Which place is cheaper, El Chalten or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or El Chalten?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or El Chalten, 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: Sao Paulo or El Chalten?
Sao Paulo
With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.
El Chalten
El Chalten is probably one of the most beautiful areas of Patagonia, especially at the slightest ray of sunshine and one of your cheapest destination while you are travelling in Patagonia. Indeed, you will spend your days hiking and there are no park fees. There are restaurants, souvenir shops, and outdoor stores but most of them will not accept credit cards so before heading out, get cash in El Calafate or your previous stop. For the beginners, it will be long hikes in a magical setting and for the experts perhaps a week long expedition to the greatest glaciers of the world. To discover the way people live in the pampa, you may also decide to stay at an Estancia. In the stunning Estancia Santa Thelma, about 300km away from El Chalten, you will be able to explore the surroundings by horse, live a unique experience in the middle of the nature and its vast plains occupied by thousands of merino sheep and horses and of course eat a typical meal of the region.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Argentina, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Argentina.
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Sao Paulo Prices
Brazil PricesEl Chalten Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $60El Chalten $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $60, while the average daily cost in El Chalten is $65. 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 Sao Paulo and El Chalten in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $28El Chalten $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $56El Chalten $100
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and El Chalten
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or El Chalten? 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: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices and El Chalten Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.76El Chalten $2.44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG) (SDU): $16
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) Private Transfer to Sao Paulo City/Hotels: $27
- Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $38
- Private Arrival Transfer: Congonhas Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $39
- Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Congonhas Airport: $39
- Receptive and Transfer Airports, Cities and Coast: $42
- Private Arrival Transfer: Guarulhos International Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $47
- Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $65
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $67
- Transfer (Taxi) airport to Sao Paulo: $77
- Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to Sao Paulo Private Transfer: $79
- Private Transfer from Guarulhos to Santos: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or El Chalten?
Prices for flights to both El Chalten and Sao Paulo 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 daySao Paulo $24El Chalten $6.48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo
For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
- Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $3.89El Chalten $27
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- Sao Paulo Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Downtown-Center History Walking Tour - in English: $31
- São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
- São Paulo Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $48
- Boat Trip Billings Dam and Experience Bororé Island: $50
- São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour - In English: $55
- Sao Paulo, Pinheiros - Food & Graffiti Tour - In English: $65
- São Paulo Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $66
- City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $68
- Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69
- Shared tour of the tourist attractions of São Paulo: $77
- São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group): $79
Tours and Activities in El Chalten
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for El Chalten are as follows:
- 3 Hours Grilled Lamb Experience in Estancia Bonanza: $220
- Rafting experience on the Rio de las Vueltas in Patagonia: $100
- Rio de las Vueltas Rafting Experience - El Chalten: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.38El Chalten $5.80
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192
When comparing the travel costs between Sao Paulo and El Chalten, we can see that El Chalten 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. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sao Paulo Expensive? and Is El Chalten Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Sao Paulo or El Chalten?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Sao Paulo or El Chalten in the Summer?
Both El Chalten and Sao Paulo during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.
In the summer, Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as El Chalten. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sao Paulo in January average around 25°C (77°F), and El Chalten averages at about 27°C (81°F).
El Chalten gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in January than El Chalten. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuarySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)El Chalten 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or El Chalten in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and El Chalten. Many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In April, Sao Paulo is generally around the same temperature as El Chalten. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 22°C (72°F), and El Chalten fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
El Chalten receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than El Chalten. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)El Chalten 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or El Chalten in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as El Chalten. Many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sao Paulo is a little warmer than El Chalten in the winter. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and El Chalten fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in July than El Chalten. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)El Chalten 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or El Chalten in the Spring?
Both El Chalten and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as El Chalten. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sao Paulo in October average around 21°C (70°F), and El Chalten averages at about 22°C (72°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in El Chalten. In October, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than El Chalten. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)El Chalten 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for El Chalten and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | El Chalten | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.