Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Valdivia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 10-Day Tours in Chile, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayValdivia $69Punta Arenas $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Valdivia is $69, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $63. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personValdivia $40Punta Arenas $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomValdivia $80Punta Arenas $64
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Valdivia $8.08Punta Arenas $1.80
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 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
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $64
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33
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
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Food Meals for one dayValdivia $21Punta Arenas $21
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Valdivia $13Punta Arenas $6.44
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
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
- Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $138
- Magallanes Forest and Club Andino Tour from Punta Arenas: $290
- Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
- Mountain Bike Adventure in Punta Arenas: $192
- Pali Aike Full-Day Adventure from Punta Arenas: $300
- Private City Cruise Tour: $225
- Private Half Day Punta Arenas City Tour From the Hotel only: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayValdivia $4.79Punta Arenas $4.86
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.34
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryValdivia 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilValdivia 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyValdivia 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberValdivia 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) |
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.