Which place is cheaper, Puerto Varas or Colonia del Sacramento?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Puerto Varas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Colonia del Sacramento and Puerto Varas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Puerto Varas?
Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is in the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. It is filled with old colonial buildings and cobbled streets, and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, sandwiched in between the Portuguese colony of Brazil and the Spanish Viceroyalty of the River Plate, later Argentina, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. Its strategic position and use as a smuggling port meant that its sovereignty was constantly contested and the city changed hands several times between Spain and Portugal. The irresistibly picturesque town's charm and its proximity to Buenos Aires draw thousands of Argentine and other visitors on weekends and in summer. Prices rise in these periods and it can be difficult to find a room so make sure to book your trip well in advance.
Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas is a city in Southern Chile, in the Los Lagos (Lakes) Region, Llanquihue Province. It is a charming town, only 23 km away from Puerto Montt and surrounded by the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes as well as the impressive Llanquihue lake. In terms of landscape, accommodation and activities, Puerto Varas is well served! Kayak, paddle, canyoning, rock climbing, trekking, ski, fishing, you name it! If you decide to stop in that area, we recommend that you stay in Puerto Varas, as it provides the perfect starting point for many memorable excursions in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best G Adventures Tours to Chile, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColonia del Sacramento $68Puerto Varas $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Colonia del Sacramento is $68, while the average daily cost in Puerto Varas is $109. 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 Colonia del Sacramento and Puerto Varas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColonia del Sacramento $34Puerto Varas $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColonia del Sacramento $68Puerto Varas $134
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Puerto Varas
Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento or Puerto Varas? 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.
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: Colonia del Sacramento Hotel Prices and Puerto Varas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $17Puerto Varas $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colonia del Sacramento
Also for Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Colonia Bus Terminal Private Transfer : $15
- Colonia Port Terminal Private Transfer : $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Varas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Varas:
- Transfer from Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport: $50
- Transfer from Hotel in Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport: $24
- Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport: $22
- Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $21
- Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) - Departure Transfer: $33
- Frutillar to Puerto Montt Airport PMC- Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Frutillar to Puerto Airport (PMC) - Departure Private Transfer: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Colonia del Sacramento or Puerto Varas?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Varas and Colonia del Sacramento 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
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Food Meals for one dayColonia del Sacramento $19Puerto Varas $25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colonia del Sacramento
For Colonia del Sacramento, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sensory Experience - Blind dinner in Colonia Del Sacramento: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $24Puerto Varas $19
Tours and Activities in Colonia del Sacramento
For Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Walking tour around Colonia del Sacramento Old Town: $15
- Shared City Tour at sunset in Historic Neighborhood: $20
- Regular City Tour in Portuguese: $25
- Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
- Hike at promenade + entry ticket to bullring (Walk 5.5km): $28
- Shared Boat Tour Experience - Colonia del Sacramento: $43
- Full gastronomic experience: Uruguayan meat,cheese and wine: $55
- Historical Walking Tour with Snack: $58
- Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $58
- Adventure Sightseeing Bike Tour: $59
- Experience an typical Uruguayan dish: Chivito & Tannat Wine: $78
- From Horse Ride Experience: $80
Tours and Activities in Puerto Varas
Here are a few actual costs in Puerto Varas for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Adventure Fullday Tour Osorno Volcano and Saltos de Petrohue National Park: $150
- Classic Chiloe Tour: $150
- From Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt: Chiloé Island Tour: $60
- From Osorno Volcano & Petrohue Falls Day Tour: $49
- Frutillar Bike Tour from Puerto Varas: $79
- Full-Day Osorno Vulcano and Petrohue Falls Small-Group Tour: $80
- Half-Day Small-Group Rafting Experience in Petrohué River: $50
- Lake Llanquihue Bike Tour in Puerto Varas: $129
- Llanquihue Lake Tour: $88
- Petrohue Falls and Osorno Volcano Bike Tour: $124
- Peulla Full Day Tour from Puerto Varas: $68
- Premium Full Day Shared Tour Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls: $185
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayColonia del Sacramento $5.85Puerto Varas $6.51
Sample the Local Flavors in Colonia del Sacramento
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Colonia del Sacramento:
- Shuttle to Traditional Vineyard with Wine Tasting included: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Puerto Varas, we can see that Puerto Varas is more expensive. And not only is Colonia del Sacramento much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Colonia del Sacramento would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Colonia del Sacramento 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 Puerto Varas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Puerto Varas than you might in Colonia del Sacramento.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Colonia del Sacramento Expensive? and Is Puerto Varas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Puerto Varas?
Puerto Varas has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and Puerto Varas, 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 Colonia del Sacramento or Puerto Varas?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Puerto Varas in the Summer?
Both Puerto Varas and Colonia del Sacramento during the summer are popular places to visit.
In the summer, Colonia del Sacramento is much warmer than Puerto Varas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Puerto Varas averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In Puerto Varas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Colonia del Sacramento. In the summer, Colonia del Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Puerto Varas. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 204 hours of full sun.
Colonia del Sacramento usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Puerto Varas. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryColonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F)Puerto Varas 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Puerto Varas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Puerto Varas.
In April, Colonia del Sacramento is generally much warmer than Puerto Varas. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (65°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Varas during autumn. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Varas receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Puerto Varas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Colonia del Sacramento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less rain than Puerto Varas. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilColonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Puerto Varas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Puerto Varas.
Colonia del Sacramento is much warmer than Puerto Varas in the winter. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In the winter, Colonia del Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Puerto Varas. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 67 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Puerto Varas. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Varas. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyColonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F)Puerto Varas 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Puerto Varas in the Spring?
Both Puerto Varas and Colonia del Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Colonia del Sacramento is much warmer than Puerto Varas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Puerto Varas averages at about 11°C (51°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Varas during spring. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Varas receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Varas. It's quite rainy in Colonia del Sacramento. In October, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives around the same amount of rain as Puerto Varas. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberColonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Varas and Colonia del Sacramento
| Colonia del Sacramento | Puerto Varas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
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.