Which place is cheaper, Puerto Varas or Liberia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Liberia or Puerto Varas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Liberia and Puerto Varas. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Liberia or Puerto Varas?
Liberia
Liberia is a town in northwestern Costa Rica. It is the capital of the Guanacaste province, which is about 140 miles away from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. The town has a population of about 56,000 and is one of the tourism centers of the country.
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 Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica, The Best G Adventures Tours to Chile, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLiberia $112Puerto Varas $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Liberia is $112, 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 Liberia and Puerto Varas in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLiberia $60Puerto Varas $67
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLiberia $120Puerto Varas $134
Compare Hotels in Liberia and Puerto Varas
Looking for a hotel in Liberia 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: Liberia Hotel Prices and Puerto Varas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Liberia $43Puerto Varas $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liberia
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Liberia are as follows:
-
Bike Rental$25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liberia
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liberia:
- Airport transfer Liberia from and to Tamarindo (One way) : $113
- Costa Rica Private Airport Transfer : $6.00
- Departure Private Transfer Arenal to San Jose Airport by Minivan: $177
- Direct Transfer Liberia Airport to Guanacaste Hotels: $35
- GUANACASTE COSTA RICA Airport Transfers | Shuttle Service: $62
- Guanacaste Airport Transfer to Playa Tamarindo: $105
- Guanacaste Airport: Transfer to/from Papagayo Hyatt Hotel: $76
- Liberia Airport (LIR) Peñas Blancas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Flamingo/Tamarindo - Round-Trip Transfer: $76
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Jaco / Monteverde - Round-Trip Transfer : $179
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Jaco/Monteverde Arrival Private Transfer: $89
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Peñas Blancas - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Varas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Varas:
- Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $21
- Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport: $22
- Transfer from Hotel in Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport: $24
- Transfer from Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Liberia or Puerto Varas?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Varas and Liberia 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 dayLiberia $21Puerto Varas $25
Typical Food Prices in Liberia
Some typical examples of dining costs in Liberia are as follows:
-
Snacks$1.97
-
Lunch at The Shack (for 1)$4.95
-
Lunch$11
-
Coffee & Tres Leches (for 2)$14
-
Ginger Ale$1.28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liberia
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Liberia.
- 2-Hour Cooking Class in Nosara : $65
- Private Local Cooking Class in Nosara: $85
- Private Sunset Dinner at the Beach with Chef : $190
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Liberia $25Puerto Varas $19
Tours and Activities in Liberia
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Liberia are as follows:
- (Private) La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike: $41
- La Leona Waterfall: Private tour in Rincon de la Vieja!: $43
- Night Tour in Nuevo Arenal: $43
- Bird-Watching and Wildlife Tour: $43
- La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day : $45
- La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike (Private Tour): $45
- Skip the Line: Diamante Eco Adventure Park: Animal Sanctuary Discovery Ticket: $49
- Zip-line Adventure: $53
- Horseback Riding Tour: $59
- Rincón de la Vieja Bird-Watching Tour: $62
- Zipline at Skyline Canopy Tour Guanacaste Costa Rica: $65
- From Tubing Adventure at Rio Negro: $65
Tours and Activities in Puerto Varas
Here are a few actual costs in Puerto Varas for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tour Frutillar: $31
- Half day Frutillar and Llanquihue Town tour: $34
- Half-Day Tour to Frutillar and Llanquihue: $35
- Half day Osorno Volcano tour: $35
- Todos los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla Tour: $48
- Todos los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla Tour: $48
- From Osorno Volcano & Petrohue Falls Day Tour: $49
- Half-Day Small-Group Rafting Experience in Petrohué River: $52
- From Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt: Chiloé Island Tour: $60
- FullDay Chiloe Island Tour Castro and dalcahue: $62
- Full-Day Tour Chiloe Island: Castro and Dalcahue : $62
- Peulla Full Day Tour from Puerto Varas: $68
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLiberia $13Puerto Varas $6.51
When comparing the travel costs between Liberia and Puerto Varas, we can see that Liberia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Liberia is in Central America and Puerto Varas is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Liberia Expensive? and Is Puerto Varas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Liberia or Puerto Varas?
Liberia has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Puerto Varas. When comparing the sizes of Liberia 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 Liberia or Puerto Varas?
Puerto Varas has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Liberia experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Liberia or Puerto Varas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Liberia and Puerto Varas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round.
In the summer, Liberia is much warmer than Puerto Varas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Liberia in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Puerto Varas averages at about 16°C (60°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Puerto Varas this time of the year. Liberia usually receives less sunshine than Puerto Varas during summer. Liberia gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Varas receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.
Liberia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Liberia usually receives more rain than Puerto Varasin January. Liberia gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLiberia 28°C (82°F)Puerto Varas 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Puerto Varas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Liberia as well as Puerto Varas. Liberia attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Liberia is generally much warmer than Puerto Varasin April. Daily temperatures in Liberia average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Liberia often gets more sunshine than Puerto Varasin April. Liberia gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 104 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Puerto Varas. Liberia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Liberia usually gets more rain in October than Puerto Varasin April. Liberia gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Liberia is the dry season. April to December in Liberia is the rainy season.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLiberia 27°C (81°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Puerto Varas in the Winter?
Both Puerto Varas and Liberia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Liberia throughout the year.
Liberia is much warmer than Puerto Varas in the winter. The daily temperature in Liberia averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 7°C (45°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Liberia. Liberia usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Varas during winter. Liberia gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Varas receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Varas. In January, Liberia usually receives less rain than Puerto Varasin July. Liberia gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLiberia 27°C (81°F)Puerto Varas 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Puerto Varas in the Spring?
Both Puerto Varas and Liberia during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Liberia because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Liberia is much warmer than Puerto Varas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Liberia in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Puerto Varas averages at about 11°C (51°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Liberia. In the spring, Liberia often gets more sunshine than Puerto Varasin October. Liberia gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 151 hours of full sun.
Puerto Varas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Liberia usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Varasin October. Liberia gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Liberia. April to December is the rainy season in Liberia.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLiberia 29°C (85°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Varas and Liberia
| Liberia | Puerto Varas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.