A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Roatan vs. Valparaiso for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Roatan or Valparaiso?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Roatan and Valparaiso. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Roatan or Valparaiso?

Roatan

Your next great vacation lies just thirty miles off the north coast of Honduras. Right above the world's largest coral reef is the island of Roatan. As a popular tourist attraction and standard cruise destination, it's not uncommon to see tons of Americans during your trip. In fact, the cruising industry has had huge impact on the island's culture. While ships are in port, traffic will be heavier and prices may go up. Because of the growth of tourism, most locals speak both Spanish and English.

Valparaiso

Valparaiso, often referred to as Valpo, is an attractive city on the Pacific Coast in Chile. The city has a population of about 300,000 and is only 120 kilometers west of Santiago. The city's main industries aside from tourism include shipping and petroleum refining.

Valparaiso is popular with travelers because of its bohemian culture and brightly colored homes. It also offers some wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Although the city is short on specific sights, the atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a wonderful place to visit.

Valparaiso has a mild Mediterranean climate that is comparable to San Francisco or Santa Barbara. The summer is dry but fog is common year around. Rain can be heavy during the winter season and snow falls occasionally in the highest parts of the city. Winds can also be strong during the winter months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Honduras, The Best Adventure Tours to Honduras, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Valparaiso or Roatan?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Roatan is $38, while the average daily cost in Valparaiso is $66. 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 Roatan and Valparaiso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Roatan $11
    Valparaiso $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Roatan $22
    Valparaiso $72
Compare Hotels in Roatan and Valparaiso

Looking for a hotel in Roatan or Valparaiso? 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 Roatan


Hotels in Valparaiso


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: Roatan Hotel Prices and Valparaiso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Roatan $19
    Valparaiso $4.83
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Roatan

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Roatan are as follows:


  • Water Taxi
    $4.26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Roatan

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Roatan:

  • AJ's Sloth & Monkeys Family Excursion, City Tour & Private Transfer: $57
  • Chocolate Factory, Rum Factory, Markets, Island Tour, Private Transfer: $50
  • Discover Scuba Diving in Roatan at Upachaya with Private Transfer: $110
  • East Sightseeing, Mangrove Tunnel Snorkel, Hole in the Wall, with Transfer: $130
  • Ground transfers and ticket ferry to Utila or La Ceiba: $80
  • Honduras Airport(RTB) to Honduras -Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Honduras to Honduras Airport (RTB)-Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Horseback Riding, Beach with Palapa and Transfer: $130
  • Mahogany Bay Cruise Port to Roatan Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Mayan Eden Eco Park, Chocolate Factory & Transfer: $65
  • Mayan Eden Eco Wildlife Park, City Tour & Private Transfer: $67
  • North Side Blue Channel & Starfish Snorkeling, 20min JetSki, Transfer Included: $165

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Valparaiso

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Valparaiso are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valparaiso

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valparaiso:

  • Valparaiso to Santiago Private Transfer or Santiago to Valparaiso: $76
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Cruise Port to Santiago hotels: $81
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Port to Santiago Airport (SCL): $81
  • Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City: $89
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Hotel or port To Santiago Airport or Hotel: $107
  • Transfers from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to Santiago: $120
  • Private Transfer from San Antonio Port to Valparaiso or Viña del Mar.: $133
  • Small group transfer from Valparaiso/S.Antonio+Tour in Santiago: $140
  • Valparaiso Airport Private Transfer: $156
  • Private Transfer Viña del Mar to Santiago Airport: $170
  • Private Transfer from Viña del Mar to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $236
  • World Biggest Organic Winery Emiliana, Valparaiso & Transfer : $250

Is it cheaper to fly into Roatan or Valparaiso?

Prices for flights to both Valparaiso and Roatan 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
    Roatan $9.43
    Valparaiso $22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Roatan

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Roatan.

  • Tiki Boat Sunset Cruise in Roatan with Snorkeling and Dinner : $100
  • Cooking classes from a Local!: $200

Typical Food Prices in Valparaiso

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Valparaiso:


  • Empanada
    $1.89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valparaiso

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valparaiso.

  • Learn to Cook Like a Local: Private Cooking Class in a Viña del Mar Home: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Roatan $27
    Valparaiso $18

Tours and Activities in Roatan

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Roatan are as follows:

  • Shore Excursion: Roatan VIP Customizable Island Tour: $35
  • Half Day Roatan Sightseeing and Jungle Island Tour: $41
  • Eco-Walk Nature Tour: $41
  • Private Tour in Roatan with Pick Up: $44
  • Customizable Best Of Roatan Island Tour in Honduras: $45
  • Shore Excursion: Private Half-Day Sightseen Tour and Beach: $45
  • Monkeys and Sloth Hang Out with Island Tour in Roatan: $49
  • Monkeys & sloth hangout,Chocolate Factory,Rum Factory, island tour/Beach : $49
  • Roatan City Tour-Viewpoints, Landmarks, Chocolate and Rum Tasting: $50
  • Guided Tour to Discover Roatán Starting from the Center: $50
  • Goodman's Island Style Roatan Highlights Tour: $50
  • Roatan Shore Excursion: Kayak Harbor Adventure and Reef Snorkel: $51

Typical Entertainment Prices in Valparaiso

Here are a few typical costs in Valparaiso for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Tour
    $4.19

Tours and Activities in Valparaiso

Here are a few actual costs in Valparaiso for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Valparaiso Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $32
  • Citybus Tour from Valparaíso (Viña del Mar, Reñaca and Concón): $33
  • Famous Valparaíso! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $35
  • 2 Hour Walking Tour in Valparaiso: $35
  • Learn Urban Sketching while you tour Valparaíso: $35
  • Famous Viña del Mar! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $35
  • Walking Tour of Valparaiso and the House of Neruda La Sebastiana: $38
  • Guided Panoramic Tour in Valparaíso: $40
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Valparaiso: $49
  • Private walking tour in Valparaíso: $55
  • 3-Hour Bike Tour along the Coast of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso: $55
  • Valpo in 1 day: Authentic + Famous! Semi-private walking tour & public transport: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Roatan $7.07
    Valparaiso $7.79

Sample the Local Flavors in Roatan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Roatan:

  • Half-Day Tour in Roatan With Brewery, Rum and Chocolate Factories visit: $46
  • Bar Crawl Tour in West End Village by Pedibike- Let the Good Times Roll: $80

Typical Alcohol Prices in Valparaiso

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Valparaiso are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Valparaiso

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Valparaiso:

  • Private Wine Tour in Valparaíso: $166
  • Santiago: Valparaíso Walking Tour & Casablanca Wine Tasting: $255


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Roatan and Valparaiso, we can see that Valparaiso is more expensive. And not only is Roatan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Roatan is in Central America and Valparaiso is in South 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 Roatan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Roatan 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 Valparaiso would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valparaiso than you might in Roatan.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Roatan Expensive? and Is Valparaiso Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Roatan or Valparaiso?

Valparaiso has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Roatan. When comparing the sizes of Roatan and Valparaiso, 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.