Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or San Pedro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Pedro or Punta Arenas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Pedro or Punta Arenas, 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 Pedro or Punta Arenas?
San Pedro
San Pedro is the largest town on Ambergris Caye, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize. Here you can find a tropical paradise with warm weather, clear blue waters, plenty of activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, and a host of hotels, restaurants, and other amenities.
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Belize, The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Pedro $135Punta Arenas $63
The average daily cost (per person) in San Pedro is $135, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $63. 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 Pedro and Punta Arenas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Pedro $66Punta Arenas $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Pedro $132Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in San Pedro and Punta Arenas
Looking for a hotel in San Pedro or Punta Arenas? 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: Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Pedro $34Punta Arenas $1.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Pedro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Pedro:
- Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure (Boat Transfer): $205
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $64
- Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
Is it cheaper to fly into San Pedro or Punta Arenas?
Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas and San Pedro 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 daySan Pedro $40Punta Arenas $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Pedro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Pedro.
- Belizean Sunset and Cultural Dinner Cruise: $120
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Pedro $33Punta Arenas $6.44
Tours and Activities in San Pedro
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Pedro are as follows:
- The best of San Pedro Town walking tour: $202
- 3 Hours Barrier Reef Tour in Caye Caulker, Belize: $54
- 5-Hour Guided Jetboat Tour to Secret Beach, San Pedro, Belize.: $200
- All-Inclusive Full-Day Hol Chan Snorkeling Tour : $120
- Altun Ha Cave Tubing and Zip line Tours from San Pedro Ambergris Caye: $250
- Ambergris Caye Sunset Sail Tour on the 40' Sirena Azul Sailboat: $75
- Belize Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley Snorkel Tour - Ambergris Caye: $93
- Cave Tubing and Zip line Adventure from San pedro Ambergris caye: $250
- Double Activity Limo Tour: Xunantunich Ruins & Cave Tubing Adventure: $220
- Exclusive All-in-1 Full Day Shared Guided Tour: $139
- Hol Chan Full-Day Bucket List Snorkeling and Marine Life Tour: $95
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkel Tour on the 40' Sirena Azul Sailboat: $89
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- City Sightseeing and Monuments Guided Tour: $52
- Regular city cruise tour: $65
- Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Punta Arenas Sightseeing Tour: $72
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $138
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
- Punta Arenas Private City Tour Shore Excursion: $155
- Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
- Mountain Bike Adventure in Punta Arenas: $192
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Pedro $16Punta Arenas $4.86
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Pedro and Punta Arenas, we can see that San Pedro is more expensive. And not only is Punta Arenas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Pedro is in Central America and Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta Arenas 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 San Pedro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Pedro than you might in Punta Arenas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Pedro Expensive? and Is Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Pedro or Punta Arenas?
Punta Arenas has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Pedro. When comparing the sizes of San Pedro and Punta Arenas, 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 Pedro or Punta Arenas?
Punta Arenas has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Pedro experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit San Pedro or Punta Arenas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to San Pedro as well as Punta Arenas. San Pedro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, San Pedro is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Pedro in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 11°C (52°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Punta Arenas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Pedro this time of the year. In the summer, San Pedro often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenasin January. San Pedro gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun.
San Pedro receives a lot of rain in the summer. San Pedro usually gets more rain in July than Punta Arenasin January. San Pedro gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySan Pedro 28°C (82°F)Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit San Pedro or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?
Both Punta Arenas and San Pedro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Pedro throughout the year.
In October, San Pedro is generally much warmer than Punta Arenasin April. Daily temperatures in San Pedro average around 26°C (80°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
San Pedro usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during autumn. San Pedro gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in San Pedro. In October, San Pedro usually receives more rain than Punta Arenasin April. San Pedro gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSan Pedro 26°C (80°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit San Pedro or Punta Arenas in the Winter?
Both Punta Arenas and San Pedro during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Pedro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Punta Arenas in the winter. San Pedro is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the winter. The daily temperature in San Pedro averages around 24°C (74°F) in January, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 1°C (35°F)in July.
In the winter, San Pedro often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenasin July. San Pedro gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Pedro. San Pedro usually gets more rain in January than Punta Arenasin July. San Pedro gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySan Pedro 24°C (74°F)Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit San Pedro or Punta Arenas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Pedro and Punta Arenas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Pedro year-round.
In the spring, San Pedro is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Pedro in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 7°C (44°F)in October.
In San Pedro, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Pedro usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during spring. San Pedro gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, San Pedro usually receives more rain than Punta Arenasin October. San Pedro gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSan Pedro 27°C (80°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and San Pedro
| San Pedro | Punta Arenas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
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.