A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Pucon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Pucon?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Pucon? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Acapulco de Juarez or Pucon?

Acapulco de Juarez

Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.

Pucon

A popular hub for adventure tourism, Pucon is a town in the Lake District of the South American nation of Chile. Located on Lake Villarirca with the snowcapped Villarrica volcano looming above and plenty of forested valleys below, the town has become a home base year-round for a full range of outdoor activities.

Check out our ultimate guide to Traveling in Patagonia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Pucon or Acapulco de Juarez?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $81, while the average daily cost in Pucon is $100. 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 Acapulco de Juarez and Pucon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acapulco de Juarez $39
    Pucon $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acapulco de Juarez $78
    Pucon $86
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Pucon

Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Pucon? 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 Acapulco de Juarez


Hotels in Pucon


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: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $16
    Pucon $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
  • Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
  • Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
  • Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
  • Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
  • Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Bahia de Acapulco: $49
  • Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $6.00
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Acapulco Airport (ACA) -Bahía de Acapulco: $24
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Bahía de Acapulco - Acapulco Airport (ACA): $24
  • Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pucon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pucon:

  • Private Transfer Pucon Thermal Resorts to Temuco Airport: $49
  • Pucon Temuco Airport Private Transfer: $130
  • Pucon to Puerto Montt El Tepual Airport (PMC) -Departure Transfer: $114

Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Pucon?

Prices for flights to both Pucon and Acapulco de Juarez 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
    Acapulco de Juarez $29
    Pucon $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.

  • High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner +Three Drinks plus SUNSET: $49
  • Cliff Divers Exhibition 2 Drinks + Tacos al Pastor Dinner & Beer: $55
  • Cliff Diver De Luxe 3 Course Dinner at "La Quebrada" in Acapulco: $56
  • Cliff Divers Show With Dinner At Acapulco: $72
  • Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only SUNDAY: $84
  • Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $89
  • Hands ON - Mex Cooking Class Experience - City Market & Lunch : $90
  • Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
  • Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
  • Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
  • Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $193
  • Divers Show and Luxury Dinner in Acapulco: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $18
    Pucon $37

Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez

Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Kayaks Tour to El Morro Islet: $25
  • Sunset Adventures: $30
  • Acapulco City Tour : $35
  • Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $36
  • 4hr City Tour For Cruises or Hotels Diver Peace Chapel & Mural: $40
  • 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $44
  • Combo 6 Hr Tour All City Highlights Divers Baby Turtle Release: $46
  • 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $47
  • 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $50
  • Acapulco Malibu, Avenida Kids Tour : $50
  • 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $51
  • 6Hr City Tour Cruise or Hotel Turtle Nesting High Diver & Market: $51

Tours and Activities in Pucon

Here are a few actual costs in Pucon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 3-Hour Rafting Experience in Pucon: $60
  • Private 3-Hour Canyoning Experience on the Correntoso River: $68
  • Sightseeing Tour in Pucon and Villarica: $93
  • Half Day Tour to The Eyes Of Caburgua from Pucon: $93
  • Private Half Day Andean Lakes Experience with pickup: $110
  • Full Day Private Tour Ascending Sollipulli Volcano: $140
  • Local Chile-Bavarian Culinary Pretzel Baking Experience n Sausage: $149
  • Full Day Excursion Tour to Quetrupillán Volcano: $177

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acapulco de Juarez $11
    Pucon $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Pucon, we can see that Pucon is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Acapulco de Juarez is in North America and Pucon is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Pucon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pucon than you might in Acapulco de Juarez.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Pucon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Pucon?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Pucon. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Pucon, 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.


When is the best time to visit Acapulco de Juarez or Pucon?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Pucon is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Acapulco de Juarez has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Pucon in the Summer?

Both Pucon and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Pucon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Pucon averages at about 16°C (61°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Pucon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less sunshine than Pucon during summer. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Acapulco de Juarez. In July, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Puconin January. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Acapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F) 
    Pucon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Pucon in the Autumn?

Both Pucon and Acapulco de Juarez during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Acapulco de Juarez is generally much warmer than Puconin April. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 28°C (83°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Puconin April. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 132 hours of full sun.

Pucon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in October than Puconin April. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Acapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F) 
    Pucon 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Pucon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Pucon. The winter months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Pucon in the winter. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Pucon fluctuates around 7°C (45°F)in July.

In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Pucon during winter. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 66 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pucon receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Puconin July. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Acapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F) 
    Pucon 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Pucon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Pucon. The beaches are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year.

In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Pucon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Pucon averages at about 11°C (52°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Puconin October. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 198 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pucon. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in April than Puconin October. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Acapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F) 
    Pucon 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Pucon and Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez Pucon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 271 mm (10.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 297 mm (11.7 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 209 mm (8.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 312 mm (12.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 247 mm (9.7 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 341 mm (13.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)