Should I Visit Valdivia or Punta Arenas for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Valdivia or Punta Arenas?

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

Should I visit Valdivia or Punta Arenas? 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 Punta Arenas?

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.

Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, The Best Luxury Tours to Chile, The Best Tours for Seniors to Chile, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Chile.

Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Valdivia?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Valdivia Prices
Chile Prices

Punta Arenas Prices
Chile Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Valdivia $80

Punta Arenas $74

The average daily cost (per person) in Valdivia is $80, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $74. 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 Punta Arenas in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Valdivia $38

Punta Arenas $30
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Valdivia $76

Punta Arenas $60

Compare Hotels in Valdivia and Punta Arenas

Looking for a hotel in Valdivia or Punta Arenas? 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 Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Valdivia $7.65

Punta Arenas $1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia

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

Pucón: Geometrical Hot Springs (Transfer + Entry): $152
Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas

Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Round-Trip Transfer: $151
Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Hotels to Punta Arenas Port: $98
Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas Hotels: $98
Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $89
Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas Port: $89
Punta Arenas Airport to Puerto Natales Private Transfer: $80
Punta Arenas Airport PUQ to Punta Arenas Arrival Private Transfer: $75
Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) - Departure Transfer: $75
Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) - Departure Transfer: $68
Oneway Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport to Punta Arenas: $32
Oneway Private Transfer from Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas Airport: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Valdivia or Punta Arenas?

Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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

Food Meals for one day

Valdivia $35

Punta Arenas $34

Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas

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

Donut

$0.99
Dinner

$24

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Valdivia $12

Punta Arenas $6.09

Tours and Activities in Valdivia

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

Huilo Huilo Hot Springs Tour from Valdivia with Lunch: $86
Huilo Huilo Reserve Tour from Valdivia with Lunch: $74
Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $89
Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
Private City Tour: $100

Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.

Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
Cruises Shore Excursions: Fort Bulnes - cruise ships: $70
Cruises shore Excursions: City Tour Cruises Private: $225
Cruises shore Excursions: City tour Cruises Regular: $65
Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
Guided Tour of Punta Arenas and Fort Bulnes: $195
King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
Magallanes Forest and Club Andino Tour from Punta Arenas: $290
Magdalena Island Penguin Boat Tour and Marta Island: $160
Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $160

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Valdivia $4.53

Punta Arenas $4.60

Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:

Alcohol

$6.94

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Valdivia and Punta Arenas, we can see that Valdivia 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 Punta Arenas Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valdivia or Punta Arenas?

Valdivia has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Valdivia and Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?

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 Valdivia or Punta Arenas in the Summer?

Both Punta Arenas and Valdivia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In January, Valdivia is generally a little warmer than Punta Arenas. Daily temperatures in Valdivia average around 16°C (61°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Punta Arenas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. Valdivia usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during summer. Valdivia gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Valdivia usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Valdivia gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Summer Average Temperatures January

Valdivia 16°C (61°F)

Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Valdivia or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?

Both Punta Arenas and Valdivia during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Valdivia is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valdivia averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the autumn, Valdivia often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenas. Valdivia gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. Valdivia usually gets more rain in April than Punta Arenas. Valdivia gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Autumn Average Temperatures April

Valdivia 11°C (52°F)

Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Valdivia or Punta Arenas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdivia and Punta Arenas.

Punta Arenas can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Valdivia is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valdivia in July average around 7°C (45°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Valdivia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Punta Arenas during winter. Valdivia gets 66 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Valdivia usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Valdivia gets 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Winter Average Temperatures July

Valdivia 7°C (45°F)

Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Valdivia or Punta Arenas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valdivia as well as Punta Arenas.

In October, Valdivia is generally much warmer than Punta Arenas. Daily temperatures in Valdivia average around 11°C (52°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Valdivia often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenas. Valdivia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun.

Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the spring. Valdivia usually gets more rain in October than Punta Arenas. Valdivia gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Spring Average Temperatures October

Valdivia 11°C (52°F)

Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Valdivia

	Valdivia		Punta Arenas
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	16°C (61°F)	54 mm (2.1 in)	11°C (52°F)	39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb	17°C (62°F)	55 mm (2.2 in)	11°C (52°F)	28 mm (1.1 in)
Mar	14°C (57°F)	71 mm (2.8 in)	9°C (48°F)	30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr	11°C (52°F)	133 mm (5.2 in)	7°C (44°F)	36 mm (1.4 in)
May	9°C (48°F)	295 mm (11.6 in)	4°C (39°F)	42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun	8°C (46°F)	297 mm (11.7 in)	2°C (35°F)	28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul	7°C (45°F)	312 mm (12.3 in)	1°C (35°F)	30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug	8°C (46°F)	247 mm (9.7 in)	3°C (37°F)	30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep	9°C (48°F)	162 mm (6.4 in)	5°C (40°F)	24 mm (0.9 in)
Oct	11°C (52°F)	109 mm (4.3 in)	7°C (44°F)	29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov	13°C (55°F)	73 mm (2.9 in)	9°C (48°F)	32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec	16°C (60°F)	63 mm (2.5 in)	11°C (51°F)	29 mm (1.1 in)

A Travel Price Comparison for Chile Valdivia vs. Punta Arenas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Valdivia or Punta Arenas?

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

Where Should I go: Valdivia or Punta Arenas?

Valdivia

Punta Arenas

Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Valdivia?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Valdivia and Punta Arenas

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas

Is it cheaper to fly into Valdivia or Punta Arenas?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Valdivia

Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas

Alcohol

Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas

Which is Bigger, Valdivia or Punta Arenas?

When is the best time to visit Valdivia or Punta Arenas?

Should I visit Valdivia or Punta Arenas in the Summer?

Should I visit Valdivia or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?

Should I visit Valdivia or Punta Arenas in the Winter?

Should I visit Valdivia or Punta Arenas in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Valdivia

Related Articles for Valdivia

Related Articles for Punta Arenas

A Travel Price Comparison for Chile Valdivia vs. Punta Arenas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Valdivia or Punta Arenas?

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

Where Should I go: Valdivia or Punta Arenas?

Valdivia

Punta Arenas

Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Valdivia?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Valdivia and Punta Arenas

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas

Is it cheaper to fly into Valdivia or Punta Arenas?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Valdivia

Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas

Alcohol

Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas

Which is Bigger, Valdivia or Punta Arenas?

When is the best time to visit Valdivia or Punta Arenas?

Should I visit Valdivia or Punta Arenas in the Summer?

Should I visit Valdivia or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?

Should I visit Valdivia or Punta Arenas in the Winter?

Should I visit Valdivia or Punta Arenas in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Valdivia

Related Articles for Valdivia

Related Articles for Punta Arenas

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