Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Punta Arenas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Punta Arenas or Vieques Island?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Vieques Island? 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 Vieques Island?
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.
Vieques Island
Amidst the melodious chorus of coqui frogs and gentle whispers of palm trees blowing in an evening breeze, you will find that the waters around you glow just as brightly as the stars above. This tropical paradise is none other than Vieques, Puerto Rico. Tropical forests, bioluminescent bays, coral reefs--this island attracts visitors from all around the world who seek to see the wonders and beauties of the tropics. This island suits those from all walks of life, from history buffs seeking to learn about its unique past to nature-lovers wanting to admire its untouched wilderness. Vieques is the place for a perfect vacation!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta Arenas $63Vieques Island $170
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta Arenas is $63, while the average daily cost in Vieques Island is $170. 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 Vieques Island in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta Arenas $32Vieques Island $92
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta Arenas $64Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Punta Arenas and Vieques Island
Looking for a hotel in Punta Arenas or Vieques Island? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta Arenas $1.80Vieques Island $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $64
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vieques Island
Also for Vieques Island, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Fajardo or Ceiba to San Juan Airport: $150
- Taxi Transfer From San Juan Airport to El Conquistador Hotel: $115
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta Arenas or Vieques Island?
Prices for flights to both Vieques Island 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
-
Food Meals for one dayPunta Arenas $21Vieques Island $54
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
-
Donut$1.05
-
Dinner$25
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta Arenas $6.44Vieques Island $34
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- Magallanes Forest and Club Andino Tour from Punta Arenas: $290
- Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
- Mountain Bike Adventure in Punta Arenas: $192
- Pali Aike Full-Day Adventure from Punta Arenas: $300
- Private City Cruise Tour: $225
- Private Half Day Punta Arenas City Tour From the Hotel only: $250
Tours and Activities in Vieques Island
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vieques Island.
- 1-Hour Bioluminescent Boat Tour in Mosquito Bay, Vieques : $128
- Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $65
- Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $72
- Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayaking Tour in Laguna Grande Fajardo: $65
- Culebra Island Snorkel with Turtles Adventure - Ferry Tickets Included: $135
- El Yunque Waterfalls and Waterslide River Tour: $50
- Fajardo Afternoon Snorkeling Boat Tour: $110
- Full-Day Snorkeling Tour to Culebra Island with Lunch: $139
- Half Day Adventure Private Tour in El Yunque Rainforest: $234
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $45
- Icacos Island All-Inclusive Snorkel and Boat Tour : $125
- Isla de Vieques Beach Sightseeing Day Tour: $70
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta Arenas $4.86Vieques Island $30
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
-
Alcohol$7.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta Arenas and Vieques Island, we can see that Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta Arenas or Vieques Island?
Punta Arenas has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Punta Arenas and Vieques Island, 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 Vieques Island?
Punta Arenas has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vieques Island experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Vieques Island in the Summer?
Both Vieques Island and Punta Arenas are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Punta Arenas is generally much colder than Vieques Islandin July. Daily temperatures in Punta Arenas average around 11°C (52°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Punta Arenas. Punta Arenas usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during summer. Punta Arenas gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Punta Arenas usually receives less rain than Vieques Islandin July. Punta Arenas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyPunta Arenas 11°C (52°F)Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Vieques Island in the Autumn?
Both Vieques Island and Punta Arenas during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.
Punta Arenas is much colder than Vieques Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Punta Arenas averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.
In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Punta Arenas often gets less sunshine than Vieques Islandin October. Punta Arenas gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun.
Vieques Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Punta Arenas usually gets less rain in April than Vieques Islandin October. Punta Arenas gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPunta Arenas 7°C (44°F)Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Vieques Island in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta Arenas and Vieques Island. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Punta Arenas can be very cold. In the winter, Punta Arenas is much colder than Vieques Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Punta Arenas in July average around 1°C (35°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. Punta Arenas usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during winter. Punta Arenas gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Punta Arenas usually receives less rain than Vieques Islandin January. Punta Arenas gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPunta Arenas 1°C (35°F)Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Vieques Island in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Punta Arenas as well as Vieques Island. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.
In October, Punta Arenas is generally much colder than Vieques Islandin April. Daily temperatures in Punta Arenas average around 7°C (44°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. In the spring, Punta Arenas often gets less sunshine than Vieques Islandin April. Punta Arenas gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun.
Punta Arenas usually gets less rain in October than Vieques Islandin April. Punta Arenas gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPunta Arenas 7°C (44°F)Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Punta Arenas
| Punta Arenas | Vieques Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.