Ponce is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Ponce?
You should plan to spend around $230 per day on your vacation in Ponce. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $61 on meals
- $10 on local transportation
- $301 on hotels
A one week trip to Ponce for two people costs, on average, $3,220. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,610
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2 Weeks
Per person
$3,220
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One Month
Per person
$6,900
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,220
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,440
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One Month
For a couple
$13,800
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Ponce cost?
A one week trip to Ponce usually costs around $1,610 for one person and $3,220 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Ponce on average costs around $3,220 for one person and $6,440 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Ponce will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Ponce on average costs around $6,900 for one person and $13,800 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Ponce expensive to visit?
Ponce is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.
Ponce can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $101 per day, mid-range travelers spend $230 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $440 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Ponce.
Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, Ponce is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Nassau or Saint John.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Ponce Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Ponce?
The average Ponce trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Ponce travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Ponce cost?
Ponce on a Budget
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Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$66
|
$151
|
$288
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$4.38
|
$10
|
$19
|
|
Food 2
|
$26
|
$61
|
$116
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$25
|
$56
|
$108
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-10
|
$8-24
|
$15-45
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Ponce. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $101 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Most visitors to Ponce will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $230 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $440 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the destination, prepare for a pricier experience. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private 30-Minute Photoshoot in Old San Juan - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Ponce
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Ponce can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Ponce in the off-season is $0, but in the peak travel season it will average around $0. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Ponce to range from $0 to $0. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Ponce for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $301. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $151 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Ponce? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
By avoiding the peak season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Ponce
In Ponce, the public transit system is not very good.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $10 per person, per day, on local transportation in Ponce. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Ponce is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$10
If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE for $70 details
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip for $185 details
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer for $279 details
How much does it cost to go to Ponce? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Ponce will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Ponce
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Ponce can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Ponce is $61 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$61
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Ponce is around $61 ($61) per person, with previous travelers spending from $26 to $116. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Ponce are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $18
- Lunch: $9 to $24
- Dinner: $18 to $42
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
You'll find some great restaurants in town with many of the best ones in the downtown area. If you're looking for a good, hearty meal, Classic Delights is a great option. There are also some great cafes, coffee shops, and ice cream shops around town if you're looking for a sweet treat after a long day of exploring. If you're looking for a local tradition, head to King's Cream for delicious and cheap ice cream.
Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Ponce, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Private San Juan Cooking Class with a Local Expert for $146 details
- Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico for $96 details
- Private Half-Day Island Authentic Food Tour for $130 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Ponce
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Ponce typically cost an average of $56 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$56
You'll find most of the city's sights in the Plaza las Delicias. On the east side is Parque de Bombas, which is the former fire station and today is a symbol of the city. It is distinctly painted with red and black stripes and currently houses the tourist office and a small exhibit on the history of firefighters in the area. The City Hall, or Casa Alcaldia, is on the south side of the square. On the west side is Catedral de la Guadalupe. Other sights in the area include Castillo Serralles, Casa de la Masacre de Ponce, the Museum of Puerto Rican Music, La Cruceta del Vigia, and Centro Ceremonial Indigena de Tibes.
Snorkeling is a fun activiting in the areas around Ponce. You can take a half day guided snorkeling tour to Caja De Muertos. This is an uninhabited island that also has a century old lighthouse and wide stretches of beach. There are ferries that travel to the island as well on weekends.
Hacienda Buena Vista Plantation is a historic coffee plantation that is found in the northwest part of the city. Today it is used as a museum and worth a visit. You can also tour Hacienda Pomarrosa Plantation, which is a privately run coffee plantation that is found in the mountains to the north of the city.
There are also many other water sports in the area including snorkeling, diving, and jet skiing.
A nice way to explore destinations in Ponce is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Into the Mountains-Hiking, Waterfalls & Coffee-Full Day Adventure from San Juan for $90 details
- Rainforest Caves & Hidden Waterfall Adventure for $110 details
- Concrete Jungle to the Actual Jungle, The Complete Package Tour for $193 details
Nightlife Budget in Ponce
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $16 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Ponce per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$16
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Ponce. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots for $65 details
- Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon for $90 details
- Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Tour for $99 details
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 1, 2024
Traveling in 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).
Ponce is less of a tourist destination than San Juan, but it does have a lot to offer in the form of history and interesting architecture. It's a relaxed city that doesn't have the hustle and bustle of San Juan, but it also is a pleasant place to spend some time without too much chaos.
Ponce has a tropical savannah climate. The winter highs average about 87 degrees Fahrenheit and the summer highs average about 93 degrees Fahrenheit. There is a short wet season in May and a dry season through June and July. Then there is a longer and wetter season through September and October, followed by a longer and drier season from December to April.
Neighborhoods & Around
Most of the city's sights and attractions are found in the area around the main square of Plaza las Delicias. This area is easy to walk around. La Guancha Paseo Tablado is a boardwalk to the south of downtown near the harbor. This is a nice area to explore as well.
Most of the city's hotels are located in the Plaza Degetau area, just a short walk from the downtown area with its many attractions. Unfortunately, the area is a much farther distance from the beach and water. Most hotels include private parking in case you have a car with you.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.