Is Pucon expensive to visit?
Pucon is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Pucon can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $52 (CL$52,332) per day, mid-range travelers spend $121 (CL$121,595) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $246 (CL$247,953) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Pucon.
Within South America, Pucon is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in South America for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Pucon is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Pucon Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Pucon?
The average Pucon trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Pucon travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Pucon cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Pucon without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $52 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Thankfully, Pucon features plenty of hostels, such as Chili Kiwi Lakefront, Willhouse, and Socialtel Plaza Pucon. At hostels like this, you can find economical dorm beds and a great social atmosphere, although amenities might be quite sparse.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most guests in Pucon will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $121 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $246 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the destination, prepare for a pricier experience. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private 3-Hour Canyoning Experience on the Correntoso River - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Pucon
The hotel prices in Pucon might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $0, but during peak season, expect to pay around $0. Prices vary from $0 to $0, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Pucon for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $81 (CL$81,937). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $41 (CL$40,968) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Pucon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in ) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.
Food Budget in Pucon
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Pucon can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Pucon is $62 (CL$62,112) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$62
CL$62,112
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Pucon is around $62 (CL$62112) per person, with previous travelers spending from $26 to $126. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Pucon are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $18
- Lunch: $9 to $25
- Dinner: $18 to $43
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
The people of Chile are a mostly a mix of Mapuche and Spanish, with a cuisine influenced by both. Merquen or merken, is commonly used throughout Chilean cooking-essentially a dried and smoked chile, pulverized into a spicy salt. In the Lakes District, where Pucan is located, there is also a strong German presence in cooking with strudel and also kuchen, a type of fruit-filled pastry with custard. A place called Kuchenladen in Pucon specializes in the European pastries. Another common dish is pastel de choclo-a giant, baked wedge of corn pudding on top of a savory mix of olives, raisins, and cooked eggs, plus ground beef and some pulled chicken. Locals often sprinkle it with merken and sugar. Some of the top restaurants in town include Bovinos Carnes y Vinos, La Maga, Fiorentini, and Trawen. With plenty of fertile valleys, there is also an abundance of great wine with local vintages including carmenère, merlot, and syrah.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Pack a water bottle to avoid buying drinks on the go. Plus, it's beneficial for the planet.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Pucon
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Pucon typically cost an average of $35 (CL$35,347) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$35
CL$35,347
While the town itself sits on the shores of the beautiful Lago Villarrica, it is the Volcan Villarrica, one of the most active volcanoes in Chile, which serves as the region's true centerpiece. Its snowcapped peaks shadow the backdrop of the town's not-so-far horizon attracting adventurers from all over looking to take on the simmering giant. In the summer season, the main beach, La Poza, is packed with tourists soaking up the sun, swimming, and diving into watersports on Lake Villarrica. Its black sands offer a unique setting, black from its volcanic surroundings sinking down into the blue depths of the lake. Also due to the presence of the volcano, Pucon is in the vicinity of a few notable hot springs like Termas Geometricas where visitors can take a dip and soak in the healing properties of the steaming pools. Other nearby springs include the Termas Los Pozones and the Termas Rio Trancura.
Amongst the outlying valleys, you will also find a network of cascading waterfalls and brooks meandering through thick forested trails. Huerquehue National Park is especially popular, with enchanting trails that open up into a number of scenic viewpoints overlooking the mountainous terrain surrounding Pucon.
Each November to April season brings scores of outdoor enthusiasts-hikers, climbers, whitewater rafters, and mountain bikers-looking to climb Volcan Villarrica, brave the Rio Trancura rapids, or hike in the remote forested areas of the nearby National Parks. A hike through Huerquehue National Park will bring you past waterfalls, gurgling brooks, and scenic viewpoints overlooking volcanoes and Andean peaks. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular especially in the in the glacier-fed Trancura River, while horseback riding offers a more leisurely activity with opportunities to ride through local Mapuche settlements. Other activities include fishing, exploring volcanic caves, visiting hot springs, mountain biking, and hopping on guided tours, plus skiing and snowboarding on Villarrica open May to October.
A nice way to explore destinations in Pucon is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Half Day Andean Lakes Experience with pickup for $110 details
- Full Day Excursion Tour to Quetrupillán Volcano for $177 details
- 3-Hour Rafting Experience in Pucon for $60 details
Pucon, Chile
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.