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

Should you visit Punta del Este or Veracruz?

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 Veracruz, 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 Veracruz?

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.

Veracruz

Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.

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 Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.


Which place is cheaper, Veracruz 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 $98, while the average daily cost in Veracruz is $122. 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 Veracruz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Punta del Este $55
    Veracruz $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Punta del Este $110
    Veracruz $108
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Veracruz

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


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 Veracruz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Punta del Este $22
    Veracruz $28

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: $85
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
  • Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
  • 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
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $55
  • Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
  • Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz

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

  • Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $32
  • Colima Airport (CLQ) to Colima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $28
  • Airport Transfer: $25
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
  • Colima Airport (CLQ) to Colima - Arrival Private Transfer: $14

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

Prices for flights to both Veracruz 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
    Veracruz $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Punta del Este $11
    Veracruz $15

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
  • Colonia Wine Experience for Food & Wine Lovers: $180
  • Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
  • 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: $292
  • 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 Tour in Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio: $170
  • La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11

Tours and Activities in Veracruz

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

  • 1 day tour of Tlacotalpan and Alvarado from Veracruz: $102
  • 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $25
  • Adventure through the Chachalacas Beach and Dunes from Veracruz: $123
  • Alvarado And Tlacotalpan Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $112
  • Antigua and Zempoala Tour from Veracruz: $86
  • Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $27
  • Catemaco And Los Tuxtlas Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $112
  • City Tour en Veracruz y Acuario: $100
  • Coffee Route, an adventure of aroma and flavor to Veracruz: $150
  • From Veracruz or Boca del río: Coffee Tour in Coatepec: $96
  • From Alvarado, Tlacotalpan and Agustín Lara Tour: $100
  • From Catemaco, Nature, Waterfalls & Monkeys Tour: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Punta del Este $7.70
    Veracruz $17

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 : $158


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Veracruz, we can see that Veracruz is more expensive. And not only is Punta del Este much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Punta del Este is in South America and Veracruz is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Punta del Este would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta del Este 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 Veracruz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Veracruz than you might in Punta del Este.

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 Veracruz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Veracruz?

Veracruz has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este and Veracruz, 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 Veracruz?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Punta del Este is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Veracruz has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

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

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

In January, Punta del Este is generally cooler than Veracruzin July. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 23°C (73°F), and Veracruz fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. In January, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Veracruzin July. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Veracruz receives 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Punta del Este 23°C (73°F) 
    Veracruz 27°C (81°F)

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

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

Punta del Este is much colder than Veracruz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Veracruz fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in October.

In the autumn, Punta del Este often gets less sunshine than Veracruzin October. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Veracruz receives 188 hours of full sun.

Veracruz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in April than Veracruzin October. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Veracruz receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Punta del Este 17°C (63°F) 
    Veracruz 26°C (79°F)

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

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

In the winter, Punta del Este is much colder than Veracruz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Punta del Este in July average around 10°C (50°F), and Veracruz averages at about 21°C (71°F)in January.

Punta del Este usually receives less sunshine than Veracruz during winter. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Veracruz receives 156 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Veracruzin January. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Veracruz receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Punta del Este 10°C (50°F) 
    Veracruz 21°C (71°F)

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

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

In October, Punta del Este is generally much colder than Veracruzin April. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 16°C (61°F), and Veracruz fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. 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 Veracruzin April. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Veracruz receives 203 hours of full sun.

Punta del Este usually gets more rain in October than Veracruzin April. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Veracruz receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Punta del Este 16°C (61°F) 
    Veracruz 26°C (78°F)

Typical Weather for Veracruz and Punta del Este

Punta del Este Veracruz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (71°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 290 mm (11.4 in)
Jul 10°C (50°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 410 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 346 mm (13.6 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)