Which place is cheaper, Piriapolis or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Punta del Este or Piriapolis?
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 Piriapolis, 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 Piriapolis?
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.
Piriapolis
Piriapolis is a small beach town between Montevideo and Punta del Este in Uruguay. It is a more laid back version of Punta del Este with fewer fancy restaurants and clubs but it has perhaps more charm, with its grand old hotel and beachfront promenade backed by small mountains. The rather old-school coastal resort is vaguely reminiscent of a Mediterranean beach town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, and The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $98Piriapolis $67
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, while the average daily cost in Piriapolis is $67. 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 Piriapolis in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $55Piriapolis $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $110Piriapolis $54
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Piriapolis
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este or Piriapolis? 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 Piriapolis Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $22Piriapolis $31
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: $54
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $29
- 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 Piriapolis?
Prices for flights to both Piriapolis 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 $31Piriapolis $23
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta del Este $11Piriapolis $5.89
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
- Half Day City Tour in Punta del Este: $47
- Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $50
- Punta del Este, City Tour: $50
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- City Tour Punta del Este: $95
- Private - Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.70Piriapolis $8.11
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 : $157
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Piriapolis, we can see that Punta del Este is more expensive. And not only is Piriapolis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Piriapolis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Piriapolis 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 Piriapolis.
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 Piriapolis Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Piriapolis?
Piriapolis has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este and Piriapolis, 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 Piriapolis?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Punta del Este or Piriapolis in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Piriapolis.
Punta del Este is around the same temperature as Piriapolis in the summer. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Piriapolis fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Piriapolis. 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 around the same amount of sunshine as Piriapolis. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piriapolis receives 296 hours of full sun.
Punta del Este usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Piriapolis. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Piriapolis receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Piriapolis 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Piriapolis in the Autumn?
Both Piriapolis and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In the autumn, Punta del Este is around the same temperature as Piriapolis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Punta del Este in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Piriapolis averages at about 17°C (63°F).
Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Piriapolis during autumn. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Piriapolis receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In April, Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of rain as Piriapolis. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Piriapolis receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Piriapolis 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Piriapolis in the Winter?
Both Piriapolis and Punta del Este during the winter are popular places to visit.
In July, Punta del Este is generally around the same temperature as Piriapolis. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 10°C (50°F), and Piriapolis fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the winter, Punta del Este often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Piriapolis. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piriapolis receives 135 hours of full sun.
Punta del Este usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Piriapolis. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Piriapolis receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Piriapolis 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Piriapolis in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Piriapolis.
Punta del Este is around the same temperature as Piriapolis in the spring. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Piriapolis fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Piriapolis this time of the year. In Punta del Este, it's very sunny this time of the year. Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Piriapolis during spring. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Piriapolis receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of rain as Piriapolis. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Piriapolis receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Piriapolis 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Piriapolis and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Piriapolis | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 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.