A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ponce vs. Denali National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ponce or Denali National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Ponce and Denali National Park 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: Ponce or Denali National Park?

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).

Denali National Park

There is a place in Alaska, 240 miles wide, where you can be a part of the wild frontier. The expansive and untouched area of Denali National Park welcomes thousands of visitors ever year with stunning natural wonders and incredible wildlife like grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and more.

As home to North America's tallest peak, Denali has attracted nature adventurers from all over the world. Established in 1917 as wildlife refuge, Denali National Park contains areas of tundra and taiga. Taiga zones are covered in evergreen, spruce and aspen trees, while tundra zones are full of miniaturized versions of the plants including flowers, mosses and shrubs.

Remember that the weather changes without warning in Denali. It is a well known to the locals that you can expect sun, wind, rain and clouds in the same day. Pack accordingly.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Ponce?

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

  • Ponce Prices
    Puerto Rico Prices
    Denali National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ponce $230
    Denali National Park $260

The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $230, while the average daily cost in Denali National Park is $260. 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 Ponce and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ponce $151
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ponce $302
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Denali National Park? 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 Ponce


Hotels in Denali National Park


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ponce $10
    Denali National Park $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:

  • Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
  • Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
  • Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
  • Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
  • Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
  • Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
  • Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
  • San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Ponce 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
    Ponce $61
    Denali National Park $98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.

  • Latin Night with Dinner and Local Music with Transportation: $59
  • Puerto Rico Art and Wine Dinner with One Way Transportation: $89
  • Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
  • Private Half-Day Island Authentic Food Tour : $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ponce $56
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Ponce

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:

  • Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
  • Scuba Boat Diving Experience in Gilligan's Island at Copamarina: $160
  • 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
  • 5 hours Tour in La Parguera Private Boat Charter: $200
  • 7 Hours River Tour with Beach and Learn to Make Piña Colada : $195
  • 8 Hours Private Tours in Puerto Rico: $150
  • Adventure in Cave and the Guayaney Spring: $99
  • Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
  • Aguadilla 6 Hour Local Tour: $150
  • Camuy Caves Experience Tour with transportation: $130
  • Cave Hopping Tour: $198
  • Caves Coastlines and Beach; Cueva del Indio, Arecibo Adventure : $125

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • Denali Husky Kennel & Brewpub Visit – Half-Day Experience: $130
  • Denali Naturalist Walking Tour: $132
  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $135
  • Midnight Sun ATV Adventure 2.5 Hour Tour: $135
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $139
  • Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure: $153
  • Winter Side by Side ATV Tour: $160
  • Denali 4 Hour Hiking Adventure with Naturalist Guide: $160
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $163
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $163
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $178
  • Denali 5 Hour Hiking Tour with Naturalist Guide: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ponce $16
    Denali National Park $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce

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

  • Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50


When comparing the travel costs between Ponce and Denali National Park, we can see that Denali National Park 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 Ponce is in Caribbean Islands and Denali National Park is in North 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 Ponce Expensive? and Is Denali National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Ponce or Denali National Park?

Denali National Park has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ponce experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Ponce or Denali National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Denali National Park. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Ponce is much warmer than Denali National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Ponce usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Denali National Park. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ponce 28°C (83°F) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

Both Denali National Park and Ponce are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. In the autumn, Ponce is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ponce in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Denali National Park averages at about 32°F (0°C).

It's quite rainy in Ponce. In October, Ponce usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ponce 28°C (82°F) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Denali National Park in the Winter?

Both Denali National Park and Ponce during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the winter. In January, Ponce is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 25°C (77°F), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 11°F (-12°C).

Ponce usually gets more rain in January than Denali National Park. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ponce 25°C (77°F) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Denali National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Denali National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Also, many travelers come to Denali National Park for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Denali National Park. Ponce is much warmer than Denali National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

In April, Ponce usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ponce 26°C (79°F) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Ponce

Ponce Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)


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