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

Should you visit Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza 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: Fortaleza or Pucon?

Fortaleza

A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.

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 Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Pucon or Fortaleza?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, 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 Fortaleza and Pucon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fortaleza $30
    Pucon $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fortaleza $60
    Pucon $86
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Pucon

Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza


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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fortaleza $21
    Pucon $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza

Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 4x4 Private Transfer Service : $175
  • 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $253
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $117
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Sedan Car: $88
  • Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $16
  • Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Minivan: $117
  • Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $88
  • Departure Private Transfer: Jericoacoara to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $253
  • Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
  • Fortaleza to Fortaleza Airport (FOR) - Departure Private Transfer: $16
  • Fortaleza to/from Jericoacoara Transfer: $29
  • Beach Park Round-Trip Transfer: $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pucon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pucon:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Pucon?

Prices for flights to both Pucon and Fortaleza 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
    Fortaleza $24
    Pucon $38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fortaleza $15
    Pucon $37

Tours and Activities in Fortaleza

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.

  • Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $11
  • Cumbuco Beach Tour: $11
  • 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
  • Águas Belas Tour: $15
  • Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $17
  • Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $17
  • Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
  • Tour 3 Beaches in 1 day (Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes and Canoa Quebrada): $21
  • The colorful sands of Morro Branco beach - Full Day Tour: $22
  • Historical and Cultural City Tour of Fortaleza: $23
  • Jericoacoara Tour in a Full Day - Leaving Fortaleza by Girafatur: $24

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fortaleza $9.97
    Pucon $27


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

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


Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Pucon?

Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Pucon. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Pucon?

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 Fortaleza or Pucon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Pucon.

In January, Fortaleza is generally much warmer than Pucon. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pucon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In the summer, Fortaleza often gets less sunshine than Pucon. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 296 hours of full sun.

Fortaleza receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in January than Pucon. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Pucon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Pucon in the Autumn?

Both Pucon and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

Fortaleza is much warmer than Pucon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than Pucon during autumn. Fortaleza gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 132 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pucon. It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Pucon. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Fortaleza 27°C (80°F) 
    Pucon 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Pucon in the Winter?

Both Pucon and Fortaleza during the winter are popular places to visit.

In the winter, Fortaleza is much warmer than Pucon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fortaleza in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Pucon averages at about 7°C (45°F).

It's quite sunny in Fortaleza. In the winter, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than Pucon. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 66 hours of full sun.

Pucon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Fortaleza usually gets less rain in July than Pucon. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Fortaleza 26°C (79°F) 
    Pucon 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Pucon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Pucon.

In October, Fortaleza is generally much warmer than Pucon. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Fortaleza, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than Pucon during spring. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pucon receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Fortaleza usually receives less rain than Pucon. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Pucon 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Pucon and Fortaleza

Fortaleza Pucon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 356 mm (14 in) 11°C (52°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Jun 26°C (80°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 297 mm (11.7 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 247 mm (9.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)