Which place is cheaper, Puerto Varas or Salvador?
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 Salvador or Puerto Varas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador 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: Salvador or Puerto Varas?
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.
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 Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Chile, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Chile.
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Salvador Prices
Brazil PricesPuerto Varas Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $51Puerto Varas $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $51, 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 Salvador and Puerto Varas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $23Puerto Varas $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $46Puerto Varas $134
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Puerto Varas
Looking for a hotel in Salvador 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: Salvador Hotel Prices and Puerto Varas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $5.78Puerto Varas $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Salvador:
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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 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 Salvador or Puerto Varas?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Varas 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
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Food Meals for one daySalvador $21Puerto Varas $43
Typical Food Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.45Puerto Varas $19
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 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 daySalvador $5.17Puerto Varas $6.51
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:
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Beers for 2$1.31
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Drinks$2.63
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Puerto Varas, we can see that Puerto Varas 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 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 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 Puerto Varas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or Puerto Varas?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Puerto Varas. When comparing the sizes of Salvador 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 Salvador 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 Salvador or Puerto Varas in the Summer?
Both Puerto Varas 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 January, Salvador is generally much warmer than Puerto Varas. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 27°C (81°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 Salvador. Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Varas during summer. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Varas receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Salvador. In January, Salvador usually receives more rain than Puerto Varas. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 90 mm (3.5 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuarySalvador 27°C (81°F)Puerto Varas 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Puerto Varas in the Autumn?
Both Puerto Varas and Salvador during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Salvador for the shopping scene.
Salvador is much warmer than Puerto Varas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Puerto Varas. Salvador gets 190 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 Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in April than Puerto Varas. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilSalvador 26°C (80°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Puerto Varas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Puerto Varas. Many visitors come to Salvador in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Salvador is much warmer than Puerto Varas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salvador in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Puerto Varas averages at about 7°C (45°F).
Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Varas during winter. Salvador gets 181 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. Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Salvador usually receives less rain than Puerto Varas. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 229 mm (9 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulySalvador 24°C (75°F)Puerto Varas 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Puerto Varas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Puerto Varas. Most visitors come to Salvador for the beaches during these months.
In October, Salvador is generally much warmer than Puerto Varas. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (78°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°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 Puerto Varas. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 151 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Puerto Varas. Salvador receives a lot of rain in the spring. Salvador usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Puerto Varas. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberSalvador 26°C (78°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Varas and Salvador
| Salvador | Puerto Varas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 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.