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

Should you visit Rosario Islands or Valparaiso?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Rosario Islands and Valparaiso can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Rosario Islands or Valparaiso?

Rosario Islands

The Rosario Islands, also referred to as Coral Islands of Rosario, is an archipelago located off the coast of Colombia, approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles) from Cartagena. The Rosario Islands are integrated by 28 islands and all of them form one of the 46 Natural National Parks of Colombia, created to protect one of the most important coral reefs in the Colombian Caribbean Coast. Only three of these islands are property of the Colombian state. Before establishing the national park in 1977, wealthy families used this natural paradise to build their summer houses, but then the government allowed them to keep their properties, only if they paid annual rent and taxes to be there, and complied with certain rules to preserve the ecosystem of the islands. People can visit the national park area of the islands, and tours are available. Isla Rosario has an aquarium and open-sea oceanarium that people can visit. Activities on the Rosario Islands include swimming, snorkeling and fishing, among others. The best time to visit Colombia in general, and especially the Rosario Islands is the dry-season months from December to March. These uninterrupted sunny days are just perfect for a Caribbean coastal experience and to enjoy all the activities it has to offer.

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 Luxury Tours to Colombia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Colombia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Valparaiso or Rosario Islands?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Rosario Islands is $89, 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 Rosario Islands and Valparaiso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rosario Islands $34
    Valparaiso $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rosario Islands $68
    Valparaiso $72
Compare Hotels in Rosario Islands and Valparaiso

Looking for a hotel in Rosario Islands 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 Rosario Islands


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: Rosario Islands Hotel Prices and Valparaiso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rosario Islands $47
    Valparaiso $4.83

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:

  • Pick up Valparaiso Visit William Cole Winery & Transfer to Hotel: $270
  • Pick up at the Pier and Valparaiso -Viña del Mar and transfer to the Airport: $269
  • Private Transfer Viña del Mar to Santiago Airport: $170
  • Private Transfer from San Antonio Port to Valparaiso or Viña del Mar.: $133
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Cruise Port to Santiago hotels: $80
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Hotel or port To Santiago Airport or Hotel: $107
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Port to Santiago Airport (SCL): $80
  • Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City: $89
  • Private Transfer from Viña del Mar to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $236
  • Small group transfer from Valparaiso/S.Antonio+Tour in Santiago: $140
  • Transfers from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to Santiago: $120
  • Valparaiso Airport Private Transfer: $156

Is it cheaper to fly into Rosario Islands or Valparaiso?

Prices for flights to both Valparaiso and Rosario Islands 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
    Rosario Islands $28
    Valparaiso $22

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.
    Rosario Islands $14
    Valparaiso $18

Tours and Activities in Rosario Islands

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

  • One-day tour to Playa Blanca by land Popular sector: $45

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:

  • Walking Tour Valparaiso: $30
  • Valparaiso Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $32
  • 2 Hour Walking Tour in Valparaiso: $35
  • Famous Viña del Mar! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $35
  • Famous Valparaíso! 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: $54
  • 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
  • Private City Tour of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rosario Islands $6.12
    Valparaiso $7.79

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
  • Isla Negra Museum Tour & CasaBlanca Wine Tour: $289


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

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