Which place is cheaper, Lima or Valdivia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Valdivia or Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Valdivia or Lima? 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: Valdivia or Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayValdivia $69Lima $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Valdivia is $69, while the average daily cost in Lima is $77. 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 Valdivia and Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personValdivia $40Lima $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomValdivia $80Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Valdivia and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Valdivia or Lima? 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: Valdivia Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Valdivia $8.08Lima $5.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia
Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Short Taxi Ride$4.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Private Transfer From Lima To Paracas With 2 Stops : $175
- Premium Peruvian Horse Show with Lunch & Transfers: $150
- Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $119
- Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
- Lima round trip transfers airport - hotel - airport + City Tour: $89
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima city hotels: $87
- Private Transfer from Lima city hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $87
- Private Largevan Transfer - Arrival Lima Airport to Hotel: $80
- Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $78
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port : $78
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Lima City - Lima Airport (LIM): $61
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Valdivia or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima and Valdivia 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 dayValdivia $21Lima $18
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.34
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Ice cream$3.53
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Coffee$2.99
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Donut$0.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $33
- Lima Market Food Tour: $34
- Lima Market Food Tour - Taste 9 Popular Peruvian Snacks: $35
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
- Lima Night Food Tour: $48
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Valdivia $13Lima $8.66
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$16
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Movie Tickets$2.31
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Lima in 1 Day! - City Tour + Miraflores, Barranco & San Isidro: $85
- Cultural Tour of the city of Lima & Gastronomic: $62
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
- 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $20
- 2d/1n Tour: Flight to the Nazca, Paracas and Huacachina Lines: $289
- 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
- 3 Day Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $159
- 3-Hour Guided Bicycle Tour in Miraflores: $30
- 3-Hour Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Lima: $51
- 360° Panoramic bus - Sightseeing Tour: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayValdivia $4.79Lima $5.63
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.30
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Beer$4.07
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Cocktail$3.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $17
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Local Wine Tour: $50
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226
When comparing the travel costs between Valdivia and Lima, we can see that Lima 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 Valdivia Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Valdivia or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of Valdivia and Lima, 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 Valdivia or Lima?
Valdivia has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Valdivia or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Valdivia during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
Valdivia is cooler than Lima in the summer. The daily temperature in Valdivia averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Valdivia. In the summer, Valdivia often gets more sunshine than Limain July. Valdivia gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
Valdivia usually gets more rain in January than Limain July. Valdivia gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyValdivia 16°C (61°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Valdivia or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdivia and Lima. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Valdivia is much colder than Lima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valdivia in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Lima averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.
Valdivia usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Valdivia gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Valdivia usually receives more rain than Limain October. Valdivia gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberValdivia 11°C (52°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Valdivia or Lima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Valdivia as well as Lima. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
In July, Valdivia is generally much colder than Limain January. Daily temperatures in Valdivia average around 7°C (45°F), and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In the winter, Valdivia often gets less sunshine than Limain January. Valdivia gets 66 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.
Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the winter. Valdivia usually gets more rain in July than Limain January. Valdivia gets 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryValdivia 7°C (45°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Valdivia or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Valdivia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Valdivia is much colder than Lima in the spring. The daily temperature in Valdivia averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.
Valdivia usually receives more sunshine than Lima during spring. Valdivia gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Valdivia. In October, Valdivia usually receives more rain than Limain April. Valdivia gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilValdivia 11°C (52°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Valdivia
| Valdivia | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.