A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sao Paulo vs. Puerto Madryn for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Puerto Madryn?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Puerto Madryn, 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: Sao Paulo or Puerto Madryn?

Sao Paulo

With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.

Puerto Madryn

Puerto Madryn is mostly known as the gateway to Peninsula Valdes, welcoming tourists who come for whale watching. The Peninsula Valdes is a nature reserve designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site; 97 km long and 63 km wide, it is connected to the continent by an isthmus of 35 km from which we can see both gulfs, San Jose at north and the Nuevo at south.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best Camping Tours in Argentina, and The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Puerto Madryn or Sao Paulo?

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 Sao Paulo is $60, while the average daily cost in Puerto Madryn is $61. 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 Sao Paulo and Puerto Madryn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $28
    Puerto Madryn $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $56
    Puerto Madryn $82
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Puerto Madryn

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo or Puerto Madryn? 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 Sao Paulo


Hotels in Puerto Madryn


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: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices and Puerto Madryn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $5.76
    Puerto Madryn $2.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

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

  • Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG) (SDU): $16
  • Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) Private Transfer to Sao Paulo City/Hotels: $27
  • Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $38
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Congonhas Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $39
  • Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Congonhas Airport: $39
  • Receptive and Transfer Airports, Cities and Coast: $42
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guarulhos International Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $47
  • Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $65
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $67
  • Transfer (Taxi) airport to Sao Paulo: $77
  • Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to Sao Paulo Private Transfer: $79
  • Private Transfer from Guarulhos to Santos: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Madryn

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Madryn:

  • Puerto Madryn Airport Private Transfer: $216
  • From Punta Tombo Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $138
  • Trelew Airport Shuttle Transfer To Puerto Madryn : $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Puerto Madryn?

Prices for flights to both Puerto Madryn and Sao Paulo 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
    Sao Paulo $24
    Puerto Madryn $7.60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo

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

  • Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $3.89
    Puerto Madryn $45

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.

  • Sao Paulo Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Downtown-Center History Walking Tour - in English: $31
  • São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
  • São Paulo Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $48
  • Boat Trip Billings Dam and Experience Bororé Island: $50
  • São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour - In English: $55
  • Sao Paulo, Pinheiros - Food & Graffiti Tour - In English: $65
  • São Paulo Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $66
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $68
  • Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69
  • Shared tour of the tourist attractions of São Paulo: $77
  • São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group): $79

Tours and Activities in Puerto Madryn

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

  • 3 hour 4x4 tour around Puerto Madryn: $110
  • Cruise Shore Exc. Ea San Lorenzo (Penguins) Lunch Included: $159
  • Cruise Shore Excursion Ea San Lorenzo Peninsula Valdes - Patagonia - Argentina: $159
  • Cruise Shore Excursion Peninsula Valdes - Box Lunch Included: $105
  • Cruise Shore Excursion Peninsula Valdes - Pto Madryn - Patagonia - Argentina: $95
  • Cruise Shore Excursion Pta Tombo (penguins): $105
  • Cruise Shore Excursion Punta Tombo - From Puerto Madryn Patagonia: $120
  • Cruise Shore Punta Loma and city overview: $83
  • Day trip in an all-terrain vehicle: 4x4 adventure + lunch at a Patagonian ranch: $160
  • Dolphin Watching Adventure: $105
  • El Doradillo Whale Watching Half-Day Tour from Puerto Madryn: $60
  • Exclusive Full Day Tour Penguin Colony in Punta Tombo from Madryn: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.38
    Puerto Madryn $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

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

  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192


When comparing the travel costs between Sao Paulo and Puerto Madryn, we can see that Puerto Madryn 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. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Puerto Madryn?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Puerto Madryn. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Puerto Madryn, 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 Sao Paulo or Puerto Madryn?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Puerto Madryn in the Summer?

Both Puerto Madryn and Sao Paulo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Sao Paulo is a little warmer than Puerto Madryn in the summer. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sao Paulo. Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in January than Puerto Madryn. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F) 
    Puerto Madryn 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Puerto Madryn in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Puerto Madryn. Most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Sao Paulo is much warmer than Puerto Madryn. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sao Paulo in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Puerto Madryn averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In April, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Puerto Madryn. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F) 
    Puerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Puerto Madryn in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Puerto Madryn. The winter months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Sao Paulo is generally much warmer than Puerto Madryn. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 19°C (66°F), and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in July than Puerto Madryn. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F) 
    Puerto Madryn 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Puerto Madryn in the Spring?

Both Puerto Madryn and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.

Sao Paulo is a little warmer than Puerto Madryn in the spring. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In October, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Puerto Madryn. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F) 
    Puerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Puerto Madryn and Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo Puerto Madryn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)