A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salvador vs. Pucon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Salvador or Pucon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Pucon, 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: Salvador or Pucon?

Salvador

Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of Brazil, founded by the Portuguese in 1549. Also known as "Brazil's capital of happiness," Salvador is famous for its plentiful and spirited street festivals. The third most populous city in Brazil, Salvador is also well-known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and Portuguese colonial architecture.

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 Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Pucon or Salvador?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $51, while the average daily cost in Pucon 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 Salvador and Pucon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salvador $23
    Pucon $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salvador $46
    Pucon $86
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Pucon

Looking for a hotel in Salvador 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 Salvador


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Salvador Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salvador $5.78
    Pucon $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Salvador:


  • Bus from Airport
    $1.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:

  • Airport Transfer x Salvador Hotel - Sedan 1 to 4 people: $30
  • Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 1 to 4 people by Salvador Receptivo: $65
  • Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Salvador: $15
  • Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $135
  • Executive Transfer - Salvador International Airport to Hotels or Residencia: $31
  • Hotel Vila Galé Mares - Transfers In / Out: $89
  • Iberostar Bahia, Roundtrip Transfers: $100
  • Praia do Forte Shared Transfer From Salvador : $26
  • Praia do Forte to Salvador Airport SSA-Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Airport Transfer to Salvador – Sedan for Up to 3 People: $60
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer Between Airport and Hotel (COVID-19 Prepared): $65
  • Private Transfer Airport and hotels Litoral Norte BA: $77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pucon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pucon:

  • Private Transfer Pucon Thermal Resorts to Temuco Airport (ZCO): $84
  • Pucon Temuco Airport Private Transfer: $98
  • Pucon to Puerto Montt El Tepual Airport (PMC) -Departure Transfer: $267

Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Pucon?

Prices for flights to both Pucon and Salvador 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
    Salvador $21
    Pucon $65
Typical Food Prices in Salvador

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:


  • Dinner for 2
    $1.31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador

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

  • Bahia Noite - Folkloric Show and Dinner, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $68
  • Cooking class in Salvador, an authentic dinning experience: $85
  • Folklore Tour with Buffet Dinner: $91
  • Hands-On Bahian Cooking Class with Caipirinhas in Salvador: $95
  • Bahia Noite - Folklore and Dinner Show, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $95
  • Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $110
  • Private Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience!: $140
  • Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $146
  • Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $170
  • Authentic Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $175
  • Culinary Afro-Brazilian Delights & Churrascaria dinner.: $179
  • Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salvador $5.45
    Pucon $37

Tours and Activities in Salvador

Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Vitória and Barra): $4.48
  • Walking tour historic Pelourinho: $12
  • City Tour in Salvador - Half Day: $19
  • Historic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador: $19
  • Salvador Historical City Center Tour: $22
  • Salvador Panoramic City Tour: $22
  • Panoramic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Historic City Tour in Salvador: $25
  • Panoramic City Tour in Salvador: $25
  • Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Historical Salvador City Tour: $26
  • Panoramic Salvador Half Day City Tour: $26

Tours and Activities in Pucon

Here are a few actual costs in Pucon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Tour in Self-drive Electric Hot Tub Boat Nestled in nature!: $78
  • Geometric Thermal Tour with Pickup and Tickets: $120
  • Half Day Tour to The Eyes Of Caburgua from Pucon: $124
  • Sightseeing Tour in Pucon and Villarica: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salvador $5.17
    Pucon $27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:


  • Beers for 2
    $1.31
  • Drinks
    $2.63


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Pucon, we can see that Pucon is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Salvador would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salvador 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 Pucon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pucon than you might in Salvador.

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


Which is Bigger, Salvador or Pucon?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Pucon. When comparing the sizes of Salvador 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 Salvador or Pucon?

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 Salvador or Pucon in the Summer?

Both Pucon and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Salvador this time of year.

In the summer, Salvador is much warmer than Pucon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salvador in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Pucon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Pucon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than Pucon during summer. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Salvador. In January, Salvador usually receives more rain than Pucon. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Salvador is September to February. The rainy season in Salvador is March to August.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Salvador 27°C (81°F) 
    Pucon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Pucon in the Autumn?

Both Pucon and Salvador during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Salvador for the shopping scene.

In April, Salvador is generally much warmer than Pucon. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (80°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Pucon. Salvador gets 190 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 Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in April than Pucon. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Salvador 26°C (80°F) 
    Pucon 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Pucon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Pucon. Many visitors come to Salvador in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Salvador is much warmer than Pucon in the winter. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Pucon fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Pucon during winter. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 66 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pucon receives a lot of rain in the winter. Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Salvador usually receives less rain than Pucon. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. September to February in Salvador is the dry season. Also, March to August is the rainy season in Salvador.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Salvador 24°C (75°F) 
    Pucon 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Pucon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Pucon. Most visitors come to Salvador for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Salvador is much warmer than Pucon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salvador in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Pucon averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salvador this time of the year. In the spring, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Pucon. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 198 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pucon. Salvador receives a lot of rain in the spring. Salvador usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Pucon. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Salvador 26°C (78°F) 
    Pucon 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Pucon and Salvador

Salvador Pucon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 152 mm (6 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 310 mm (12.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 360 mm (14.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 297 mm (11.7 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 8°C (46°F) 247 mm (9.7 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 102 mm (4 in) 9°C (48°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)