A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Pucon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Pucon?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Pucon can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Pucon?

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Pucon or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Pucon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
    Pucon $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
    Pucon $86
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Pucon

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina


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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58
    Pucon $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $0.13
  • Local Bus
    $0.00
  • Metro Ride
    $0.00
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.03
  • Taxi
    $0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • Ezeiza Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $75
  • Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $26
  • Aljibe Tango Earlier Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels Buenos Aires: $85
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $124
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $109
  • Arrival Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $46
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $44
  • Buenos Aires Airport Arrival Transfer (Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires Hotel or Address): $131
  • Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $139
  • Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE in Luxury Car: $160
  • Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
  • Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $220

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: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Pucon?

Prices for flights to both Pucon and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.25
    Pucon $38
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Lunch
    $0.03
  • Cup of Coffee
    $0.01
  • Empandas
    $0.02
  • Espresso
    $0.01
  • Dinner (Pizza)
    $0.02
  • Ice Cream
    $0.01
  • Breakfast at Airport
    $0.04
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    $0.01
  • Sweets
    $0.01
  • Hot Dog
    $0.01
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    $0.01
  • Lunch for 2
    $0.16
  • Cake and Coffee
    $0.53
  • Dinner
    $1.88
  • Powerade
    $0.12
  • Lunch
    $0.83
  • Dinner
    $1.21
  • Chocolate
    $3.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Argentinian grilled pizza class in San Telmo: $40
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
  • Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
  • Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
  • Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending: $49
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending Experience: $49
  • La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $49
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34
    Pucon $37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)
    $0.04
  • Movie Ticket
    $0.02
  • Tango Class
    $0.03
  • Bar entrance
    $0.58

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Palermo Soho for curious people Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
  • Historical Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery: $15
  • True Crime Buenos Aires: A Walking Tour: $15
  • Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
  • Graffiti Tour: $15
  • Walking Tour La Boca: $15
  • Recoleta Cemetery Experience - Immersive Tour with the Death: $16
  • Under Ground Tours Private Side B of the City: $20

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
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81
    Pucon $27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.01
  • Beer (0.66L)
    $0.02
  • Cocktail
    $0.03
  • Alcohol
    $0.67

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
  • Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
  • Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
  • Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $56
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
  • Bodega Gamboa Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $80
  • Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
  • Private Asado and Wine Tasting in Argentina: $130


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Pucon, we can see that Pucon is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Pucon?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 490 times larger than the population of Pucon. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Pucon?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Pucon in the Summer?

Both Pucon and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much warmer than Pucon. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 25°C (77°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Pucon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pucon during summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Pucon. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F) 
    Pucon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Pucon in the Autumn?

Both Pucon and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is much warmer than Pucon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Pucon. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in April than Pucon. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F) 
    Pucon 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Pucon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Pucon.

In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much warmer than Pucon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Pucon averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Pucon during winter. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 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 July, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Pucon. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F) 
    Pucon 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Pucon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Pucon.

In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much warmer than Pucon. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (64°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Pucon. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 198 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pucon. Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in October than Pucon. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F) 
    Pucon 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Pucon and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina Pucon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 297 mm (11.7 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 247 mm (9.7 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 9°C (48°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)