Which place is cheaper, Valdivia or Ushuaia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ushuaia or Valdivia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ushuaia or Valdivia? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Ushuaia or Valdivia?
Ushuaia
Ushuaia is a city on the Tierra del Fuego island of Argentina on the Beagle Strait. The city is considered to be one of the southernmost cities in the world and is often used as a base for cruises to Antarctica. Ushuaia's close proximity to Antarctica and their amazing hiking trails have made it a popular tourist destination over the past few decades.
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 Wildlife Tours to Argentina, The Best Eco Tours in Argentina, The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayUshuaia $11Valdivia $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Ushuaia is $11, 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 Ushuaia and Valdivia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personUshuaia $5.64Valdivia $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomUshuaia $11Valdivia $80
Compare Hotels in Ushuaia and Valdivia
Looking for a hotel in Ushuaia 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.
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: Ushuaia Hotel Prices and Valdivia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ushuaia -Valdivia $8.08
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ushuaia
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ushuaia are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$0.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ushuaia
Also for Ushuaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport and Hotel Transfer in Ushuaia: $139
- Private Embarkation Debarkation Transfer: $129
- Private Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $120
- Escondido and Fagnano Lakes with transfer: $97
- Transfer from/to the airport: $89
- Private Transfer Airport-Port or Port-Airport (Ushuaia): $55
- Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia city - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $46
- Shared Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $37
- Transfer Ushuaia Airport - Hotel in Ushuaia - Ushuaia Airport : $35
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Cruise Port to Ushuaia Airport(USH): $28
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia Cruise Port: $28
- Private Transfer Hotel-Bus Station or Bus Station-Hotel (Ushuaia): $27
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 Ushuaia or Valdivia?
Prices for flights to both Valdivia and Ushuaia 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 dayUshuaia $2.18Valdivia $21
Typical Food Prices in Ushuaia
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ushuaia:
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Lunch for Two$0.06
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ushuaia
For Ushuaia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ushuaia at night: A Snow and Fire dinner, sledding and adventure: $280
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ushuaia $13Valdivia $13
Tours and Activities in Ushuaia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ushuaia.
- 2-day tour: Tierra del Fuego National Park + Fagnano and Escondido Lakes: $115
- 2-day tour:Tierra del Fuego NP + Beagle Channel Navigation + Fagnano & Escondido: $190
- 3-Hour Navigation Tour in the Beagle Channel with Isla de Lobos: $145
- 3-Hour Tour Sailing through the Beagle Channel: $105
- 4×4 Off Road Tour to Escondido and Khami Lakes: $122
- 4-Hour National Park - USHUAIA (Shared tour): $75
- 4WD Off-Road Lakes Adventure in Tierra del Fuego: $156
- 5-Hour Nat Park + City tour - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $195
- 5.5-Hour Nat Park w/ Hiking *Shore Excursion* USHUAIA (Shared tour for cruises): $115
- 5.5-Hour National park w/ hiking Shore excursion - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $280
- 5hrs of Trekking Experience in Martial Glacier: $95
- 7-Hour Lakes Escondido & Fagnano - USHUAIA (Shared tour): $105
Tours and Activities in Valdivia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.
- Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $76
- Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
- Private City Tour: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayUshuaia -Valdivia $4.79
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ushuaia
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ushuaia are as follows:
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Wine$0.05
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Beer$0.01
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ushuaia and Valdivia, we can see that Valdivia is more expensive. And not only is Ushuaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ushuaia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ushuaia 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 Valdivia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valdivia than you might in Ushuaia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ushuaia Expensive? and Is Valdivia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ushuaia or Valdivia?
Valdivia has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ushuaia. When comparing the sizes of Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia or Valdivia?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Ushuaia or Valdivia in the Summer?
Both Valdivia and Ushuaia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
Ushuaia is much colder than Valdivia in the summer. The daily temperature in Ushuaia averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Valdivia fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite sunny in Valdivia. Ushuaia usually receives less sunshine than Valdivia during summer. Ushuaia gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Ushuaia usually receives less rain than Valdivia. Ushuaia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryUshuaia 10°C (50°F)Valdivia 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Ushuaia or Valdivia in the Autumn?
Both Valdivia and Ushuaia during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In the autumn, Ushuaia is much colder than Valdivia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ushuaia in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Valdivia averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In the autumn, Ushuaia often gets less sunshine than Valdivia. Ushuaia gets 74 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 132 hours of full sun.
Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ushuaia usually gets less rain in April than Valdivia. Ushuaia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilUshuaia 6°C (43°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Ushuaia or Valdivia in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ushuaia and Valdivia.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Ushuaia. In July, Ushuaia is generally much colder than Valdivia. Daily temperatures in Ushuaia average around 2°C (36°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Ushuaia usually receives less sunshine than Valdivia during winter. Ushuaia gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 66 hours of full sun in the winter.
Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Ushuaia usually receives less rain than Valdivia. Ushuaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyUshuaia 2°C (36°F)Valdivia 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Ushuaia or Valdivia in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ushuaia as well as Valdivia.
Ushuaia is much colder than Valdivia in the spring. The daily temperature in Ushuaia averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the spring, Ushuaia often gets less sunshine than Valdivia. Ushuaia gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Valdivia. Ushuaia usually gets less rain in October than Valdivia. Ushuaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberUshuaia 6°C (43°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Valdivia and Ushuaia
| Ushuaia | Valdivia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Jun | 1°C (34°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) |
| Jul | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Aug | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) |
| Sep | 4°C (39°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.