A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tilcara vs. San Pedro de Atacama for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tilcara or San Pedro de Atacama?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Tilcara and San Pedro de Atacama can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Tilcara or San Pedro de Atacama?

Tilcara

Tilcara signifies shooting star in Quechua. At 2465m of altitude, the little town of Tilcara is one of the most animated place of the area of the quebrada de humahuaca. Many South American backpackers and tourists from all around the world come to visit Tilcara and its pucara, the forteresse built by the Incas at the top of the hill, providing a stunning walk around the town. Tilcara hosts many festivals for different occasions such as the celebration of the Pachamama in August, the semana santa (Holy Week) in April, and the Enero Tilcareno, held in January as its name indicates, which is probably the busiest month of the year for the little town. If you enjoy concerts, parades and folklorique parties then definitely try to visit Tilcara during a festival month and avoid them if you prefer a calm and more relaxed holiday. There are many available activities around Tilcara including horseback riding, VTT, and you could also even try a ride in a caravan pulled by llamas.

San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama is a gateway to northern Chile. It is a good jumping off point for exploring the area's impressive landscape, most of which is included in the Los Flamencos National Reserve. It is popular with both Chilean and international tourists, and because of its popularity, it is a relatively expensive destination, with many prices comparable to what you might pay in Santiago.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best Camping Tours in Argentina, The Best Tours for Seniors to Chile, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, San Pedro de Atacama or Tilcara?

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

  • Tilcara Prices
    Argentina Prices
    San Pedro de Atacama Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tilcara $78
    San Pedro de Atacama $69

The average daily cost (per person) in Tilcara is $78, while the average daily cost in San Pedro de Atacama is $69. 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 Tilcara and San Pedro de Atacama in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tilcara $63
    San Pedro de Atacama $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tilcara $126
    San Pedro de Atacama $64
Compare Hotels in Tilcara and San Pedro de Atacama

Looking for a hotel in Tilcara or San Pedro de Atacama? 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 Tilcara


Hotels in San Pedro de Atacama


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: Tilcara Hotel Prices and San Pedro de Atacama Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tilcara $3.09
    San Pedro de Atacama $9.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tilcara

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

  • Solar Train of the Quebrada de Humahuaca: Ticket and Transfer: $170

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Pedro de Atacama

Also for San Pedro de Atacama, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 3 Perfect Days in Atacama + Transfer: $260
  • 3 Perfect Days in Atacama + Airport Transfer: $224
  • Private transfer from San Pedro de Atacama to Calama City: $190
  • Puritama Hot Springs Experience with Transfer and Entrance: $90
  • Atacama Airport Private Transfer: $88
  • Calama Airport Transfer to Atacama / Airport Lodging: $60
  • Transfer to the Puritama Hot Springs: $60
  • Astronomical Tour in San Pedro de Atacama includes transfer, photo, and cocktail.: $53
  • Puritama Hot Springs Transfer Tour: $45
  • Stargazing Experience with Transfer: $44
  • Shared Transfer to Calama Airport (CJC): $41
  • Etno-Stargazing Tour with Transfer: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Tilcara or San Pedro de Atacama?

Prices for flights to both San Pedro de Atacama and Tilcara 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
    Tilcara $7.41
    San Pedro de Atacama $25

Typical Food Prices in San Pedro de Atacama

For San Pedro de Atacama, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Empanadas
    $1.26
  • Lunch
    $10
  • Dinner
    $11
  • Drink
    $0.94
  • Empanada
    $5.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Pedro de Atacama

For San Pedro de Atacama, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Local haute cuisine tasting menu dinner: $135
  • Private Dinner Under the Stars: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tilcara $22
    San Pedro de Atacama $21

Tours and Activities in Tilcara

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

  • From Salta: Tour to Humahuaca + Hornocal "Route of Colors and Heights": $128
  • 2 hours cycling tour trough the rural area: $20

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Pedro de Atacama

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for San Pedro de Atacama's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Sand Boarding
    $56

Tours and Activities in San Pedro de Atacama

For San Pedro de Atacama, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Moon Valley Tour, the Best Seller: $49
  • The 3 Best Selling Tours in Atacama: $190
  • 1-Day Tour Altiplanic Lagoons and Piedras Rojas and Laguna Chaxa: $120
  • 2 Tours Valley of the Moon and Hidden Lagoons: $120
  • 23km downhill bike tour + trekking among giant cacti: $70
  • 3 Days and 4 Tours in San Pedro de Atacama: $190
  • 3 Main Tours in San Pedo de Atacama: $190
  • 3 or 4 days in San Pedro with Semi-Private tours: $300
  • 3-Day Tour in San Pedro de Atacama: $205
  • 4 TOUR IN ATACAMA IN 3 DAYS: $230
  • 4 Tour in 2 Days, in San Pedro de Atacama: $200
  • 4 Tours in 3 Days in San Pedro de Atacama: $198

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tilcara $4.87
    San Pedro de Atacama $4.93

Typical Alcohol Prices in San Pedro de Atacama

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in San Pedro de Atacama:


  • Alcohol
    $25


When comparing the travel costs between Tilcara and San Pedro de Atacama, we can see that Tilcara 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 Tilcara Expensive? and Is San Pedro de Atacama Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tilcara or San Pedro de Atacama?

Tilcara has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Pedro de Atacama. When comparing the sizes of Tilcara and San Pedro de Atacama, 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.