Which place is cheaper, Lima 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 Lima?
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 Lima, 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Punta del Este Prices
Uruguay PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $116Lima $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $116, while the average daily cost in Lima is $95. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $53Lima $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $106Lima $104
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $21Lima $6.06
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
- PDP Airport Private Transfer to Punta del Este City Center: $83
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $116
- Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Short Taxi Ride$4.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Direct Private Transfer From Lima to Paracas, English Speaking Driver: $269
- Private Transfer From Lima To Huacachina With 2 Stops: $263
- Private Transfer from Pisco Port to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $201
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chávez (LIM) Airport to Lima: $59
- Larco Museum Complete Guided Tour with Transfers (Small Group): $55
- Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $43
- Lima J Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $43
- Lima Airport Transfers by SUV/Van: $43
- Assistance - Transfer Cusco Airport to Hotel & Viceversa: $40
- Tour Magic Water Park in Lima with Small Group Transfer: $38
- Private Lima Airport Transfer - Minivan 24hrs: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $51Lima $32
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.59
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Ice cream$3.73
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Coffee$3.15
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Donut$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $32
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $40
- Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour : $48
- #1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class: $49
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $55
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Peru’s Most Beloved Recipes Cooking Class: $58
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- Lima Night: Cooking Experience with locals: $65
- Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65
- Vegan Peruvian Food Cooking Class | Ceviche + Pisco Sour: $69
- 4 iconic restaurants of Lima / 3-hour guided food tour: $69
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta del Este $10Lima $9.15
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$17
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Movie Tickets$2.44
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Tour From Lima (Private Group): $190
- Cycling Tour Miraflores - Barranco - Chorrillos: $30
- Lima bike and 5 Step Food Tasting Experience: $92
- Private Classic City Tour Experience of Lima: $65
- Private Stopover Tour of Lima from the Airport: $150
- Sunset in Huacachina and Tacama: Private Tour from Lima: $220
- #1 Full Day Tour From Paracas and Huacachina Oasis: $59
- 1 Day Tour to Huacachina from Lima (Dunebuggy + Vineyards): $225
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
- 2 Days 1 Night Paracas Ica Tour from Lima: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.43Lima $5.95
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.71
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Beer$4.30
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Cocktail$3.44
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $19
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $30
- Local Wine Tour : $55
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
- Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima : $138
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Lima, we can see that Punta del Este is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
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 Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 1070 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este and Lima, 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 Lima?
Punta del Este has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Punta del Este or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Punta del Este during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In the summer, Punta del Este is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Punta del Este in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Punta del Este. In the summer, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than Limain July. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in January than Limain July. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Lima. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Punta del Este is generally cooler than Limain October. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 17°C (63°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Punta del Este usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In April, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Limain October. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Lima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Lima. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Punta del Este is much colder than Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 10°C (50°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.
In the winter, Punta del Este often gets less sunshine than Limain January. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in July than Limain January. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Punta del Este is cooler than Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Punta del Este in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Punta del Este. Punta del Este usually receives more sunshine than Lima during spring. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Limain April. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.