A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valparaiso vs. Guadalajara for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Valparaiso or Guadalajara?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Valparaiso and Guadalajara. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Valparaiso or Guadalajara?

Valparaiso

Valparaiso, often referred to as Valpo, is an attractive city on the Pacific Coast in Chile. The city has a population of about 300,000 and is only 120 kilometers west of Santiago. The city's main industries aside from tourism include shipping and petroleum refining.

Valparaiso is popular with travelers because of its bohemian culture and brightly colored homes. It also offers some wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Although the city is short on specific sights, the atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a wonderful place to visit.

Valparaiso has a mild Mediterranean climate that is comparable to San Francisco or Santa Barbara. The summer is dry but fog is common year around. Rain can be heavy during the winter season and snow falls occasionally in the highest parts of the city. Winds can also be strong during the winter months.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco in western Mexico, as well as one of the country's largest cities. It is best known for tequila and mariachi music, which both originate in Jalisco, as well as a thriving historic center with colonial architecture and landmarks.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, The Best Luxury Tours to Chile, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Guadalajara or Valparaiso?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Valparaiso is $66, while the average daily cost in Guadalajara is $117. 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 Valparaiso and Guadalajara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Valparaiso $36
    Guadalajara $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Valparaiso $72
    Guadalajara $84
Compare Hotels in Valparaiso and Guadalajara

Looking for a hotel in Valparaiso or Guadalajara? 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 Valparaiso


Hotels in Guadalajara


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: Valparaiso Hotel Prices and Guadalajara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Valparaiso $4.83
    Guadalajara $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Valparaiso

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valparaiso

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valparaiso:

  • Pick up Valparaiso Visit William Cole Winery & Transfer to Hotel: $270
  • Pick up at the Pier and Valparaiso -Viña del Mar and transfer to the Airport: $269
  • World Biggest Organic Winery Emiliana, Valparaiso & Transfer : $250
  • Private Transfer from Viña del Mar to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $236
  • Private Transfer Viña del Mar to Santiago Airport: $170
  • Valparaiso Airport Private Transfer: $156
  • Small group transfer from Valparaiso/S.Antonio+Tour in Santiago: $140
  • Private Transfer from San Antonio Port to Valparaiso or Viña del Mar.: $133
  • Transfers from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to Santiago: $120
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Hotel or port To Santiago Airport or Hotel: $107
  • Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City: $89
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Cruise Port to Santiago hotels: $81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guadalajara

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

  • Airport Transfer to Guadalajara Hotels: $119
  • Airport-Chapala/Ajijic Transfer: $229
  • Guadalajara Airport (GDL) to Guadalajara hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Guadalajara Airport (GDL) to Tequila - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Guadalajara Airport (GDL): Transfer to Guadalajara hotels: $174
  • Guadalajara Airport(GDL) to Tequila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Guadalajara hotels to Guadalajara Airport (GDL) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Guadalajara to Tequila - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $98
  • Airport to City Transfer: $151
  • Private Transfer from Guadalajara city hotels to Manzanillo Port: $76
  • Private transfer from Guadalajara to Sayulita: $240
  • Private transfer: Guadalajara Airport (GDL) to Guadalajara: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Valparaiso or Guadalajara?

Prices for flights to both Guadalajara and Valparaiso 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
    Valparaiso $22
    Guadalajara $48
Typical Food Prices in Valparaiso

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Valparaiso:


  • Empanada
    $1.89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valparaiso

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valparaiso.

  • Learn to Cook Like a Local: Private Cooking Class in a Viña del Mar Home: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Valparaiso $18
    Guadalajara $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Valparaiso

Here are a few typical costs in Valparaiso for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Tour
    $4.19

Tours and Activities in Valparaiso

Here are a few actual costs in Valparaiso for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hour Walking Tour in Valparaiso: $35
  • 3-Hour Bike Tour along the Coast of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso: $55
  • Citybus Tour from Valparaíso (Viña del Mar, Reñaca and Concón): $33
  • Cruise Port to Valparaiso & Casablanca: Drop-off in Santiago: $150
  • Famous Valparaíso! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $35
  • Famous Viña del Mar! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $35
  • Full Day Private Walking Tour with a Native Guide & Public Transport: $100
  • Guided Panoramic Tour in Valparaíso: $40
  • Half-Day Chilean Pacific Coast Tour: Viña del Mar, Reñaca and Concón: $87
  • Half-Day Valparaiso City Highlights Tour: $87
  • Learn Urban Sketching while you tour Valparaíso: $35
  • PRIVATE TOUR: Pre-Post Cruise Viña del Mar Valparaiso and Casablanca Winery tour: $155

Tours and Activities in Guadalajara

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

  • Guadalajara Unique Highlights Walking Tour: $10
  • KidZania Entrance Ticket: $12
  • 10-Day Audio Guide Tour of Guadalajara: $12
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Guadalajara in French: $15
  • Guadalajara City Tour: $20
  • Great Experience With A Tour Guide With Spark: $21
  • ticket to Michin Aquarium: $28
  • Private Guadalajara City Tour Within Your Budget: $31
  • Culture, Architecture, and Market Walking Tour: $32
  • Guadalajara Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
  • Private Walking Tour of Guadalajara: $36
  • Private City Sightseeing Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Valparaiso $7.79
    Guadalajara $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Valparaiso

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


  • Beer
    $1.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Valparaiso

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Valparaiso:

  • Private Wine Tour in Valparaíso: $166
  • Santiago: Valparaíso Walking Tour & Casablanca Wine Tasting: $255

Sample the Local Flavors in Guadalajara

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guadalajara:

  • Guadalajara Arquitecture and Brewery Tour: $56
  • Tequila distillery experience, Jose Cuervo & Tequila Magic Town: $77
  • Private One Day Adventure Tour in Tequila and La Fortaleza Distillery: $173
  • Sip & Savor Tequila Experience Distillery w/ Lunch fr Guadalajara: $180
  • Private Tour La Fortaleza Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour Cascahuin Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour to El Tequileño Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour one day in Guachimontones and La Fortaleza Distillery: $209
  • Private Tour to Tequila Ocho Distillery and the Town of Arandas: $209
  • Guachimontones and Tequila Distillery in One Day: $264


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valparaiso and Guadalajara, we can see that Guadalajara is more expensive. And not only is Valparaiso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Valparaiso is in South America and Guadalajara is in North America, 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 Valparaiso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valparaiso 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 Guadalajara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guadalajara than you might in Valparaiso.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valparaiso Expensive? and Is Guadalajara Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Valparaiso or Guadalajara?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Valparaiso. When comparing the sizes of Valparaiso and Guadalajara, 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.