A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Montt vs. Lima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Puerto Montt or Lima?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Puerto Montt and Lima 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: Puerto Montt or Lima?

Puerto Montt

The Lake District is a region of snow capped volcanoes, pale green lakes and endless miles of virgin and ancient forests. Found 1,016 km away from Santiago de Chile, Puerto Montt is famous for its beautiful lakes and its germanic architecture, old wooden houses and its legendary Iglesia Catedral, found on the town's main square, la Plaza de Armas. The monument, entirely built with alerce (cypress) wood, is the oldest building of the city. The capital of the Lake Region is a good starting point for many memorable excursions in the area.

Lima

Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Chile, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Lima or Puerto Montt?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Montt is $89, while the average daily cost in Lima is $77. 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 Puerto Montt and Lima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto Montt $61
    Lima $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto Montt $122
    Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Puerto Montt and Lima

Looking for a hotel in Puerto Montt or Lima? 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 Puerto Montt


Hotels in Lima


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: Puerto Montt Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto Montt $6.43
    Lima $5.73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Montt

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Montt:

  • Puerto Montt Airport(PMC) to Frutillar - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
  • Puerto Tepual Airport (PMC) to Puerto Varas - Arrival Transfer: $21
  • Puerto Montt Departure Transfer from Hotel: $23
  • Puerto Montt Airport(PMC) to Frutillar - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Puerto Montt Airport Arrival Transfer to Hotel in Puerto Varas: $24
  • Private Transfer from Puerto Montt Port to Puerto Airport (PMC): $27
  • Private Transfer from Puerto Airport (PMC) to Puerto Montt Port: $30
  • Private Transfer from Puerto Montt Port to Puerto Airport (PMC): $30
  • Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) to Puerto Varas City- Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Puerto Montt Shuttle Transfer: $34
  • Puerto Montt Airport to Puerto Varas - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $41
  • Puerto Airport (PMC) to Frutillar - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $41

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $5.43
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.43
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.07

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores: $5.00
  • QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.00
  • QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.00
  • Lima Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Miraflores: $5.63
  • Lima Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Lima city center: $6.00
  • Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport to Hotels in Lima: $13
  • Private transfers from Lima Airport or to Lima Airport: $17
  • Transfer from Lima city to the airport: $18
  • Miraflores City to Lima Airport(LIM) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel or Hotel-Airport!!: $25
  • Jorge Chavez International Airport: Private Transfer: $25
  • Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima City hotels: $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto Montt or Lima?

Prices for flights to both Lima and Puerto Montt 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
    Puerto Montt $21
    Lima $18

Typical Food Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.34
  • Ice cream
    $3.53
  • Coffee
    $2.99
  • Donut
    $0.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.

  • Lima Market Food Tour: $33
  • Lima Market Food Tour: $34
  • Lima Market Food Tour - Taste 9 Popular Peruvian Snacks: $35
  • Lima Street Food Tour: $40
  • Lima Street Food Tour: $45
  • Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
  • Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
  • Lima Food Tour: $45
  • Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
  • Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
  • Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
  • Lima Night Food Tour: $48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Puerto Montt $14
    Lima $8.66

Tours and Activities in Puerto Montt

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Montt are as follows:

  • Frutillar Tour: $31
  • Half day Llanquihue and Frutillar City tour : $44
  • Private Tour: Puerto Montt Sightseeing: $47
  • Frutillar & Llanquihue Tour from Puerto Montt: $56
  • Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls Guided Tour: $62
  • Osorno Volcano Tour+Petrohue Falls / Cruises / Spanish: $68
  • Alerce Andino National Park/Alerce Millenario/Cruises: $77
  • Excursion City tour Puerto Varas / Llanquihue and Frutillar: $77
  • Private. City Tour Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas: $92
  • Austral / Hornopiren Road Tour: $102
  • Frutillar & Llanquihue Private Tour from Puerto Montt: $128
  • 6 Hours Shared Tour in Calbuco and Millennial Forest : $130

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:


  • Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)
    $16
  • Movie Tickets
    $2.31

Tours and Activities in Lima

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:

  • Free Walking Tour of Lima: $2.00
  • Customize your trip to Peru with Lima Experience: $12
  • bike tour: $12
  • Party tour Fridays Barranco / Saturdays Miraflores: $18
  • Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
  • Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
  • Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
  • 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $20
  • Lima Downtown Tour from Miraflores in 3 hrs: $21
  • Coffee tasting experience at Terrua Cafe: $25
  • Historic Center Walking Tour with Pisco Sour Tasting: $25
  • City Sightseeing Panoramic Bus Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto Montt $4.49
    Lima $5.63

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.30
  • Beer
    $4.07
  • Cocktail
    $3.26

Sample the Local Flavors in Lima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:

  • Pub Crawl in Lima: $17
  • Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
  • Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
  • Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
  • Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
  • Local Wine Tour: $50
  • Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226


When comparing the travel costs between Puerto Montt and Lima, we can see that Puerto Montt 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. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Puerto Montt or Lima?

Lima has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Puerto Montt. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Montt and Lima, 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 Puerto Montt or Lima?

Puerto Montt has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Puerto Montt or Lima in the Summer?

Both Lima and Puerto Montt are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Puerto Montt is generally cooler than Limain July. Daily temperatures in Puerto Montt average around 16°C (60°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Puerto Montt. Puerto Montt usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Puerto Montt gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Puerto Montt usually receives more rain than Limain July. Puerto Montt gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Puerto Montt 16°C (60°F) 
    Lima 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Puerto Montt or Lima in the Autumn?

Both Lima and Puerto Montt during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.

Puerto Montt is much colder than Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Puerto Montt averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

In the autumn, Puerto Montt often gets more sunshine than Limain October. Puerto Montt gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Montt. Puerto Montt usually gets more rain in April than Limain October. Puerto Montt gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Puerto Montt 11°C (51°F) 
    Lima 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Puerto Montt or Lima in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Puerto Montt and Lima. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Puerto Montt is much colder than Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Puerto Montt in July average around 7°C (45°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.

Puerto Montt usually receives less sunshine than Lima during winter. Puerto Montt gets 67 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

Puerto Montt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Puerto Montt usually receives more rain than Limain January. Puerto Montt gets 229 mm (9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Puerto Montt 7°C (45°F) 
    Lima 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Puerto Montt or Lima in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Puerto Montt as well as Lima. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.

In October, Puerto Montt is generally much colder than Limain April. Daily temperatures in Puerto Montt average around 11°C (51°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In the spring, Puerto Montt often gets less sunshine than Limain April. Puerto Montt gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.

Puerto Montt receives a lot of rain in the spring. Puerto Montt usually gets more rain in October than Limain April. Puerto Montt gets 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Puerto Montt 11°C (51°F) 
    Lima 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Lima and Puerto Montt

Puerto Montt Lima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (60°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 234 mm (9.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 7°C (45°F) 229 mm (9 in) 18°C (64°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 8°C (46°F) 209 mm (8.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 9°C (47°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 14°C (58°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)