Which place is cheaper, Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Puerto Varas? 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 Puerto Varas?
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.
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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, 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 dayPlaya del Carmen $81Puerto Varas $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, 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 Playa del Carmen and Puerto Varas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Puerto Varas $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Puerto Varas $134
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Puerto Varas
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen 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: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices and Puerto Varas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Puerto Varas $21
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 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 Playa del Carmen or Puerto Varas?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Varas 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 $24Puerto Varas $25
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 $17Puerto Varas $19
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 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Puerto Varas $6.51
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Varas, we can see that Puerto Varas 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 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 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 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 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 Puerto Varas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Puerto Varas?
Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Puerto Varas. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Puerto Varas?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas in the Summer?
Both Puerto Varas 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 July, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Puerto Varasin January. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Puerto Varas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Varas during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Varas receives 204 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 Puerto Varasin January. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Puerto Varas 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Puerto Varas in the Autumn?
Both Puerto Varas 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.
Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Puerto Varas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Puerto Varasin April. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 104 hours of full sun.
Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varasin April. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Puerto Varas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Puerto Varas. The winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Puerto Varas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Puerto Varas averages at about 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 Puerto Varas during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Varas receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.
Puerto Varas receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Puerto Varasin July. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Puerto Varas 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Puerto Varas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Puerto Varas. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In April, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Puerto Varasin October. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
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 Puerto Varasin October. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 151 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Puerto Varas. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Varasin October. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Varas and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Puerto Varas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.