A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint John's vs. Pucon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saint John's or Pucon?

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

Should I visit Saint John's or Pucon? 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: Saint John's or Pucon?

Saint John's

If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.

St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.

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.

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, Pucon or Saint John's?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John's is $222, while the average daily cost in Pucon is $100. 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 Saint John's and Pucon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint John's $120
    Pucon $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint John's $240
    Pucon $86
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Pucon

Looking for a hotel in Saint John's or Pucon? 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 Saint Johns


Hotels in Pucon


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.
    Saint John's $17
    Pucon $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:


  • Local Bus
    $1.52
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:

  • 3-Hours Snorkeling Activity in Stingray City - Transfer Included: $128
  • 3-Hours Stingray City - Transfer, Spanish-Italian Guide Included: $155
  • Airport Transfer from/to all resorts in Antigua - Water Inc.: $59
  • Airport Transfers to Antigua Hotels/Resorts: $170
  • Antigua - VIP Fast Track On Arrival ONLY And Round Trip Transfer : $99
  • Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $155
  • Antigua VC Bird Airport to Island Hotels Private Arrival Transfer: $82
  • Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU) to island Private Transfer: $77
  • Antigua&BarbudaV.C.Bird Airport(ANU)to island hotels-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $254
  • Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
  • Island to Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU)- Private Transfer: $77
  • JTAT Private Transfers & Tours, Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda: $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pucon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pucon:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John's or Pucon?

Prices for flights to both Pucon and Saint John's 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
    Saint John's $68
    Pucon $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.

  • City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
  • Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
  • Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint John's $103
    Pucon $37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's

Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu
    $3.00

Tours and Activities in Saint John's

Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Chariot City Tour Antigua: $20
  • City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • Cultural and Historical Home Tour in The Antiguan Experience : $66
  • Small-Group Hiking Experience in Antigua: $70
  • Glenmon taxi and tours: $70
  • 2-Hours Stingray City Experience in Antigua: $73
  • Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
  • Kayak Eco Adventures Glass Kayak Nature and Snorkeling Tour: $75
  • Authentic Antiguan Experience: $79
  • TRIPLE ACTIVITY TOUR, Bike Kayak Hike, ANTIGUA : $80
  • Nightlife Tour of Antigua and Barbuda: $80

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint John's $18
    Pucon $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint John's and Pucon, we can see that Saint John's is more expensive. And not only is Pucon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint John's is in Caribbean Islands and Pucon 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 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 Saint John's would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John's 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 Saint John's Expensive? and Is Pucon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Pucon?

Pucon has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's and Pucon, 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 Saint John's or Pucon?

Pucon has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John's experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Saint John's or Pucon in the Summer?

Both Pucon and Saint John's are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year.

In July, Saint John's is generally much warmer than Puconin January. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 27°C (81°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Pucon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually receives less sunshine than Pucon during summer. Saint John's gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Saint John's. In July, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Puconin January. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Saint John's 27°C (81°F) 
    Pucon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Saint John's or Pucon in the Autumn?

Both Pucon and Saint John's during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Saint John's is much warmer than Pucon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Saint John's. In the autumn, Saint John's often gets more sunshine than Puconin April. Saint John's gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 132 hours of full sun.

Pucon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually gets more rain in October than Puconin April. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F) 
    Pucon 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Saint John's or Pucon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Pucon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round.

In the winter, Saint John's is much warmer than Pucon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint John's in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Pucon averages at about 7°C (45°F)in July.

In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint John's usually receives more sunshine than Pucon during winter. Saint John's gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 66 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pucon receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint John's usually receives less rain than Puconin July. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F) 
    Pucon 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Saint John's or Pucon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Pucon. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Saint John's is generally much warmer than Puconin October. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 26°C (78°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's this time of the year. In the spring, Saint John's often gets more sunshine than Puconin October. Saint John's gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 198 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pucon. Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint John's usually gets more rain in April than Puconin October. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F) 
    Pucon 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Pucon and Saint John's

Saint John's Pucon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 297 mm (11.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 247 mm (9.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 11°C (52°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)