Which place is cheaper, Puerto Varas or Rio de Janeiro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Varas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rio de Janeiro and Puerto Varas 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: Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Varas?
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best Wildlife Tours to Chile, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Chile.
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Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesPuerto Varas Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $115Puerto Varas $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $115, while the average daily cost in Puerto Varas is $127. 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 Rio de Janeiro and Puerto Varas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $64Puerto Varas $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $128Puerto Varas $134
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Puerto Varas
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro 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: Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices and Puerto Varas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.65Puerto Varas $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride$2.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Business Car: $113
- All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $85
- Angra dos Reis Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro : $122
- AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $90
- Arrival Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Van: $137
- Boat Party by Night in Rio de Janeiro Admission & Transfer : $68
- Buzios Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $200
- Buzios Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $40
- Cabo Frio Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro : $124
- Cabo Frio Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $63
- Carnaval Party Tour and Samba Class in Rio with Transfer: $60
- Corcovado & Favela Tour with Transfer: $85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Varas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Varas:
- Cruce Andino Office Shuttle Transfer from Puerto Varas: $19
- Frutillar to Puerto Montt Airport PMC- Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Puerto Varas Airport Shuttle Transfer: $38
- Puerto Varas Bus Terminal Private Transfer: $25
- Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) - Departure Transfer: $63
- Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport: $22
- Transfer from Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Varas?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Varas and Rio de Janeiro 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 dayRio de Janeiro $34Puerto Varas $43
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn$0.56
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Corn on the Cob$0.75
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Hamburger$0.94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Waterfront Dinner and Live Music in Rio de Janeiro: $46
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $75
- Authentic Brazilian BBQ & Wine: A Guided Dinner Experience in Rio: $79
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $85
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- LGBTQ+ Cooking Class in Rio: Cook, Toast & Celebrate Together: $95
- Brazilian BBQ Cooking & Drinks Class + Patio Party in Copacabana: $95
- Dinner and Show at the Official Roxy Dinner Show - Rio de Janeiro: $122
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $126
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
- Flavors of Cooking Class and Caipirinhas: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $21Puerto Varas $19
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.51
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $4.51
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $10
- Rocinha Local Tour: $19
- Rocinha favela walking tour with a local guide: $20
- Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $23
- Tour of the Heart of Historic Rio de Janeiro : $23
- Rio de Janeiro Tour with App – No Guide, Start When You Want: $24
- Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School : $25
- Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail : $26
- Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide: $29
Tours and Activities in Puerto Varas
Here are a few actual costs in Puerto Varas for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Scenic Catamaran Tour on Llanquihue lake: $8.50
- Tour Frutillar: $31
- Half-Day Tour to Frutillar and Llanquihue: $35
- Half day Frutillar and Llanquihue Town tour: $36
- Half day Osorno Volcano tour: $41
- From Osorno Volcano & Petrohue Falls Day Tour: $49
- Todos los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla Tour: $51
- Todos los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla Tour: $51
- Half-Day Small-Group Rafting Experience in Petrohué River: $52
- FullDay Chiloe Island Tour Castro and dalcahue: $59
- Full-Day Tour Chiloe Island: Castro and Dalcahue : $62
- From Chiloe Island Full-day Tour: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Puerto Varas $6.51
Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
- Rio Pub Crawl: Taste Caipirinhas & Local Bar Snacks: $95
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
When comparing the travel costs between Rio de Janeiro and Puerto Varas, we can see that Puerto Varas 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 Rio de Janeiro Expensive? and Is Puerto Varas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Varas?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Puerto Varas. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Varas?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Varas in the Summer?
Both Puerto Varas and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Rio de Janeiro is generally much warmer than Puerto Varas. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 26°C (79°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. In January, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Puerto Varas. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 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 JanuaryRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)Puerto Varas 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Varas in the Autumn?
Both Puerto Varas and Rio de Janeiro during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.
Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Puerto Varas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Puerto Varas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Puerto Varas. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Varas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Puerto Varas. Many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Puerto Varas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Puerto Varas averages at about 7°C (45°F).
Puerto Varas receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than Puerto Varas. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 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 JulyRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)Puerto Varas 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Puerto Varas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Puerto Varas. Many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In October, Rio de Janeiro is generally much warmer than Puerto Varas. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 23°C (73°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite rainy in Puerto Varas. Rio de Janeiro usually gets less rain in October than Puerto Varas. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Varas and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | Puerto Varas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 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.