Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Punta del Este?
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 Punta del Este or Cartagena?
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 Cartagena, 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 Cartagena?
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.
Cartagena
The capital of the Bolivar Department of Colombia, Cartagena is one of the most visited cities in the country. It sits on Colombia's northern coast by the Caribbean Sea. It's a port city with a population of almost 900,000, making it the fifth largest city in Colombia. The city has a rich history and was the first Spanish colony on the American continent. It was also one of the first sanctuaries for freed African slaves in the Americas.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Punta del Este Prices
Uruguay PricesCartagena Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $116Cartagena $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $116, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $55. 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 Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $53Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $106Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este or Cartagena? 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 del Este Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $21Cartagena $7.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- PDP Airport Private Transfer to Punta del Este City Center: $83
- Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $116
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $116
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $168
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $168
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $275
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Cartagena Tour Privado x5 horas con Transfers: $276
- Cartagena to Santa Marta Private Transfer Service: $268
- Private transfer from Cartagena to Santa Marta or viceversa: $250
- Private Transfer from Cartagena Airport (CTG) to Santa Marta Port: $220
- Private Transfer from Cartagena hotels to Santa Marta Cruise Port: $220
- Private Transfer from Santa Marta Cruise Port to Cartagena hotels: $211
- Private Transfer from Cartagena Hotels to Santa Marta Cruise Port: $210
- Private Transfer from Cartagena Airport (CTG) to Santa Marta Port: $210
- Cartagena to or from Palomino Private Transfer: $198
- Cartagena Tour Privado x3 horas con Transfers: $197
- Cartagena to or from Tayrona Park Private Transfer: $188
- Cartagena to or from Minca Private Transfer: $178
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena 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
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Food Meals for one dayPunta del Este $51Cartagena $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Cartagena Fritters Cooking Class – by Lunático Experience: $23
- Street food tour Cartagena: $40
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $42
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $44
- Traditional cooking class in a restaurant in the historic center: $45
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $47
- Flavors of Colombia: Cooking Class with Chef Andrés: $52
- Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $52
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Food Tour of the Old City Flavors and Culture: $59
- Dinner Cruise Along Cartagena's Bay: $60
- Cartagena Island Dinner (Island of Tierra Bomba): $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta del Este $10Cartagena $21
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- City Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Tour: $10
- Skip the Line: Casapueblo Museum Admission Ticket in Punta del Este: $15
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $19
- Punta del Este Classic City Tour with Sunset at Casapueblo: $30
- Punta del Este city tour: $42
- Full-day guided tour of Punta del Este: $43
- Shore Excursion for Cruisers: $45
- Full-Day Beach & Culture Tour: $45
- 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
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cartagena City Tour & Convento de la Popa (AM): $40
- Palenque Native Guide, free entrance tickets, dance show & lunch: $110
- Palmarito Tour with Private Beach, Pools and Full Food: $66
- Playa Morena Beach Club Whith Lunch And Walking tour of fort San Fernando: $43
- Private city tour: $197
- Shore excursion Accessible sightseeing tour : $170
- Walking Tour of Cartagena Including a Colombian Cup of Coffee: $160
- 16. Punta Arena Tour (Tierra Bomba Island): $25
- 2 hrs Tour in Cartagena Bay with Sunset View: $30
- 2-Hour Cartagena Bay Tour: $30
- 2-Hour Color and Art Tour in Getsemani: $65
- 2-Hour Private Tour of Bazurto Market: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.43Cartagena $9.17
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
- Wine Lovers - Fun Wine Tasting outside Punta del Este!: $199
Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena
Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Open Bar Sunset Cruise with Bar Crawl After Party: $16
- Group Night Experience: Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $21
- Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $21
- Getsemaní Pub Crawl with Shots and Dance Class: $22
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $24
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Centro Histórico Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $29
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
- Pub Crawl-Last Call For Alcohol-Cartagena Night Tour (Bar/Club) : $50
- Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena : $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Cartagena, we can see that Punta del Este is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cartagena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cartagena 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 Cartagena.
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 Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este and Cartagena, 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 Cartagena?
Punta del Este has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cartagena experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Punta del Este or Cartagena in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Cartagena. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
In January, Punta del Este is generally cooler than Cartagenain July. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 23°C (73°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. 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 Cartagenain July. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in January than Cartagenain July. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Punta del Este is much colder than Cartagena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagena during autumn. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. In April, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Cartagenain October. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Cartagena in the Winter?
Both Cartagena and Punta del Este during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
In the winter, Punta del Este is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Punta del Este in July average around 10°C (50°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Punta del Este often gets less sunshine than Cartagenain January. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in July than Cartagenain January. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Cartagena. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Punta del Este is generally much colder than Cartagenain April. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 16°C (61°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Punta del Este, it's very sunny this time of the year. Punta del Este usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Cartagenain April. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.