A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ocho Rios vs. Punta Arenas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Punta Arenas?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Punta Arenas, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Ocho Rios or Punta Arenas?

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios, or "Ochi" is a town located on the northeastern shore of Jamaica and is a popular hub for cruise ships. It is a great destination for tourists as it has many resorts and beautiful beaches.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Ocho Rios?

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

  • Ocho Rios Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Punta Arenas Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ocho Rios $85
    Punta Arenas $79

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $79. 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 Ocho Rios and Punta Arenas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $51
    Punta Arenas $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $102
    Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Punta Arenas

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios 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.

Hotels in Ocho Rios


Hotels in Punta Arenas


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: Ocho Rios Hotel Prices and Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.32
    Punta Arenas $1.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • Private Luxury Transfer to Sandals Dunn’s River from MBJ Airport: $300
  • Grand Bahia Jamaica Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $300
  • VIP***Private KINGSTON Airport Transfers to***OCHO RIOS**HOTELS**: $292
  • Kingston Airport (KIN) to Runaway Bay Round-Trip Private Transfer: $255
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $240
  • Ocho Rios Hotels Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN): $240
  • Kingston Airport Transfer to Runaway Bay Hotels: $200
  • Luxury Ocho Rios Transfer: $180
  • Private Transfer from Jamaica (MBJ) Airport to Ocho Ríos: $176
  • Jewels Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $170
  • Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer To and from ochi rios : $170
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas

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

  • Transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales: $267
  • Oneway Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport to Punta Arenas: $37
  • Transfer Airport Punta Arenas : $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Punta Arenas?

Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas and Ocho Rios 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
    Ocho Rios $28
    Punta Arenas $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ocho Rios

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

  • Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $128
  • Taste of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $150

Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:


  • Donut
    $1.05
  • Dinner
    $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Punta Arenas $6.44
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios

For Ocho Rios, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate
    $11
  • Admission to Coyaba Gardens
    $5.27
  • Tour of Prospect Plantation
    $17

Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios

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

  • Black River Safari & YS Falls Tour from Runaway Bay: $285
  • Blue Hole Tour From Ocho Rios: $60
  • Blue Hole Waterfalls + Bamboo River Rafting Tour from Ocho Rios: $109
  • Dunn's River Falls Party Cruise, Blue Hole with Snorkeling, free beverages: $165
  • Dunn's River Falls and Ocho Rios Sightseeing with Shopping: $50
  • Dunn's River Falls and Tubing Combo Tour from Ocho Rios: $140
  • Private Dunn's River and Blue hole tour from Ocho Rios : $110
  • Private Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios : $60
  • Shopping Tour From Runaway Bay Hotels : $75
  • 1 Hour Private Rafting Experience in Jamaica: $65
  • ATV Adventure and Shopping from Falmouth (Minimum 4 persons): $165
  • ATV Guided Tour To Blue Hole & Spanish Bridge In Ocho Rios: $270

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
  • Cruises Shore Excursions : City tour Cruises Regular: $70
  • For Cruise-ship passengers: Magdalena Island (Penguins): $200
  • Fuerte Bulnes Shore Tour for Cruisers in Punta Arenas: $80
  • Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
  • Guided Tour of Punta Arenas and Fort Bulnes: $300
  • King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $154
  • King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $154
  • Magallanes National Reserve and Punta Arenas City Tour: $165
  • Magdalena Island Penguin Boat Tour and Marta Island: $165
  • Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $160
  • Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $160

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.43
    Punta Arenas $4.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Ocho Rios

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

  • Bar Hopping, Pub Crawl, Shopping and Sightseeing Tour Ocho Rios: $113

Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:


  • Alcohol
    $7.33


When comparing the travel costs between Ocho Rios and Punta Arenas, we can see that Ocho Rios 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. Even though Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands and Punta Arenas is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Punta Arenas?

Punta Arenas has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios or Punta Arenas?

Punta Arenas has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ocho Rios experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Punta Arenas in the Summer?

Both Punta Arenas and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

Ocho Rios is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Punta Arenas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ocho Rios usually receives around the same amount of rain as Punta Arenasin January. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?

Both Punta Arenas and Ocho Rios during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocho Rios in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 7°C (44°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenasin April. Ocho Rios gets 229 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 Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in October than Punta Arenasin April. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Punta Arenas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Punta Arenas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.

It's quite cold in Punta Arenas in the winter. In January, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Punta Arenasin July. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (79°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Punta Arenasin July. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Punta Arenas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Punta Arenas. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Ocho Rios is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenasin October. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Punta Arenasin October. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Punta Arenas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (35°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)