $120
- Mazatlán: Beach & Jungle ATV Tour w/ Lunch & Tequila Tasting: $126
- Mazatlán: Tequila Factory & Country Sightseeing: $103
- Mazatlán: Zipline Adventure, Sightseeing & Mezcal Tasting: $128
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta Arenas $4.86Mazatlan $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta Arenas and Mazatlan, we can see that Mazatlan is more expensive. And not only is Punta Arenas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Punta Arenas is in South America and Mazatlan 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 Punta Arenas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta Arenas 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 Mazatlan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mazatlan than you might in Punta Arenas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Punta Arenas Expensive? and Is Mazatlan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta Arenas or Mazatlan?
Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Punta Arenas and Mazatlan, 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 Punta Arenas or Mazatlan?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Punta Arenas is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Mazatlan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Mazatlan in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Punta Arenas as well as Mazatlan. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.
In January, Punta Arenas is generally much colder than Mazatlanin July. Daily temperatures in Punta Arenas average around 11°C (52°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Punta Arenas this time of the year. In the summer, Punta Arenas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mazatlanin July. Punta Arenas gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 216 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Mazatlan. Punta Arenas usually gets less rain in January than Mazatlanin July. Punta Arenas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyPunta Arenas 11°C (52°F)Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Mazatlan in the Autumn?
Both Mazatlan and Punta Arenas are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene.
Punta Arenas is much colder than Mazatlan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Punta Arenas averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. Punta Arenas usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during autumn. Punta Arenas gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In April, Punta Arenas usually receives less rain than Mazatlanin October. Punta Arenas gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPunta Arenas 7°C (44°F)Mazatlan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Mazatlan in the Winter?
Both Mazatlan and Punta Arenas during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Mazatlan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Punta Arenas. In the winter, Punta Arenas is much colder than Mazatlan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Punta Arenas in July average around 1°C (35°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 20°C (67°F)in January.
In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Punta Arenas often gets less sunshine than Mazatlanin January. Punta Arenas gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun.
Punta Arenas usually gets more rain in July than Mazatlanin January. Punta Arenas gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPunta Arenas 1°C (35°F)Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Mazatlan in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta Arenas and Mazatlan. Also, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches during these months.
In October, Punta Arenas is generally much colder than Mazatlanin April. Daily temperatures in Punta Arenas average around 7°C (44°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. Punta Arenas usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during spring. Punta Arenas gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Punta Arenas usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin April. Punta Arenas gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPunta Arenas 7°C (44°F)Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Punta Arenas
| Punta Arenas | Mazatlan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Aug | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Sep | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 18 mm (0.7 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.