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

Should you visit Salto or Puerto Varas?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salto or Puerto Varas, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Salto or Puerto Varas?

Salto

Salto is in the citrus growing region of Northern Interior Uruguay, on the east bank of the Rio Uruguay. It is closely connected to the neighboring Argentinian city of Concordia that lies across the river on the western bank. Salto is Uruguay's second-largest city and the most northerly crossing point to Argentina. Salto is a very picturesque city that has a relaxing feel the entire year. However, people mostly come here for the nearby hot springs and the recreation area above the enormous Salto Grande hydroelectric dam.

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 Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best G Adventures Tours to Chile, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salto and Puerto Varas, we can see that Puerto Varas is more expensive. And not only is Salto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Salto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salto 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 Salto.

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

Which is Bigger, Salto or Puerto Varas?

Salto has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Puerto Varas. When comparing the sizes of Salto 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 Salto 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 Salto or Puerto Varas in the Summer?

Both Puerto Varas and Salto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In January, Salto is generally much warmer than Puerto Varas. Daily temperatures in Salto average around 25°C (77°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Puerto Varas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salto. Salto usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Varas during summer. Salto gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Varas receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Salto. In January, Salto usually receives more rain than Puerto Varas. Salto gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Salto or Puerto Varas in the Autumn?

Both Puerto Varas and Salto during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Salto is much warmer than Puerto Varas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salto averages around 19°C (65°F) in April, and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Salto often gets more sunshine than Puerto Varas. Salto gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 104 hours of full sun.

Puerto Varas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Salto. Salto usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Varas. Salto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salto or Puerto Varas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salto and Puerto Varas.

In the winter, Salto is much warmer than Puerto Varas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salto in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Puerto Varas averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Salto usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Varas during winter. Salto gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Varas receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

Puerto Varas receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Salto usually receives less rain than Puerto Varas. Salto gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Salto or Puerto Varas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Salto as well as Puerto Varas.

In October, Salto is generally much warmer than Puerto Varas. Daily temperatures in Salto average around 18°C (64°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salto this time of the year. In the spring, Salto often gets more sunshine than Puerto Varas. Salto gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 151 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Puerto Varas. Salto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Salto usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Puerto Varas. Salto gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Puerto Varas and Salto