Which place is cheaper, Valdivia or Playa del Carmen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Valdivia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Valdivia? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Playa del Carmen or Valdivia?
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
Valdivia
Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Chile.
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Playa del Carmen Prices
Mexico PricesValdivia Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $89Valdivia $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $89, while the average daily cost in Valdivia is $84. 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 Playa del Carmen and Valdivia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $36Valdivia $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $72Valdivia $80
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Valdivia
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Valdivia? 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.
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: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices and Valdivia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $22Valdivia $8.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Private Van Transfer to Mahahual: $476
- Private Van Transfer to Bacalar: $476
- Private Van Transfer to Merida: $340
- Cancún: Cozumel 2-Tank Diving Tour with Lunch & Transfers: $327
- Private Van Transfer to Valladolid: $306
- Private Van Transfer to Chiquilá (Holbox): $306
- Private Van Transfer to El Cuyo: $300
- Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila Ferry Dock: $299
- Private Transfer roundtrip to Xoximilco. from PLAYA and CANCUN: $260
- Private Transfer to Chiquila one-wey, from Cancún and Playa: $260
- Private Transfer From Chetumal to Mahahual With a 2 Hour Stop: $240
- Cielo y Cielito With Transfer, Catamaran, 5 hours Open Bar and Lunch: $217
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia
Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Valdivia?
Prices for flights to both Valdivia and Playa del Carmen 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
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Food Meals for one dayPlaya del Carmen $37Valdivia $37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $56
- Flavors of Playa del Carmen, Mexican Food Tour: $63
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $79
- Yucatecan Cooking Class & Unlimited Margaritas – Playa del Carmen: $85
- Playa del Camen Vegan Mexican Food Tour: $85
- Temazcal Mayan Ceremony and Dinner in Mayan Village: $89
- Mayan Cooking Class: Chicken Pibil in Secret Cenote: $95
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $109
- Riviera Maya Luxury Sunset Sailing plus Light Dinner and Open Bar: $109
- Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $15Valdivia $13
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- ATV Mayan Jungle Adventure: $180
- Buggy Ride through Playa del Carmen Tour: $139
- Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya With Snorkeling & Beach Club: $85
- Cozumel Buggy Tour: $155
- Park Xenses Tour Play with your Senses from Playa del Carmen: $126
- Romantic tour in Akumal: $115
- The Best Ruins Tour : Coba Sunset Cultural / Extreme : $140
- "Tulum Adventures: Between Jungle, Cenotes and Mayan Mysteries": $110
- 3 in 1 Private Tour Tulum Cenote and Snorkeling in the reef: $210
- 4 ADVENTURES 1 DAY Tulum Coba Cenote and Playa del Carmen : $16
- 4 amazing places for 1 price and 1 full day tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote and PDC: $40
- 4 to 7 Day Beach Cruiser Rental (Up to 7 Days, includes Ulock): $45
Tours and Activities in Valdivia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.
- City Tour in Valdivia: $26
- Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
- Huilo Huilo Reserve Tour from Valdivia with Lunch: $68
- Huilo Huilo Hot Springs Tour from Valdivia with Lunch: $80
- Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $89
- Private City Tour: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $19Valdivia $4.79
Sample the Local Flavors in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Playa del Carmen:
- Madness tour bar crawl Playa del carmen open bar: $99
- Tour to the Brewery with Tasting and Fifth Avenue: $100
When comparing the travel costs between Playa del Carmen and Valdivia, we can see that Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen is in North America and Valdivia 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 Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Valdivia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Valdivia?
Valdivia has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Valdivia, 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 Playa del Carmen or Valdivia?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Valdivia is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Playa del Carmen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Valdivia in the Summer?
Both Valdivia and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Valdivia averages at about 16°C (61°F)in January.
In Valdivia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Valdiviain January. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 296 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Valdiviain January. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Valdivia 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Valdivia in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Valdivia. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Valdiviain April. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 132 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Valdiviain April. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Valdivia in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Valdivia. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Valdivia in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Valdivia fluctuates around 7°C (45°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Valdiviain July. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 66 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Valdivia. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Valdiviain July. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Valdivia 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Valdivia in the Spring?
Both Valdivia and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Valdivia averages at about 11°C (52°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Valdiviain October. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Valdivia and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Valdivia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
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.