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

Should you visit Punta del Este or Valdivia?

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 Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?

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.

Valdivia

Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Valdivia 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 Valdivia 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 Valdivia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Punta del Este $56
    Valdivia $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Punta del Este $112
    Valdivia $78
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Valdivia

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


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 Valdivia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Punta del Este $22
    Valdivia $7.90

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 Valdivia

Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52

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

Prices for flights to both Valdivia 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
    Valdivia $21

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Punta del Este $11
    Valdivia $13

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 Valdivia

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.

  • Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $76
  • Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
  • Private City Tour: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Punta del Este $7.91
    Valdivia $4.68

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Valdivia, we can see that Punta del Este is more expensive. And not only is Valdivia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valdivia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdivia 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 Valdivia.

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 Valdivia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Valdivia?

Valdivia 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 Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?

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 Valdivia in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Punta del Este is a little warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Punta del Este in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Valdivia averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Valdivia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Punta del Este. Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valdivia during summer. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Valdivia. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Punta del Este 23°C (73°F) 
    Valdivia 16°C (61°F)

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

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

In April, Punta del Este is generally much warmer than Valdivia. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 17°C (63°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than Valdivia. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 132 hours of full sun.

Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in April than Valdivia. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Punta del Este 17°C (63°F) 
    Valdivia 11°C (52°F)

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

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

Punta del Este is a little warmer than Valdivia in the winter. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 10°C (50°F) in July, and Valdivia fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Punta del Este usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during winter. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 66 hours of full sun in the winter.

Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Valdivia. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Punta del Este 10°C (50°F) 
    Valdivia 7°C (45°F)

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

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

In the spring, Punta del Este is a little warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Punta del Este in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Valdivia averages at about 11°C (52°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 Valdivia. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Valdivia. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in October than Valdivia. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Punta del Este 16°C (61°F) 
    Valdivia 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Valdivia and Punta del Este

Punta del Este Valdivia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 297 mm (11.7 in)
Jul 10°C (50°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Aug 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 247 mm (9.7 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)