A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Ignacio vs. Valdivia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Ignacio or Valdivia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Ignacio 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: San Ignacio or Valdivia?

San Ignacio

So you want a tropical getaway, but also don't want to lay around with nothing to do. You want an adventure! You want relaxation and exploration.

You want to visit the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.

This section of the Cayo region is really more of a jungle than a typical Belize beach getaway. Located close the ancient Mayan ruins on the western and inland side of Belize, this town is most popular for its many outdoor adventures including hiking, climbing, and caving!

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 Budget Tours to Belize, The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize, The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Valdivia or San Ignacio?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in San Ignacio is $72, while the average daily cost in Valdivia is $69. 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 San Ignacio and Valdivia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Ignacio $19
    Valdivia $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Ignacio $38
    Valdivia $80
Compare Hotels in San Ignacio and Valdivia

Looking for a hotel in San Ignacio 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 San Ignacio


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: San Ignacio Hotel Prices and Valdivia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Ignacio $3.11
    Valdivia $8.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:

  • From Van Transfer To Flores Peten in Guatemala: $20
  • San Ignacio Hotel to Belize City Transfer: $20

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 San Ignacio or Valdivia?

Prices for flights to both Valdivia and San Ignacio 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
    San Ignacio $21
    Valdivia $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Ignacio

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

  • Xunantunich & Food Tour with local chocolate experience: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Ignacio $100
    Valdivia $13

Tours and Activities in San Ignacio

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

  • ATV Excursions in Cayo with Waterfalls Experience: $174
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic: $125
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour from San Ignacio : $125
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal with Local Tour guide & Belizean Lunch: $120
  • Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $90
  • Caracol Maya Ruins Tour Including Rio On Pools, Rio Frio Cave and a Picnic Lunch: $125
  • Cave Canoeing with Local Tour Guide: $80
  • Cave Tubing Adventure at Nohoch Che'en and Jaguar Paw : $115
  • Cave Tubing and Zip line Adventure from San Ignacio: $144
  • Cave Tubing with local tour Guide and Belizean Lunch: $90
  • Deluxe Cave Tubing combo Adventure: $125
  • Farm Ride plus Xunantunich tour: $90

Tours and Activities in Valdivia

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Ignacio $17
    Valdivia $4.79


When comparing the travel costs between San Ignacio and Valdivia, we can see that San Ignacio is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though San Ignacio is in Central America and Valdivia is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, San Ignacio or Valdivia?

Valdivia has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of San Ignacio. When comparing the sizes of San Ignacio 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 San Ignacio or Valdivia?

Valdivia has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Ignacio experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit San Ignacio or Valdivia in the Summer?

Both Valdivia and San Ignacio during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Ignacio because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, San Ignacio is generally much warmer than Valdiviain January. Daily temperatures in San Ignacio average around 28°C (82°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Valdivia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Ignacio. In the summer, San Ignacio often gets less sunshine than Valdiviain January. San Ignacio gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 296 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. San Ignacio usually gets more rain in July than Valdiviain January. San Ignacio gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    San Ignacio 28°C (82°F) 
    Valdivia 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit San Ignacio or Valdivia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Ignacio and Valdivia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Ignacio year-round.

San Ignacio is much warmer than Valdivia in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Ignacio averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in April.

San Ignacio usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during autumn. San Ignacio gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 132 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Ignacio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Ignacio usually receives more rain than Valdiviain April. San Ignacio gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    San Ignacio 26°C (80°F) 
    Valdivia 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit San Ignacio or Valdivia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Ignacio as well as Valdivia. San Ignacio attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, San Ignacio is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Ignacio in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Valdivia averages at about 7°C (45°F)in July.

In the winter, San Ignacio often gets more sunshine than Valdiviain July. San Ignacio gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 66 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Valdivia. San Ignacio receives a lot of rain in the winter. San Ignacio usually gets less rain in January than Valdiviain July. San Ignacio gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    San Ignacio 24°C (74°F) 
    Valdivia 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit San Ignacio or Valdivia in the Spring?

Both Valdivia and San Ignacio are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Ignacio throughout the year.

In April, San Ignacio is generally much warmer than Valdiviain October. Daily temperatures in San Ignacio average around 27°C (80°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. San Ignacio usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during spring. San Ignacio gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. In April, San Ignacio usually receives less rain than Valdiviain October. San Ignacio gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    San Ignacio 27°C (80°F) 
    Valdivia 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Valdivia and San Ignacio

San Ignacio Valdivia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (74°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 297 mm (11.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 243 mm (9.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 247 mm (9.7 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in) 11°C (52°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 25°C (76°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)