Which place is cheaper, Puerto Varas or Ocho Rios?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ocho Rios or Puerto Varas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Puerto Varas, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Ocho Rios or Puerto Varas?
Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios, or "Ochi" is a town located on the northeastern shore of Jamaica and is a popular hub for cruise ships. It is a great destination for tourists as it has many resorts and beautiful beaches.
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 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 dayOcho Rios $77Puerto Varas $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $77, 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 Ocho Rios and Puerto Varas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $52Puerto Varas $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $104Puerto Varas $134
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Puerto Varas
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios 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: Ocho Rios Hotel Prices and Puerto Varas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.60Puerto Varas $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios
Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotels (Round-Trip): $110
- Airport Transfer to Runaway Bay Hotels (Round-Trip): $99
- Private Airport Transfer to Bahia Principe Grand Hotel : $100
- Runaway Bay Hotels Private Transfer: $80
- 11. Ocho Rios Hotels&Resorts Airport Private Fun-Transfer to/from Sangster Intl : $60
- AirBnB Roundtrip Shuttle / One Way MBJ Airport Transfers: $25
- Airport Transfer Roundtrip Jamaica MBJ: $29
- Airport transfers to Hotel, Guest houses or Villas in St.Ann, Ochi Rios Jamaica: $110
- Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica Private Airport transfer : $61
- Convenient Airport Transfer To Riu Hotel Ocho Rios : $80
- Couples Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $300
- From Scenic Guided Horseback Ride with Transfer: $195
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Varas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Varas:
- Puerto Varas Airport Private Transfer: $62
- Transfer from Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport: $50
- Puerto Varas Airport Shuttle Transfer: $38
- Transfer from Hotel in Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport: $24
- Cruce Andino Office Private Transfer from Puerto Varas: $24
- Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport: $22
- Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Puerto Varas?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Varas and Ocho Rios 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 dayOcho Rios $17Puerto Varas $25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ocho Rios
For Ocho Rios, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- From Flavors of Jamaica Guided Food Tour: $89
- Taste of Jamaica Farm & Food Tour: $98
- Ocho Ros: Hillside Cooking Class, Jamaican Style: $130
- Taste of Jamaica Food Tour: $140
- The Jamaica School of Cooking and Ocho Rios Highlights Tour: $141
- Ocho Rios Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner: $218
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Puerto Varas $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios
For Ocho Rios, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate$11
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Admission to Coyaba Gardens$5.47
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Tour of Prospect Plantation$18
Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ocho Rios.
- Blue Hole Admission Fee Ticket: $25
- Private Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios : $30
- Private Blue Hole and Shopping Tour from Ocho Rios: $30
- Private Guided Tour To Yaaman Adventures Safari jungle park: $40
- Ocho Rios Sightseeing and Taxi from Runaway Bay & Ocho Rios: $40
- Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios with Pickup: $40
- Blue Hole And Konoko Falls Combo Tour From Ocho Rios & Runaway Bay!: $43
- Private Konoko Falls and Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios : $45
- Half-Day Blue Hole and Secret Falls Tour from Runaway Bay: $46
- Blue Hole Tour from Ocho Rios: $49
- Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios: $50
- Private Tour From Ocho Rios To Konoko Falls And Garden and Shopping: $50
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 dayOcho Rios $7.71Puerto Varas $6.51
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Puerto Varas, we can see that Puerto Varas is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands and Puerto Varas 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 Ocho Rios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ocho Rios Expensive? and Is Puerto Varas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Puerto Varas?
Puerto Varas has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios or Puerto Varas?
Puerto Varas has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ocho Rios experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Puerto Varas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Puerto Varas. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Puerto Varasin January. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 29°C (83°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Puerto Varas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the summer, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Puerto Varasin January. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 204 hours of full sun.
Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Varasin January. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 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 July and JanuaryOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Puerto Varas 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Puerto Varas in the Autumn?
Both Puerto Varas and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.
Ocho Rios is much warmer than Puerto Varas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Varas during autumn. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Varas receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Varas. It's quite rainy in Ocho Rios. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Puerto Varasin April. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 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 October and AprilOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Puerto Varas in the Winter?
Both Puerto Varas and Ocho Rios during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Puerto Varas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocho Rios in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Puerto Varas averages at about 7°C (45°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the winter, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Puerto Varasin July. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 67 hours of full sun.
Puerto Varas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Varasin July. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 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 January and JulyOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Puerto Varas 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Puerto Varas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Puerto Varas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round.
In April, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Puerto Varasin October. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (80°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Varas during spring. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Varas receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.
Puerto Varas receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Puerto Varasin October. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 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 April and OctoberOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Varas and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Puerto Varas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.