Which place is cheaper, Puerto Natales or Salto?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Salto or Puerto Natales?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salto or Puerto Natales, 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: Salto or Puerto Natales?
Salto
Salto is in the citrus growing region of Northern Interior Uruguay, on the east bank of the Rio Uruguay. It is closely connected to the neighboring Argentinian city of Concordia that lies across the river on the western bank. Salto is Uruguay's second-largest city and the most northerly crossing point to Argentina. Salto is a very picturesque city that has a relaxing feel the entire year. However, people mostly come here for the nearby hot springs and the recreation area above the enormous Salto Grande hydroelectric dam.
Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales is a beautiful town located in the Chilean Patagonia on the Senoret Channel. The city is often used as a base camp for trips to the surrounding national parks due to their plentiful restaurant options and access to internet. Puerto Natales is also known for being the base city to the Torres del Paine National Park, which was named the 5th most beautiful place in the world by National Geographic.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Chile, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalto $71Puerto Natales $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Salto is $71, while the average daily cost in Puerto Natales is $84. 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 Salto and Puerto Natales in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalto $30Puerto Natales $38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalto $60Puerto Natales $76
Compare Hotels in Salto and Puerto Natales
Looking for a hotel in Salto or Puerto Natales? 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: Salto Hotel Prices and Puerto Natales Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salto $22Puerto Natales $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Natales
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Natales:
- From Torres del Paine Tour with Transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Salto or Puerto Natales?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Natales and Salto 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 daySalto $25Puerto Natales $28
Typical Food Prices in Puerto Natales
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Puerto Natales:
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Cake$1.05
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Dinner$18
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Coke$1.05
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salto $18Puerto Natales $29
Tours and Activities in Puerto Natales
Here are a few actual costs in Puerto Natales for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bus ticket to El Calafate, Argentina: $44
- City Bike Tour in Puerto Natales: $58
- Puerto Natales Sightseeing Bike Tour: $62
- From Torres del Paine National Park Day Tour: $80
- Torres del Paine Full Day Tour: $87
- Full day tour Torres del Paine + Milodon cave: $88
- Full-Day Torres del Paine Tour: $90
- Full Day Tour to Torres del Paine National Park: $92
- Full day tour Torres del Paine: $93
- Torres del Paine Park Full-Day Tour from Puerto Natales: $95
- Full Day Torres del Paine Tour: $99
- Full Day Patagonia Tour from Puerto Natales: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalto $13Puerto Natales $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Puerto Natales
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Puerto Natales:
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Alcohol$13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salto and Puerto Natales, we can see that Puerto Natales is more expensive. And not only is Salto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Salto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salto 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 Puerto Natales would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Puerto Natales than you might in Salto.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salto Expensive? and Is Puerto Natales Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salto or Puerto Natales?
Salto has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Puerto Natales. When comparing the sizes of Salto and Puerto Natales, 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.
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.