A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Punta del Este vs. Caracas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Punta del Este or Caracas?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este or Caracas, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Punta del Este or Caracas?

Punta del Este

Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.

Caracas

Caracas is the capital city of Venezuela, and also the country's largest city. It's in the northern portion of the country and is close to the Caribbean. While Caracas may not be a major travel destination in Venezuela, it can offer interesting insight into the country's urban character. It has a great art, culinary, and music culture that truly bring the city to life. The beautiful Mount Avila overlooks the city and separates the city from the Caribbean Sea. Many locals and visitors alike head to the mountain as a quick escape. You can reach it by taking a cable car that carries you up to the SWaraira Repano Park at the very top.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.


Which place is cheaper, Caracas or Punta del Este?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, while the average daily cost in Caracas is $0.00. 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 del Este and Caracas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Punta del Este $55
    Caracas -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Punta del Este $110
    Caracas $0.00
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Caracas

Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este or Caracas? 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.

Hotels in Punta del Este


Hotels in Caracas


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 del Este Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Punta del Este $22
    Caracas -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este

Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
  • Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
  • Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $55
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $30
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
  • Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
  • Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Caracas?

Prices for flights to both Caracas and Punta del Este 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 day
    Punta del Este $31
    Caracas -

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Punta del Este $11
    Caracas -

Tours and Activities in Punta del Este

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.

  • La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11
  • Skip the Line: Casapueblo Museum Admission Ticket in Punta del Este: $15
  • Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
  • Punta del Este Classic City Tour with Sunset in Casapueblo: $30
  • Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
  • Half-Day City Tour: $47
  • Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
  • Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $50
  • Punta del Este, City Tour: $50
  • Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
  • Private - Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $120
  • Punta del Este Shore Excursion: Private Sightseeing Tour of Punta del Este: $127

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Punta del Este $7.70
    Caracas -

Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:

  • Wine Tasting: $42
  • Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $158


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Caracas, we can see that Punta del Este is more expensive. And not only is Caracas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Caracas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Caracas 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 Punta del Este would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta del Este than you might in Caracas.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Caracas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Caracas?

Caracas has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este and Caracas, 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 del Este or Caracas?

Punta del Este has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Caracas experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Punta del Este or Caracas in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Caracas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Caracas throughout the year.

In January, Punta del Este is generally cooler than Caracasin July. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 23°C (73°F), and Caracas fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caracas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Punta del Este this time of the year. In the summer, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than Caracasin July. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caracas receives 242 hours of full sun.

Punta del Este usually gets more rain in January than Caracasin July. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Caracas receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Punta del Este 23°C (73°F) 
    Caracas 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Caracas in the Autumn?

Both Caracas and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Caracas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Punta del Este is much colder than Caracas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Caracas fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Caracas. Punta del Este usually receives less sunshine than Caracas during autumn. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Caracas receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Caracasin October. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Caracas receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Punta del Este 17°C (63°F) 
    Caracas 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Caracas in the Winter?

Both Caracas and Punta del Este during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Caracas year-round.

In the winter, Punta del Este is much colder than Caracas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Punta del Este in July average around 10°C (50°F), and Caracas averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

In Caracas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Punta del Este often gets less sunshine than Caracasin January. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caracas receives 233 hours of full sun.

Punta del Este usually gets more rain in July than Caracasin January. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Caracas receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Punta del Este 10°C (50°F) 
    Caracas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Caracas in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Caracas. Caracas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Punta del Este is generally much colder than Caracasin April. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 16°C (61°F), and Caracas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In Punta del Este, it's very sunny this time of the year. Punta del Este usually receives more sunshine than Caracas during spring. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Caracas receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Caracasin April. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Caracas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Punta del Este 16°C (61°F) 
    Caracas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Caracas and Punta del Este

Punta del Este Caracas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in) 26°C (78°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 25°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 10°C (50°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)