A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Veracruz vs. San Pedro de Atacama for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Veracruz or San Pedro de Atacama?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Veracruz and San Pedro de Atacama can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Veracruz or San Pedro de Atacama?

Veracruz

Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.

San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama is a gateway to northern Chile. It is a good jumping off point for exploring the area's impressive landscape, most of which is included in the Los Flamencos National Reserve. It is popular with both Chilean and international tourists, and because of its popularity, it is a relatively expensive destination, with many prices comparable to what you might pay in Santiago.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Tours for Seniors to Chile, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, San Pedro de Atacama or Veracruz?

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

  • Veracruz Prices
    Mexico Prices
    San Pedro de Atacama Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Veracruz $143
    San Pedro de Atacama $69

The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $143, while the average daily cost in San Pedro de Atacama is $69. 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 Veracruz and San Pedro de Atacama in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Veracruz $49
    San Pedro de Atacama $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Veracruz $98
    San Pedro de Atacama $64
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and San Pedro de Atacama

Looking for a hotel in Veracruz or San Pedro de Atacama? 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 Veracruz


Hotels in San Pedro de Atacama


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: Veracruz Hotel Prices and San Pedro de Atacama Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Veracruz $26
    San Pedro de Atacama $9.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz

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

  • Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $42
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $37
  • Private Transfer to Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
  • Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Pedro de Atacama

Also for San Pedro de Atacama, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 3 Perfect Days in Atacama + Airport Transfer: $224
  • Private transfer from San Pedro de Atacama to Calama City: $190
  • Puritama Hot Springs Experience with Transfer and Entrance: $90
  • Atacama Airport Private Transfer: $88
  • Calama Airport Transfer to Atacama / Airport Lodging: $60
  • Astronomical Tour in San Pedro de Atacama includes transfer, photo, and cocktail.: $53
  • Puritama Hot Springs Transfer Tour: $45
  • Stargazing Experience with Transfer: $44
  • TRANSFER TO PURITAMA HOT SPRINGS: $40
  • Etno-Stargazing Tour with Transfer: $40
  • Etno-Stargazing Tour with Transfer: $40
  • Atacama Airport Shuttle Transfer: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or San Pedro de Atacama?

Prices for flights to both San Pedro de Atacama and Veracruz 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
    Veracruz $78
    San Pedro de Atacama $25

Typical Food Prices in San Pedro de Atacama

For San Pedro de Atacama, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Empanadas
    $1.26
  • Lunch
    $10
  • Dinner
    $11
  • Drink
    $0.94
  • Empanada
    $5.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Pedro de Atacama

For San Pedro de Atacama, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Local haute cuisine tasting menu dinner: $135
  • Private Dinner Under the Stars: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Veracruz $13
    San Pedro de Atacama $21

Tours and Activities in Veracruz

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

  • 1 day tour of Tlacotalpan and Alvarado from Veracruz: $127
  • 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $23
  • Alvarado And Tlacotalpan Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $105
  • Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $25
  • Catemaco And Los Tuxtlas Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $105
  • City Tour en Veracruz y Acuario: $100
  • Full Day Coffee Guided Tour in Coatepec: $98
  • Full Day Tour to Alvarado and Tlacotalpan from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $92
  • Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation: $92
  • Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán: $87
  • Full-Day Tour to El Tajin and Vanilla Factory from Veracruz: $138
  • Jalcomulco Rapids Adventure from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $141

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Pedro de Atacama

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for San Pedro de Atacama's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Sand Boarding
    $56

Tours and Activities in San Pedro de Atacama

For San Pedro de Atacama, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Moon Valley Tour, the Best Seller: $49
  • The 3 Best Selling Tours in Atacama: $190
  • 1-Day Tour Altiplanic Lagoons and Piedras Rojas and Laguna Chaxa: $120
  • 2 Tours Valley of the Moon and Hidden Lagoons: $120
  • 23km downhill bike tour + trekking among giant cacti: $70
  • 3 Days and 4 Tours in San Pedro de Atacama: $190
  • 3 Main Tours in San Pedo de Atacama: $190
  • 3 or 4 days in San Pedro with Semi-Private tours: $300
  • 3-Day Tour in San Pedro de Atacama: $205
  • 4 TOUR IN ATACAMA IN 3 DAYS: $230
  • 4 Tour in 2 Days, in San Pedro de Atacama: $200
  • 4 Tours in 3 Days in San Pedro de Atacama: $198

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Veracruz $16
    San Pedro de Atacama $4.93

Typical Alcohol Prices in San Pedro de Atacama

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in San Pedro de Atacama:


  • Alcohol
    $25


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Veracruz Expensive? and Is San Pedro de Atacama Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Veracruz or San Pedro de Atacama?

Veracruz has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of San Pedro de Atacama. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz and San Pedro de Atacama, 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.