Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan or Puerto Varas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Puerto Varas or Mazatlan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Puerto Varas and Mazatlan 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 Varas or Mazatlan?
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.
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Chile, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPuerto Varas $109Mazatlan $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Varas is $109, while the average daily cost in Mazatlan is $79. 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 Varas and Mazatlan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPuerto Varas $67Mazatlan $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPuerto Varas $134Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in Puerto Varas and Mazatlan
Looking for a hotel in Puerto Varas or Mazatlan? 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: Puerto Varas Hotel Prices and Mazatlan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Puerto Varas $21Mazatlan $21
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:
- Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
- Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
- Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
- Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
- Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto Varas or Mazatlan?
Prices for flights to both Mazatlan and Puerto Varas 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 dayPuerto Varas $25Mazatlan $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mazatlan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mazatlan.
- Mercado walking food tour: $78
- Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
- Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Puerto Varas $19Mazatlan $9.59
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
Tours and Activities in Mazatlan
Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone: $27
- Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch: $40
- Mazatlan Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $40
- Mazatlan Smart Bike Tour: $40
- El Faro Lighthouse Tour with Free Digital Photos: $47
- Mazatlan - City Tour: $47
- City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
- Grand Aquarium Ticket and City Sightseeing Tour: $57
- Sensation Splash Party All Inclusive Mazatlan Bay Cruise: $57
- Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
- Seafront Boardwalk Beer Bike Tour: $58
- Deer Island Eco Tour with Snorkeling and Hiking: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPuerto Varas $6.51Mazatlan $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Puerto Varas and Mazatlan, we can see that Puerto Varas is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Puerto Varas is in South America and Mazatlan is in North 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 Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Puerto Varas Expensive? and Is Mazatlan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Puerto Varas or Mazatlan?
Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Puerto Varas. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Varas and Mazatlan, 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 Varas or Mazatlan?
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 Mazatlan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Puerto Varas or Mazatlan in the Summer?
Both Mazatlan and Puerto Varas are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Mazatlan in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
Puerto Varas is much colder than Mazatlan in the summer. The daily temperature in Puerto Varas averages around 16°C (60°F) in January, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Puerto Varas. Puerto Varas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mazatlan during summer. Puerto Varas gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 216 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. In January, Puerto Varas usually receives less rain than Mazatlanin July. Puerto Varas gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyPuerto Varas 16°C (60°F)Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Puerto Varas or Mazatlan in the Autumn?
Both Mazatlan and Puerto Varas during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Puerto Varas is much colder than Mazatlan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Puerto Varas in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Puerto Varas often gets less sunshine than Mazatlanin October. Puerto Varas gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Varas. Puerto Varas usually gets more rain in April than Mazatlanin October. Puerto Varas gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPuerto Varas 11°C (51°F)Mazatlan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Puerto Varas or Mazatlan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Puerto Varas and Mazatlan. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Puerto Varas is generally much colder than Mazatlanin January. Daily temperatures in Puerto Varas average around 7°C (45°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. Puerto Varas usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during winter. Puerto Varas gets 67 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun in the winter.
Puerto Varas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Puerto Varas usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin January. Puerto Varas gets 229 mm (9 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPuerto Varas 7°C (45°F)Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Puerto Varas or Mazatlan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Puerto Varas as well as Mazatlan. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.
Puerto Varas is much colder than Mazatlan in the spring. The daily temperature in Puerto Varas averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. In the spring, Puerto Varas often gets less sunshine than Mazatlanin April. Puerto Varas gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun.
Puerto Varas receives a lot of rain in the spring. Puerto Varas usually gets more rain in October than Mazatlanin April. Puerto Varas gets 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPuerto Varas 11°C (51°F)Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Puerto Varas
| Puerto Varas | Mazatlan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (55°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 7°C (45°F) | 229 mm (9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Aug | 8°C (46°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Sep | 9°C (47°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 18 mm (0.7 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.