Santa Martais 45% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (53/10) vs Valparaiso "Good Deal" (65/10). Dorms avg $14/night vs $13/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
🇨🇱 Valparaiso
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
19 hostels, avg 9.4 rating
★★★★★
16 hostels, avg 8.7 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $48/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $37/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $1.72, dorms avg $14
★★★★★
Coffee $3.00, dorms avg $13
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $1.02, 19 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $4.04, 16 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
22 attractions
★★★★★
24 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇨🇴 Santa Marta | 🇨🇱 Valparaiso | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $17 cheaper | $31 | $14/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $35 cheaper | $49 | $14/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $72 cheaper | $83 | $11/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇨🇴 Santa Marta | 🇨🇱 Valparaiso |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $3.91 62% less | $10.38 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $18.15 10% less | $20.18 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $1.02 75% less | $4.04 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $1.72 43% less | $3 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.73 | $0.62 15% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇨🇴▼
Santa Marta
Colombia
53
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $14/night). Strong hostel scene (19 hostels). Plenty to see (22 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMagdalena Beach House (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$14/night
Total hostels19
🇨🇱▼
Valparaiso
Chile
65
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $13/night). Strong hostel scene (16 hostels). Plenty to see (24 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelCasaclub Hostel (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$13/night
Total hostels16
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
🇨🇱 Valparaiso
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Santa Marta & Valparaiso
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
28°C
High
/
26°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 122mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
🇨🇱 Valparaiso
18°C
High
/
13°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 11mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
1. Atlantida de buceo
2. Bahia Concha
3. Caribe colombiano diving
4. Casa de la Aduana
5. Centro Internacional del Rodadero
🇨🇱 Valparaiso
1. A las Víctimas de la Dictadura en la Regió…
2. Bahía Porteña
3. Bahía Utópica
4. Busto del General San Martín
5. Cristóbal Colón
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Santa Marta or Valparaiso cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Santa Marta vs Valparaiso?+
Do I need a visa for Santa Marta or Valparaiso?+
When is the best time to visit Santa Marta or Valparaiso?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Santa Marta and Valparaiso?+
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