A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Leon vs. Temuco for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Leon or Temuco?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Leon and Temuco 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: Leon or Temuco?

Leon

Leon is one of the oldest city's in Nicaragua and you can see hints of its colonial past in the architecture around town. Tourism is not a major part of the economy in Leon, but the city is gaining popularity with budget travelers and backpackers and more recently tour groups are including Leon in their itinerary.

With a population of just over 200,000, Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua, after Managua. During the university season the population grows dramatically as there is a heavy presence of students in Leon. It is a popular university town, and this young population gives the city plenty of energy and entertainment.

Temuco

Temuco is a large and modern city found 680 km south of Santiago. While the city is dynamic, it does not have any particular charm with the exception of being a great point of departure for many excursions around the lake region and the many national parks found in the surrounding area. Temuco is also well known for its Mapuche culture, a proud and rebellious community of around 20 000 in the area today, who has fought continuously against every invaders in the past.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Chile, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Temuco or Leon?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Leon is $59, while the average daily cost in Temuco is $80. 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 Leon and Temuco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leon $16
    Temuco $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leon $32
    Temuco $88
Compare Hotels in Leon and Temuco

Looking for a hotel in Leon or Temuco? 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 Leon


Hotels in Temuco


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: Temuco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leon $1.51
    Temuco $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Temuco

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

  • Temuco Airport (ZCO) to Pucon Resorts - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Temuco Airport (ZCO) to Pucon Thermal Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $98
  • Transfer Araucanía Airport - Temuco: $50
  • Transfer from Temuco Airport to Pucon: $140
  • Transfers from or to Temuco - Araucanía Airport: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Leon or Temuco?

Prices for flights to both Temuco and Leon 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
    Leon $12
    Temuco $22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.

  • Tlakualli Food Tour: $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leon $5.81
    Temuco $7.85

Tours and Activities in Leon

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

  • 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $163
  • A Stroll Through León’s Enchanting Streets: Romantic Walking Tour: $226
  • Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $35
  • Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
  • Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
  • Horseback Riding Private Tour : $103
  • Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
  • Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
  • Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
  • Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
  • Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
  • Telica Sunset Tour : $93

Tours and Activities in Temuco

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

  • Tour Mapuche Community Araucanía: $582

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leon $3.53
    Temuco $5.13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leon and Temuco, we can see that Temuco is more expensive. And not only is Leon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Leon is in Central America and Temuco 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 Leon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leon 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 Temuco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Temuco than you might in Leon.

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


Which is Bigger, Leon or Temuco?

Temuco has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Leon. When comparing the sizes of Leon and Temuco, 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 Leon or Temuco?

Temuco has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Leon experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Leon or Temuco in the Summer?

Both Temuco and Leon during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Leon is generally much warmer than Temucoin January. Daily temperatures in Leon average around 27°C (81°F), and Temuco fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Temuco, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Leon often gets less sunshine than Temucoin January. Leon gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Temuco receives 290 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Leon. Leon usually gets more rain in July than Temucoin January. Leon gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Leon 27°C (81°F) 
    Temuco 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Leon or Temuco in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Leon and Temuco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.

Leon is much warmer than Temuco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leon averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Temuco fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in April.

Leon usually receives more sunshine than Temuco during autumn. Leon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Temuco receives 150 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Leon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Leon usually receives more rain than Temucoin April. Leon gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Leon 27°C (81°F) 
    Temuco 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Leon or Temuco in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Leon as well as Temuco. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Leon is much warmer than Temuco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leon in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Temuco averages at about 8°C (46°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leon this time of the year. In the winter, Leon often gets more sunshine than Temucoin July. Leon gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Temuco receives 78 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Temuco. Leon usually gets less rain in January than Temucoin July. Leon gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Leon 26°C (79°F) 
    Temuco 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Leon or Temuco in the Spring?

Both Temuco and Leon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.

In April, Leon is generally much warmer than Temucoin October. Daily temperatures in Leon average around 29°C (84°F), and Temuco fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leon. Leon usually receives more sunshine than Temuco during spring. Leon gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Temuco receives 193 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leon usually receives less rain than Temucoin October. Leon gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Leon 29°C (84°F) 
    Temuco 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Temuco and Leon

Leon Temuco
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)