A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cali vs. Mendoza for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cali or Mendoza?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cali and Mendoza can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Cali or Mendoza?

Cali

Cali is Colombia's third largest city. Founded in 1536, can be explored on foot: walk under the shade of trees along the riverbank, admire the architecture of churches and other national monuments, and visit the city's many museums. Being the salsa capital of the world, Cali is primarily a destination for salsa and party but it also offers some great days out in the nearby natural surroundings. In Cali, travelers can enjoy music festivals, learn about sugarcane farming, and take in the mountainous landscapes.

Mendoza

Mendoza is a city in western Argentina and more precisely in the desertic Cuyo region. Mendoza is the center of the Argentinian wine industry and is famed around the world for its vineyards and wine production. Spread across the valley of the Rio Mendoza and in the foothills of the Andean mountain range, Mendoza is also near the Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. The bustling and scenic city of wide, leafy avenues, atmospheric plazas and cosmopolitan cafes spoils visitors with unique natural attractions and historical landmarks. If you can, visit Mendoza during the harvest festival at the end of February. There are many events and festivals in Mendoza and they are usually free. Each has a different theme, and they usually have a stage with singing and dancing and booths that sell food around a plaza. Seventy percent of Argentina's wines are produced here, and Mendoza is especially known for its world-famous malbecs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bogota, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Colombia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Mendoza or Cali?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cali is $31, while the average daily cost in Mendoza is $56. 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 Cali and Mendoza in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cali $6.02
    Mendoza $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cali $12
    Mendoza $86
Compare Hotels in Cali and Mendoza

Looking for a hotel in Cali or Mendoza? 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 Cali


Hotels in Mendoza


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: Cali Hotel Prices and Mendoza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cali $5.62
    Mendoza $4.18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cali

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cali:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cali

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

  • Transfer from Hotel Zone to Cali Airport: $39
  • Transfer Airport Private- Hotels North: $36
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport : $20
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by Minivan: $71
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by Minibus: $171
  • City Highlights Private Bus Tour with Transfer: $183
  • Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airpot One Way Transfer: $20
  • Cali/Palmira to Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) - Private Transfer: $46
  • Cali to or from Coffee Region Private Transfer: $136
  • Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
  • Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
  • Cali Tour Privado x5 horas con Transfers: $250

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mendoza

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

  • Winery Trapiche + Laur + Lunch in Tempus Alba. Private transfer: $230
  • Winery Salentein + Gourmet Lunch in Ruda.Transfer included: $260
  • Visita Bodega Huarpe + Almuerzo Bodega Lagarde. Transfer privado: $220
  • Visit to Winery and Argentine Asado in Terrace. Transfer included: $170
  • Visit to 2 Wineries and Lunch Top. Private transfer.: $190
  • Transfer Bodegas Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu: $130
  • Tasting in Enemy; Lunch at Tempus Alba + Private Transfer: $245
  • Tasting The Enemy + Lunch Santa Julia. Private transfer: $260
  • Shared Transfer Mendoza Bus Station / Downtown Hotel: $23
  • Private Transfer to Bodegas de Luján de Cuyo and Maipú Full Day: $200
  • Private Transfer in Mendoza: $25
  • Private Transfer from Mendoza Airport (MDZ): $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Cali or Mendoza?

Prices for flights to both Mendoza and Cali 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
    Cali $15
    Mendoza $5.85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cali

For Cali, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Street Food Tour: $23
  • Street Food Tour: $29
  • Cali tastes good! Authentic street food tour through the salsa capital: $53
  • Alameda Market Food Tour: $55
  • Traditional Colombian Meal Cooking Class: $67
  • Street Food Tour - Live A Unique Gastronomic Experience: $67
  • Flavors of Food tour at the local market: $73
  • Food Tour San Antonio: $75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mendoza

For Mendoza, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Argentine BBQ on Terrace with Views. Dinner, Sunset.: $80
  • Mendoza Cooking Experience with Unlimited Wine & Cocktails: $95
  • Argentine Hands-On Cooking & Wine Experience in Mendoza: $95
  • Bar Safari 4 Best Mendoza’s Bars in 1 Night with Full Dinner: $167
  • Bar Safari: 4 Best Mendoza’s Bars in 1 night. + Full Dinner: $180
  • Horseback Riding at Sunset and Dinner in Mendoza: $185
  • Tango Show with Dinner at Hualta Winery Hotel: $190
  • Full-Day Small-Group Mendoza Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $199
  • City Tour with Dinner at a Local Restaurant: $200
  • Winery Los Toneles + Dinner in Saffron Restó. Private transportation: $250

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cali $11
    Mendoza $23

Tours and Activities in Cali

For Cali, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Walking Tour through Cali : $68
  • A day to enjoy nature and have an adventure in the Jordan river: $65
  • Afro Walking Tour. The colors of Cali.: $40
  • Birdwatching and Botany Tour at KM18: $140
  • Cali ATV tours - Take your adrenaline to the maximum on the road: $179
  • Cali Birdwatching and Botany Tour at KM18: $160
  • Cali City Tour: $202
  • Cali Downtown Walking Tour: $56
  • Cali Private City Tour with Salsa Lesson, Museums or Food: $107
  • Cali River Waterfall Tour (4 hours): $59
  • Cali River Waterfall Tour (Pance): $59
  • Cali Salsa Tour: Dance & Play instruments: $78

Tours and Activities in Mendoza

For Mendoza, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Zipline Adventure: Exploring Potrerillos Valley: $102
  • 2 Winery Tour in Valle de Uco with Lunch Included: $185
  • Aconcagua Classic Tour 1 Day - Shared : $115
  • Aconcagua Private Full Day Experience : $179
  • Adventure & Flavor: Breakfast, Rafting & Asado in Mendoza: $220
  • Adventure Day in Potrerillos, Rafting, Canopy or Trekking: $188
  • Adventure Park - Unforgettable Challenge!: $39
  • Adventure and Trekking Day in Vallecitos Cordon del Plata: $150
  • Andes Day Hiking Tour Experience : $190
  • Andes High Mountain Tour in Mendoza: $129
  • Andes High Mountain full day Tour: $84
  • Andes Hiking Experience Full Day: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cali $8.48
    Mendoza $5.94

Sample the Local Flavors in Cali

Also in Cali, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cali, Colombia: $25
  • Craft Beer Pub Crawl in Cali: $40
  • Salsa Pub Crawl in Cali: $45
  • Paragliding + Wine tasting + Hacienda El Paraiso + Saint Helena: $210

Sample the Local Flavors in Mendoza

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

  • Classic Wine Tasting: $44
  • Premium Wine Tasting: $66
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $80
  • Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting: $89
  • El Enemigo and Casa Vigil Wine Tour: $93
  • In Mendoza Wine Tours, Empanadas, and Olive Oil: $99
  • Mendoza Private Wine Tour Paired Lunch and Olive Oil Tasting: $115
  • Classic Wine Tour on a Budget. Lunch. Private Driver: $120
  • Wine Tour with Lunch and Transport in Mendoza: $130
  • Full Day Wine Tour with 3 Course Lunch: $164
  • Wine tasting region Uco Valley in Mendoza: $180
  • Bike Tour at Zuccardi: Olive Oil, Wine Tasting & Lunch: $182


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cali or Mendoza?

Cali has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mendoza. When comparing the sizes of Cali and Mendoza, 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.