Which place is cheaper, Pucon or Playa del Carmen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Pucon?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Pucon? 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: Playa del Carmen or Pucon?
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Pucon $100
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, 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 Playa del Carmen and Pucon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Pucon $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Pucon $86
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Pucon
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen 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.
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: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Pucon $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Cancun International Airport From/to Akumal - Private Transfer: $130
- Transfer in Private vehicle from Xcaret - Cancun Airport (CUN): $88
- 2x1 Tour: Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Open Bar, Lunch and Transfers: $190
- Access to Xel-Há Park with Transfer: $145
- Airport Transfers to Playa del Carmen - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $227
- Akumal to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Akumal to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $77
- Amazing ATV (single) Cenote and Ziplines with Transfer from Playa del Carmen: $80
- CUN Airport One-Way/Round-Trip Transfers to Playa del Carmen: $115
- Cancún Airport Transfer to Playa del Carmen One Way: $118
- Cancun Airport Private Transfer One Way: To or From Akumal area Up to 03 Pass.: $105
- Cancun Airport Round Trip transfer to Puerto Aventuras: $190
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pucon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pucon:
- Private Transfer Pucon Thermal Resorts to Temuco Airport: $49
- Pucon Temuco Airport Private Transfer: $130
- Pucon to Puerto Montt El Tepual Airport (PMC) -Departure Transfer: $114
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Pucon?
Prices for flights to both Pucon and Playa del Carmen 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 dayPlaya del Carmen $24Pucon $38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $60
- Walking Food Tour: $65
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $77
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- Seafood Tour in Playa del Carmen: $101
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Cultural Coba Sunset Adventure with Dinner and show from Cancun: $130
- Sunset Adventure in Coba and Dinner with Show from Riviera Maya: $155
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $157
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Pucon $37
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Shopping Tour & Tulum Mayan Ruins: $11
- Cancun Airport: Bus Ticket to/from Playa del Carmen: $14
- Tulum Ruins: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Ek Balam: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2024: $20
- YAL-KÚ Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket: $23
- Chichen Itza and Cenote Full Day Tour from Playa del Carmen: $28
- Ultramar Ferry, Regular round ticket, Playa del Carmen-Cozumel: $32
- Tulum and 2 Cenotes Half Day Tour from Riviera: $34
- Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to/from Cozumel: $35
- Mayan tour 4x1: Tulum, Cobá, Cenote & Playa del carmen: $35
- Tulum Ruins and Amusement Park Shared Tour: $37
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
- Private 3-Hour Canyoning Experience on the Correntoso River: $68
- Sightseeing Tour in Pucon and Villarica: $93
- Half Day Tour to The Eyes Of Caburgua from Pucon: $93
- Private Half Day Andean Lakes Experience with pickup: $110
- Full Day Private Tour Ascending Sollipulli Volcano: $140
- Local Chile-Bavarian Culinary Pretzel Baking Experience n Sausage: $149
- Full Day Excursion Tour to Quetrupillán Volcano: $177
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Pucon $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Pucon, we can see that Pucon is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America and Pucon 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 Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Pucon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Pucon?
Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Pucon. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Pucon?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Pucon is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Playa del Carmen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Pucon in the Summer?
Both Pucon and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Pucon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Pucon averages at about 16°C (61°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in Pucon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Pucon during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Puconin January. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Pucon 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Pucon in the Autumn?
Both Pucon and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Puconin April. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Puconin April. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 132 hours of full sun.
Pucon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in October than Puconin April. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Pucon 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Pucon in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Pucon. The winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Pucon in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Pucon fluctuates around 7°C (45°F)in July.
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Pucon during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 66 hours of full sun in the winter.
Pucon receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Puconin July. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Pucon 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Pucon in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Pucon. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Pucon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Pucon averages at about 11°C (52°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Puconin October. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 198 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Pucon. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Puconin October. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Pucon 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Pucon and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Pucon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.