A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ushuaia vs. Vieques Island for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ushuaia or Vieques Island?

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

Should I visit Ushuaia or Vieques Island? 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 Vieques Island?

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.

Vieques Island

Amidst the melodious chorus of coqui frogs and gentle whispers of palm trees blowing in an evening breeze, you will find that the waters around you glow just as brightly as the stars above. This tropical paradise is none other than Vieques, Puerto Rico. Tropical forests, bioluminescent bays, coral reefs--this island attracts visitors from all around the world who seek to see the wonders and beauties of the tropics. This island suits those from all walks of life, from history buffs seeking to learn about its unique past to nature-lovers wanting to admire its untouched wilderness. Vieques is the place for a perfect vacation!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Argentina, and The Best Eco Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Ushuaia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ushuaia is $11, while the average daily cost in Vieques Island is $170. 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 Vieques Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ushuaia $5.64
    Vieques Island $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ushuaia $11
    Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Ushuaia and Vieques Island

Looking for a hotel in Ushuaia or Vieques Island? 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 Ushuaia


Hotels in Vieques Island


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ushuaia -
    Vieques Island $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ushuaia

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ushuaia are as follows:


  • 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
  • Ushuaia Airport (USH) to Ushuaia - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $63
  • 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
  • Ushuaia to Ushuaia Airport (USH) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
  • Private Transfer from Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia Cruise Port: $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vieques Island

Also for Vieques Island, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Fajardo or Ceiba to San Juan Airport: $150
  • Taxi Transfer From San Juan Airport to El Conquistador Hotel: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Ushuaia or Vieques Island?

Prices for flights to both Vieques Island 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ushuaia $2.18
    Vieques Island $54
Typical Food Prices in Ushuaia

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ushuaia:


  • 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:

  • The Martial Glacier at Night with Dinner Included: $94
  • Ushuaia at night: A Snow and Fire dinner, sledding and adventure: $280

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ushuaia $13
    Vieques Island $34

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: $75
  • 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 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
  • Adventure 360º in Quads with Lunch: $160

Tours and Activities in Vieques Island

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

  • 1-Hour Bioluminescent Boat Tour in Mosquito Bay, Vieques : $128
  • Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $65
  • Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $72
  • Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayaking Tour in Laguna Grande Fajardo: $65
  • Culebra Island Snorkel with Turtles Adventure - Ferry Tickets Included: $135
  • El Yunque Waterfalls and Waterslide River Tour: $50
  • Fajardo Afternoon Snorkeling Boat Tour: $110
  • Full-Day Snorkeling Tour to Culebra Island with Lunch: $139
  • Half Day Adventure Private Tour in El Yunque Rainforest: $234
  • Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $45
  • Icacos Island All-Inclusive Snorkel and Boat Tour : $125
  • Isla de Vieques Beach Sightseeing Day Tour: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ushuaia -
    Vieques Island $30
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ushuaia

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ushuaia are as follows:


  • Wine
    $0.05
  • Beer
    $0.01


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ushuaia and Vieques Island, we can see that Vieques Island is more expensive. And not only is Ushuaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ushuaia is in South America and Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands, 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 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 Vieques Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ushuaia or Vieques Island?

Ushuaia has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Ushuaia and Vieques Island, 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 Vieques Island?

Ushuaia has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vieques Island experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Ushuaia or Vieques Island in the Summer?

Both Vieques Island and Ushuaia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Ushuaia is much colder than Vieques Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ushuaia in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 29°C (83°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. Ushuaia usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during summer. Ushuaia gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Ushuaia usually receives less rain than Vieques Islandin July. Ushuaia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Ushuaia 10°C (50°F) 
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Ushuaia or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

Both Vieques Island and Ushuaia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.

In April, Ushuaia is generally much colder than Vieques Islandin October. Daily temperatures in Ushuaia average around 6°C (43°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Ushuaia often gets less sunshine than Vieques Islandin October. Ushuaia gets 74 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun.

Vieques Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ushuaia usually gets less rain in April than Vieques Islandin October. Ushuaia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Ushuaia 6°C (43°F) 
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Ushuaia or Vieques Island in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ushuaia and Vieques Island. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The weather in Ushuaia can be very cold. Ushuaia is much colder than Vieques Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Ushuaia averages around 2°C (36°F) in July, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. Ushuaia usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during winter. Ushuaia gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Ushuaia usually receives less rain than Vieques Islandin January. Ushuaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Ushuaia 2°C (36°F) 
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Ushuaia or Vieques Island in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ushuaia as well as Vieques Island. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

In the spring, Ushuaia is much colder than Vieques Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ushuaia in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 27°C (80°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. In the spring, Ushuaia often gets less sunshine than Vieques Islandin April. Ushuaia gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun.

Ushuaia usually gets less rain in October than Vieques Islandin April. Ushuaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Ushuaia 6°C (43°F) 
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Ushuaia

Ushuaia Vieques Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 3°C (37°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 2°C (36°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 2°C (36°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 4°C (39°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 9°C (48°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)