Which place is cheaper, Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia?
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 Ushuaia, 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 Ushuaia?
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.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia is a city on the Tierra del Fuego island of Argentina on the Beagle Strait. The city is considered to be one of the southernmost cities in the world and is often used as a base for cruises to Antarctica. Ushuaia's close proximity to Antarctica and their amazing hiking trails have made it a popular tourist destination over the past few decades.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best 3-Week Tours in Argentina, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires.
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Punta del Este Prices
Uruguay PricesUshuaia Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $116Ushuaia $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $116, while the average daily cost in Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $53Ushuaia -
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $106Ushuaia $0.00
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Ushuaia
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este or Ushuaia? 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 Ushuaia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $21Ushuaia -
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 Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $275
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $168
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $168
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $116
- Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $116
- PDP Airport Private Transfer to Punta del Este City Center: $83
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ushuaia
Also for Ushuaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Antarctic Experience W/Snowmobile Ride & Transfer: $242
- National Park, Train and Navigation. Airport transfer included: $204
- Ushuaia:Trekking Glaciar & Ice Caves W/Lunch and Transfer: $176
- Private Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $160
- Complete Husky Experience + Buoy Park with Transfer: $124
- Ushuaia Guided Visit to the National Park with Transfer: $120
- Navigation to Beagle Channel and Sea Lions Island with Transfers: $116
- Escondido and Fagnano Lakes with transfer: $112
- Transfer Ushuaia Airport - Hotel in Ushuaia - Ushuaia Airport : $67
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia Cruise Port: $62
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Cruise Port to Ushuaia Airport(USH): $62
- Husky Trekking with Transfer: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Ushuaia?
Prices for flights to both Ushuaia 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 $51Ushuaia -
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ushuaia
For Ushuaia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Adventure and Snow Moto + Buffet Lunch or Pizza Rodizio + Transfer: $96
- Beaver Sighting with Dinner off Lake Fagnano: $170
- Ushuaia City Tour: Vespertine Tour with Dinner: $189
- Snowmobile + Snowshoeing + Huskies + Skiing + Lunch or Pizza Buffet: $195
- Tierra del Fuego National Park PM - with Dinner included: $210
- Discovering Lakes Escondido and Fagnano with sunset dinner: $210
- Puerto Almanza and Punta Paraná Tour with Dinner: $210
- Tierra del Fuego National Park: vespertine tour with dinner: $210
- Snow and Fire with Dinner in Firepit, Sledge Ride and Snowmobile: $250
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta del Este $10Ushuaia -
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- Best private Have It Your Way Tour in Punta Del Este.: $261
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- Candelaria Church and Punta del Este Old Town Private Tour: $122
- Discover why we Love the Colonia Wine Experience: $200
- Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Exclusive Private Tour for cruise passengers in Punta del Este: $250
- Full Experience Tasting Menu Viña Edén: $165
- Full-day guided tour of Punta del Este: $43
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $19
- Half Day Tour in Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio: $170
- Jewish History Punta del Este Old Town Private Walking Tour: $150
- Museo Ralli Private Guided Tour in Punta del Este : $122
Tours and Activities in Ushuaia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ushuaia.
- 3-Hour Tour Sailing through the Beagle Channel: $105
- 4×4 Off Road Tour to Escondido and Khami Lakes: $200
- 4W4 Adventure in Lagos Full Day with Roast : $170
- 4WD Off-Road Lakes Adventure in Tierra del Fuego: $167
- 4x4 Adventure at Lago Fagnano from Ushuaia: $236
- 4x4 Lake Fagnano Adventure from Ushuaia: $218
- 5-Hour National Park + City tour - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $205
- 5.5-Hour Nat Park w/ Hiking *Shore Excursion* USHUAIA (Shared tour for cruises): $150
- 5hrs of Trekking Experience in Martial Glacier: $115
- Adventure in the Lakes Fueguinos quadricycles and Patagonian lamb: $238
- Adventure through Lagos 4X4 in Ushuaia: $162
- Albino's Eye Glacier Full-Day Trekking Tour from Ushuaia: $286
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.43Ushuaia -
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 Ushuaia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ushuaia:
- Photo tour and Wine Tasting in Ushuaia City: $115
- City tour and Wine tasting: $115
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Ushuaia, we can see that Punta del Este is more expensive. And not only is Ushuaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ushuaia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia.
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 Ushuaia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Ushuaia?
Ushuaia has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este and Ushuaia, 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 Ushuaia?
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 Ushuaia in the Summer?
Both Ushuaia and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Punta del Este is much warmer than Ushuaia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Punta del Este in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Ushuaia averages at about 10°C (50°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Punta del Este. Punta del Este usually receives more sunshine than Ushuaia during summer. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Ushuaia receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Ushuaia. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Ushuaia 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Ushuaia in the Autumn?
Both Ushuaia and Punta del Este during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In April, Punta del Este is generally much warmer than Ushuaia. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 17°C (63°F), and Ushuaia fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In the autumn, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than Ushuaia. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ushuaia receives 74 hours of full sun.
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in April than Ushuaia. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Ushuaia in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Ushuaia.
It's quite cold in Ushuaia in the winter. Punta del Este is much warmer than Ushuaia in the winter. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 10°C (50°F) in July, and Ushuaia fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Punta del Este usually receives more sunshine than Ushuaia during winter. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Ushuaia receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Ushuaia. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Ushuaia 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Ushuaia in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Ushuaia.
In the spring, Punta del Este is much warmer than Ushuaia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Punta del Este in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Ushuaia averages at about 6°C (43°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 Ushuaia. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ushuaia receives 156 hours of full sun.
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in October than Ushuaia. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Ushuaia and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Ushuaia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 9°C (48°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.