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

Should you visit Punta del Este or Punta Arenas?

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 Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?

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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas 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 $101, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $62. 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 Punta Arenas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Punta del Este $56
    Punta Arenas $31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Punta del Este $112
    Punta Arenas $62
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Punta Arenas

Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este or Punta Arenas? 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 Punta Arenas


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 Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Punta del Este $22
    Punta Arenas $1.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este

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

  • Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $86
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $86
  • Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $86
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $73
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $73
  • Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
  • Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $55
  • Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $50
  • Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $50
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $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
  • Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $50
  • Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) - Departure Transfer: $50
  • Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $34

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

Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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
    Punta Arenas $20

Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:


  • Donut
    $1.02
  • Dinner
    $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Punta del Este $11
    Punta Arenas $6.29

Tours and Activities in Punta del Este

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

  • Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
  • City Tour Punta del Este: $95
  • Colonia Wine Experience for Food & Wine Lovers: $180
  • East Coast of Uruguay – Private Multi Day Tour: $2,600
  • From Cabo Polonio - Full Day Private Tour: $1,000
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour Montevideo from Punta Del Este Port: $294
  • Full Experience Tasting Menu Viña Edén: $157
  • Gourmet Food & Wine Experience from Punta del Este: $205
  • Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
  • Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
  • Half Day City Tour in Punta del Este: $47
  • Half Day Tour in Piriapolis from Punta del Este: $170

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: $157
  • King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $138
  • 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: $172
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Punta del Este $7.91
    Punta Arenas $4.75

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 : $160

Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:


  • Alcohol
    $7.17


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Punta Arenas, we can see that Punta del Este is more expensive. And not only is Punta Arenas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 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 Punta Arenas.

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 Punta Arenas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Punta Arenas?

Punta Arenas has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este and Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

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

Both Punta Arenas and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

Punta del Este is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the summer. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Punta Arenas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Punta del Este. Punta del Este usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during summer. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Punta del Este 23°C (73°F) 
    Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)

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

Both Punta Arenas and Punta del Este during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, Punta del Este is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Punta del Este in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the autumn, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenas. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun.

Punta del Este usually gets more rain in April than Punta Arenas. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Punta del Este 17°C (63°F) 
    Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Punta Arenas.

It's quite cold in Punta Arenas in the winter. In July, Punta del Este is generally much warmer than Punta Arenas. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 10°C (50°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Punta del Este usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during winter. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Punta del Este 10°C (50°F) 
    Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Punta Arenas.

Punta del Este is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the spring. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Punta del Este this time of the year. In the spring, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenas. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun.

Punta del Este usually gets more rain in October than Punta Arenas. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Punta del Este 16°C (61°F) 
    Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Punta del Este

Punta del Este Punta Arenas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 10°C (50°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)