Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Punta Arenas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Punta Arenas or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Ponce? 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 Ponce?
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.
Ponce
Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta Arenas $63Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta Arenas is $63, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $205. 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 Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta Arenas $32Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta Arenas $64Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Punta Arenas and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Punta Arenas or Ponce? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta Arenas $1.80Ponce $10
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
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $64
- Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $279
- Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $189
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $92
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta Arenas or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce 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 $21Ponce $35
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 Ponce
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.
- Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
- Private Half-Day Food Tour : $130
- Private San Juan Cooking Class with a Local Expert: $146
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta Arenas $6.44Ponce $56
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 Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
- Scuba Boat Diving Experience in Gilligan's Island at Copamarina: $160
- 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
- 2-Hour Private UTV Can-Am Beach Tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $264
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
- 5 hours Tour in La Parguera Private Boat Charter: $200
- 7 Hours River Tour with Beach and Learn to Make Piña Colada : $195
- 90 Minute Portrait Photoshoot Experience in the Caribbean: $129
- ATV Adventure at Hacienda Campo Rico: $136
- Adventure Trail Tour in the foothills of the National Rainforest: $110
- Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
- All Inclusive Cordillera Cay’s Sailing Catamaran Beach & Snorkeling Tour: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta Arenas $4.86Ponce $16
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce
Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
- Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Tour: $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta Arenas and Ponce, we can see that Ponce 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 Ponce is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Ponce would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ponce 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 Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta Arenas or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Punta Arenas and Ponce, 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 Ponce?
Punta Arenas has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ponce experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Punta Arenas during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In January, Punta Arenas is generally much colder than Poncein July. Daily temperatures in Punta Arenas average around 11°C (52°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Punta Arenas. In the summer, Punta Arenas often gets less sunshine than Poncein July. Punta Arenas gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
Punta Arenas usually gets less rain in January than Poncein July. Punta Arenas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyPunta Arenas 11°C (52°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta Arenas and Ponce. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Punta Arenas is much colder than Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Punta Arenas averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. Punta Arenas usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during autumn. Punta Arenas gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Ponce receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Punta Arenas usually receives less rain than Poncein October. Punta Arenas gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPunta Arenas 7°C (44°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Punta Arenas as well as Ponce. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
The weather in Punta Arenas can be very cold. In the winter, Punta Arenas is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Punta Arenas in July average around 1°C (35°F), and Ponce averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In the winter, Punta Arenas often gets less sunshine than Poncein January. Punta Arenas gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
Punta Arenas usually gets less rain in July than Poncein January. Punta Arenas gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPunta Arenas 1°C (35°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce and Punta Arenas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Punta Arenas is generally much colder than Poncein April. Daily temperatures in Punta Arenas average around 7°C (44°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. Punta Arenas usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during spring. Punta Arenas gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Punta Arenas usually receives less rain than Poncein April. Punta Arenas gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPunta Arenas 7°C (44°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Punta Arenas
| Punta Arenas | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.