Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Valdivia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Valdivia or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Valdivia or Ponce? 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 Ponce?
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.
Ponce
Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).
For some great organized tour ideas, see 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 dayValdivia $69Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Valdivia is $69, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $205. 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 Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personValdivia $40Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomValdivia $80Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Valdivia and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Valdivia or Ponce? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Valdivia $8.08Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia
Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $279
- Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $189
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $92
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Valdivia or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce 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 $21Ponce $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.
- Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
- Private Half-Day Food Tour : $130
- Private San Juan Cooking Class with a Local Expert: $146
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Valdivia $13Ponce $56
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
Tours and Activities in Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
- Scuba Boat Diving Experience in Gilligan's Island at Copamarina: $160
- 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
- 2-Hour Private UTV Can-Am Beach Tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $264
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
- 5 hours Tour in La Parguera Private Boat Charter: $200
- 7 Hours River Tour with Beach and Learn to Make Piña Colada : $195
- 90 Minute Portrait Photoshoot Experience in the Caribbean: $129
- ATV Adventure at Hacienda Campo Rico: $136
- Adventure Trail Tour in the foothills of the National Rainforest: $110
- Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
- All Inclusive Cordillera Cay’s Sailing Catamaran Beach & Snorkeling Tour: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayValdivia $4.79Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce
Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
- Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Tour: $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valdivia and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Valdivia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Valdivia is in South America and Ponce 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 Valdivia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdivia 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 Ponce would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ponce than you might in Valdivia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valdivia Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Valdivia or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of Valdivia and Ponce, 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 Ponce?
Valdivia has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ponce experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Valdivia or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Valdivia during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In the summer, Valdivia is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valdivia in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (83°F)in July.
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Valdivia. In the summer, Valdivia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Poncein July. Valdivia gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
Valdivia usually gets less rain in January than Poncein July. Valdivia gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyValdivia 16°C (61°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Valdivia or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdivia and Ponce. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Valdivia is generally much colder than Poncein October. Daily temperatures in Valdivia average around 11°C (52°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. Valdivia usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during autumn. Valdivia gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Ponce receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Valdivia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Poncein October. Valdivia gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberValdivia 11°C (52°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Valdivia or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Valdivia as well as Ponce. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Valdivia is much colder than Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Valdivia averages around 7°C (45°F) in July, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In the winter, Valdivia often gets less sunshine than Poncein January. Valdivia gets 66 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the winter. Valdivia usually gets more rain in July than Poncein January. Valdivia gets 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryValdivia 7°C (45°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Valdivia or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce and Valdivia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Valdivia is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valdivia in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Ponce. Valdivia usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during spring. Valdivia gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Valdivia. In October, Valdivia usually receives more rain than Poncein April. Valdivia gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilValdivia 11°C (52°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Valdivia
| Valdivia | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.