A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pucon vs. Vieques Island for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pucon or Vieques Island?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pucon and Vieques Island 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: Pucon or Vieques Island?

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.

Vieques Island

Amidst the melodious chorus of coqui frogs and gentle whispers of palm trees blowing in an evening breeze, you will find that the waters around you glow just as brightly as the stars above. This tropical paradise is none other than Vieques, Puerto Rico. Tropical forests, bioluminescent bays, coral reefs--this island attracts visitors from all around the world who seek to see the wonders and beauties of the tropics. This island suits those from all walks of life, from history buffs seeking to learn about its unique past to nature-lovers wanting to admire its untouched wilderness. Vieques is the place for a perfect vacation!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Pucon?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pucon is $100, while the average daily cost in Vieques Island is $170. 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 Pucon and Vieques Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pucon $43
    Vieques Island $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pucon $86
    Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Pucon and Vieques Island

Looking for a hotel in Pucon or Vieques Island? 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 Pucon


Hotels in Vieques Island


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pucon $19
    Vieques Island $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pucon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pucon:

  • Pucon Temuco Airport Private Transfer: $130
  • Pucon to Puerto Montt El Tepual Airport (PMC) -Departure Transfer: $114
  • Private Transfer Pucon Thermal Resorts to Temuco Airport: $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vieques Island

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

  • Private Transfer Fajardo or Ceiba to San Juan Airport: $150
  • Taxi Transfer From San Juan Airport to El Conquistador Hotel: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Pucon or Vieques Island?

Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Pucon 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
    Pucon $38
    Vieques Island $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pucon $37
    Vieques Island $34

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
  • Full Day Excursion Tour to Quetrupillán Volcano: $177
  • Full Day Private Tour Ascending Sollipulli Volcano: $140
  • Half Day Tour to The Eyes Of Caburgua from Pucon: $93
  • Local Chile-Bavarian Culinary Pretzel Baking Experience n Sausage: $149
  • Private 3-Hour Canyoning Experience on the Correntoso River: $68
  • Private Half Day Andean Lakes Experience with pickup: $110
  • Sightseeing Tour in Pucon and Villarica: $93

Tours and Activities in Vieques Island

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

  • Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $45
  • El Yunque Waterfalls and Waterslide River Tour: $50
  • Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island: $56
  • Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $65
  • Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayaking Tour in Laguna Grande Fajardo: $65
  • Isla de Vieques Beach Sightseeing Day Tour: $70
  • Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $72
  • Private Tour to the East Side of Puerto Rico: $95
  • Snorkeling Tour to Vieques Island: $100
  • Fajardo Afternoon Snorkeling Boat Tour: $110
  • Mosquito Bay Kayak Experience in Vieques: $115
  • Icacos Island All-Inclusive Snorkel and Boat Tour : $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pucon $27
    Vieques Island $30


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

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


Which is Bigger, Pucon or Vieques Island?

Pucon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Pucon and Vieques Island, 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 Pucon or Vieques Island?

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

Should I visit Pucon or Vieques Island in the Summer?

Both Vieques Island and Pucon during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.

In the summer, Pucon is much colder than Vieques Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pucon in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 29°C (83°F)in July.

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pucon. In the summer, Pucon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Islandin July. Pucon gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun.

Pucon usually gets less rain in January than Vieques Islandin July. Pucon gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Pucon 16°C (61°F) 
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Pucon or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pucon and Vieques Island. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Pucon is generally much colder than Vieques Islandin October. Daily temperatures in Pucon average around 11°C (52°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. Pucon usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during autumn. Pucon gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Vieques Island receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pucon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Pucon usually receives less rain than Vieques Islandin October. Pucon gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Pucon 11°C (52°F) 
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Pucon or Vieques Island in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pucon as well as Vieques Island. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

Pucon is much colder than Vieques Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Pucon averages around 7°C (45°F) in July, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. In the winter, Pucon often gets less sunshine than Vieques Islandin January. Pucon gets 66 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun.

Pucon receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pucon usually gets more rain in July than Vieques Islandin January. Pucon gets 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Pucon 7°C (45°F) 
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Pucon or Vieques Island in the Spring?

Both Vieques Island and Pucon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Pucon is much colder than Vieques Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pucon in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 27°C (80°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. Pucon usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during spring. Pucon gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Pucon. In October, Pucon usually receives more rain than Vieques Islandin April. Pucon gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Pucon 11°C (52°F) 
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Pucon

Pucon Vieques Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 297 mm (11.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 7°C (45°F) 312 mm (12.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 8°C (46°F) 247 mm (9.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 9°C (48°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 16°C (60°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)