Which place is cheaper, Puerto Varas or Florianopolis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Florianopolis or Puerto Varas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Florianopolis or Puerto Varas? 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: Florianopolis or Puerto Varas?
Florianopolis
With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.
Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.
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 Wildlife Tours to Brazil, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil, 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 dayFlorianopolis $62Puerto Varas $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $62, 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 Florianopolis and Puerto Varas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlorianopolis $26Puerto Varas $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlorianopolis $52Puerto Varas $134
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Puerto Varas
Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis 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: Florianopolis Hotel Prices and Puerto Varas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Florianopolis $13Puerto Varas $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis
Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $39
- Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14
- One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
- Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $31
- Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
- Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $83
- Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
- Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
- Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
- Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $76
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 Airport Shuttle Transfer: $38
- Puerto Varas Airport Private Transfer: $62
- Cruce Andino Office Private Transfer from Puerto Varas: $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Puerto Varas?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Varas and Florianopolis 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 dayFlorianopolis $22Puerto Varas $25
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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A Quick Snack$0.44
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Florianopolis $26Puerto Varas $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Internet$0.59
Tours and Activities in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Walking Tour Historic Center of Florianópolis: $12
- Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
- Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
- Shared Shuttle between Florianópolis Airport and Hotel with optional City Tour: $23
- Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
- Rafting Adventure in Apuama - Rio Cubatão in Greater Florianópolis: $29
- Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $31
- Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
- Tour Balneario Camboriu and Laranjeiras Beach TELEFERICO INCLUDED: $36
- Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
- Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
- Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $41
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
- 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
- Premium Full day Tour to Osorno Volcano and Petrohue in Puerto Varas: $240
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlorianopolis $8.68Puerto Varas $6.51
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:
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Beer$0.59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Florianopolis and Puerto Varas, we can see that Puerto Varas is more expensive. And not only is Florianopolis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Florianopolis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Florianopolis Expensive? and Is Puerto Varas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Puerto Varas?
Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Puerto Varas. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Puerto Varas in the Summer?
Both Puerto Varas and Florianopolis during the summer are popular places to visit.
Florianopolis is much warmer than Puerto Varas in the summer. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 25°C (76°F) in January, and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In Puerto Varas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Florianopolis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto Varas. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 204 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Florianopolis. Florianopolis usually gets more rain in January than Puerto Varas. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 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 JanuaryFlorianopolis 25°C (76°F)Puerto Varas 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Puerto Varas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Puerto Varas.
In the autumn, Florianopolis is much warmer than Puerto Varas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Florianopolis in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Puerto Varas averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Florianopolis usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Varas during autumn. Florianopolis gets 179 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. In April, Florianopolis usually receives less rain than Puerto Varas. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 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 AprilFlorianopolis 22°C (71°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Puerto Varas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Puerto Varas.
In July, Florianopolis is generally much warmer than Puerto Varas. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 17°C (62°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In the winter, Florianopolis often gets more sunshine than Puerto Varas. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 67 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Puerto Varas. Florianopolis usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Varas. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 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 JulyFlorianopolis 17°C (62°F)Puerto Varas 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Puerto Varas in the Spring?
Both Puerto Varas and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
Florianopolis is much warmer than Puerto Varas in the spring. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Florianopolis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto Varas during spring. Florianopolis gets 159 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 Florianopolis. In October, Florianopolis usually receives less rain than Puerto Varas. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 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 OctoberFlorianopolis 20°C (68°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Varas and Florianopolis
| Florianopolis | Puerto Varas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (76°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 95 mm (3.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (71°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.