Punois 59% cheaper Dorms avg $10/night vs $14/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇵🇪 Puno
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
13 hostels, avg 8.4 rating
★★★★★
19 hostels, avg 9.4 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $60/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $48/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.50, dorms avg $30
★★★★★
Coffee $1.72, dorms avg $14
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.00, 13 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $1.02, 19 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
0 attractions
★★★★★
22 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇵🇪 Puno | 🇨🇴 Santa Marta | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $15 cheaper | $35 | $20/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $28 cheaper | $45 | $17/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $52 cheaper | $72 | $20/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇵🇪 Puno | 🇨🇴 Santa Marta |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $2.87 28% less | $4 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $10.78 10% less | $12 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.01 | $1.50 25% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.52 | $1.50 40% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.26 48% less | $0.50 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇵🇪
Puno
Peru
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelSol Andina Inn Hostel (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$10/night
Total hostels13
🇨🇴▼
Santa Marta
Colombia
41
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $14/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMagdalena Beach House (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$14/night
Total hostels19
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇵🇪 Puno
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Puno & Santa Marta
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇵🇪 Puno
15°C
High
/
6°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 167mm/month
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
28°C
High
/
25°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 33mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇵🇪 Puno
1. Museo Carlos DreyerFree
2. Coca & Customs MuseumFree
3. Fundo ChincherosFree
4. Manco CapacFree
5. Manuel PinoFree
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Puno or Santa Marta cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Puno vs Santa Marta?+
Do I need a visa for Puno or Santa Marta?+
When is the best time to visit Puno or Santa Marta?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Puno and Santa Marta?+
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