Is Puerto Varas expensive to visit?
In Puerto Varas, budget travelers spend $54 (CL$52,455) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $125 (CL$121,124) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $256 (CL$247,268) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Puerto Varas.
Puerto Varas is a smaller destination that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
While Puerto Varas can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
Within South America, Puerto Varas 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, Puerto Varas is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Puerto Varas Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Puerto Varas?
The average Puerto Varas trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Puerto Varas travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Puerto Varas cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Puerto Varas. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $54 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Luckily, Puerto Varas offers plenty of hostels, including MaPatagonia Hostel, Casa Margouya Chile, and Casa Apel Hostel. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. When visiting Puerto Varas, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $125 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Puerto Varas. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Weisserhaus Hotel is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Solace Puerto Varas is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Puerto Varas here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $256 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. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Puerto Varas Bus Terminal Private Transfer - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Puerto Varas
The cost of hotels in Puerto Varas can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $95, but the demand in peak season pushes that average to around $177. Budget hotels range from $66 to $304, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Puerto Varas for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $134 (CL$128,452). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $67 (CL$64,226) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Puerto Varas? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Puerto Varas include:
- Solace Puerto Varas starting at $91
- Hotel Cabana Del Lago Puerto Varas starting at $80
- Radisson Hotel Puerto Varas starting at $169
- Tradicion Austral Bed & Breakfast starting at $111
- Hamilton's Place starting at $47
By skipping and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Puerto Varas
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $21 (CL$20,029) per person, per day, on local transportation in Puerto Varas. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Puerto Varas is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$21
CL$20,029
There are frequent minibus services from Puerto Montt for less than USD$2, as well as regular bus services from other cities. Tur-bus, Cruz del Sur, and Pullman offer overnight buses from Santiago for a very reasonable price and with the choice between semi-cama seats, which lean back halfway, or salon cama, nearly as comfortable as a real bed. Snack and breakfast are included for a small fee. The nearest airport is El Tepual in Puerto Montt, about 30 km away from Puerto Varas. There are regular flights to Santiago, Punta Arenas, Balmaceda and other airports served by LAN Airlines and Sky Airline. From the airport you can take a taxi for USD$33 directly into Puerto Varas or you can take an Andres Tour bus from the airport to the main bus terminal in Puerto Montt for USD$4. A more economic route to Puerto Varas from the airport would be to take the Andean Tour bus from the airport to Puerto Montt and from the bus terminal take a Micro-bus to Puerto Varas for an additional USD$2. You can also take the Lake Crossing from Bariloche in Argentina, which is generally done via a tour agency.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Transfer from Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport for $50 details
- Cruce Andino Office Shuttle Transfer from Puerto Varas for $19 details
- Puerto Varas Bus Terminal Private Transfer for $25 details
How much does it cost to go to Puerto Varas? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Puerto Varas will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Puerto Varas
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
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Puerto Varas can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Puerto Varas is $43 (CL$40,785) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$43
CL$40,785
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Puerto Varas is around $42 (CL$40785) per person, with previous travelers spending from $19 to $77. 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 Puerto Varas are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $13
- Lunch: $6 to $17
- Dinner: $13 to $30
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
Puerto Varas boasts exquisite restaurants, a stylish casino with a lively program of nightlife and a vibrant cultural scene. From food trucks to typical Patagonian fare, there is a long list of "must-eat" restaurants in Puerto Varas. In fact, Puerto Varas is one of the rare places where you will see food trucks in South America. On the shore of Lake Llanquihue you can find twelve vans and trailers clustered beneath an awning, with a central area with limited seating. The choices are fairly diverse, with offerings like sushi and tempura, ceviche, shawarma, vegetarian and vegan food, fresh juices and Italian food– just to name a few.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Take a water bottle along instead of purchasing drinks constantly. This is also an eco-conscious choice.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Puerto Varas
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Puerto Varas typically cost an average of $19 (CL$18,192) 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.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$19
CL$18,192
Take a leisurely stroll around Puerto Varas, also named the "City of Roses" to appreciate its traditional, unmistakably Germanic architecture and its pretty residential neighborhoods with their well-tended gardens. You can visit the Paseo Patrimonial, a pedestrian tour across 10 houses classified as national monuments. During the winter months, the locals celebrate the abundant seasonal rains with the traditional 'Rain Festival', an unmissable event! If you're looking for some nature and a secret lookout overlooking Lake Llanquihue, head over to Cerro Philippi. With trails for walking, biking, and driving, this park is accessible for all. Once you reach the top, you'll find a lovely, panoramic view of the town and a huge cross that glows in the night. Walking along the Lake Llanquihue is a must in Puerto Varas. It's simple, it's free, and it is absolutely magnificent. You'll be inspired by the beauty of Volcan Osorno and neighbor Volcan Calbuco, and if you go on a Sunday, you will find out how local families spend their weekends, walking and enjoying the lake. Visible from the lake shore, both Sacred Heart Church and Iglesia Lueterana stand tall and colorful. Be sure to stop by and learn about the history of colonization and its impact on religion in this quaint tourist town.
There are many options of day trips and adventures available from Puerto Varas. If you're a fan of adventure sports and enjoy close contact with nature, this is the place for you! From rafting and kayaking on the Petrohue river to swimming and boating tours on Lake Llanquihue, you will definitely have fun and enjoy some stunning views of southern Chile at almost every turn. The Lago Todos Los Santos, the Volcan Osorno, the Volcan Puntiagudo and the Monte Tronador are well-known sites found in the Parque Nacional Vicente Perez Rosales. Trekking in the park will be a journey full of surprises, as one lake may be hidden by another. The Sendero Los Alerces, which continues on to the Sendero La Picada will bring you to a spectacular viewpoint on the park's lakes and volcanoes including the Volcan Osorno. A day trip to Volcan Osorno is a great option year-round. In the winter, you can ski, snowboard, or tube, and in the summer, you can trek, take the chair lift (USD$22) for panoramic views, or zip line. The Centro de Ski y Montana Volcan Osorno in Ensenada offers ski and snowboard equipment rentals and a pass for half a day (USD$30) or a full day (USD$38) of unlimited ski lift access. The volcano is accessible by car via Route 225 or by buses, departing regularly from Puerto Varas. On your way to the Volcan Osorno, do not miss Los Saltos de Petrohue (The Petrohue Falls). The water is clear and the view is incredible. Finally, while the Cochamo and Rio Puelo Valley is not very well known among tourist, it is worth the detour! Agencies such as Secret Patagonia or Campo Aventura organizes excursions on horses, mountain bikes or by foot to discover the beautiful valley. You may even end up spending a night in the heart of the forest at Domo Camp (USD$78 for a cabana) or simply stop there for a delicious lunch. For indoor activities, head to the Museo Pablo Fierro and soak up the history of immigration and colonization in the region. The outside alone is fascinating, and a visit inside will surely spark even more interest.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Puerto Varas. 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:
- Tour Guiado en Kayak por Rio Maullin / Medío dia en Pto. Varas for $115 details
- Scenic Catamaran Tour on Llanquihue lake for $9 details
- Chiloe Island - Puñihuil Tour for $90 details
Puerto Varas, 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.