Which place is cheaper, Valdivia or San Carlos de Bariloche?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit San Carlos de Bariloche or Valdivia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Carlos de Bariloche and Valdivia. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: San Carlos de Bariloche or Valdivia?
San Carlos de Bariloche
Set in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Argentina, San Carlos de Bariloche is the biggest city in the Lake District. Bariloche is popular for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and trekking, swimming, fishing and horseback riding in the summertime.
No matter the time of year, there is something for everyone in Bariloche. Skiing season begins from June to October while fishing season is from November to April. Summer is from December to March, but visiting during low seasons (Spring in October to December and Autumn in late-April to mid-June) also has its benefits when it comes to saving cash and avoiding crowds.
Check out our ultimate guide to Hiking in Patagonia.
Valdivia
Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Argentina, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Argentina, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Chile.
-
San Carlos de Bariloche Prices
Argentina PricesValdivia Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Carlos de Bariloche $86Valdivia $84
The average daily cost (per person) in San Carlos de Bariloche is $86, while the average daily cost in Valdivia is $84. 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 San Carlos de Bariloche and Valdivia in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Carlos de Bariloche $70Valdivia $40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Carlos de Bariloche $140Valdivia $80
Compare Hotels in San Carlos de Bariloche and Valdivia
Looking for a hotel in San Carlos de Bariloche or Valdivia? 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: San Carlos de Bariloche Hotel Prices and Valdivia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Carlos de Bariloche $2.77Valdivia $8.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Carlos de Bariloche
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Carlos de Bariloche:
- Private Transfer from Bariloche Airport to Villa La Angostura: $271
- Private Transfer from Pampa Linda to Bariloche (BRC) Airport: $200
- Private Transfer from Bariloche (BRC) Airport to Villa Traful: $180
- Private Transfer from Hotel Tronador to Bariloche (BRC) Airport: $179
- Private Transfer from Bariloche (BRC) Airport to Hotel Tronador: $179
- Private Transfer from Bariloche (BRC) Airport to Cascada Los Alerces: $179
- Bariloche Airport BRC to Cerro Catedral RoundTrip Transfer: $167
- Adventure in Piedras Blancas: Sledding Day with Transfers : $150
- Private Transfer from Bariloche (BRC) Airport to Lago Correntoso: $150
- Private Transfer Bariloche or Villa La Angostura to Bariloche Airport by Minibus: $149
- Private Transfer from Bariloche (BRC) Airport to Villa La Angostura: $149
- Private Transfer from Bariloche (BRC) Airport to Ruca Malen: $149
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia
Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into San Carlos de Bariloche or Valdivia?
Prices for flights to both Valdivia and San Carlos de Bariloche 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 daySan Carlos de Bariloche $6.11Valdivia $37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Carlos de Bariloche
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Carlos de Bariloche.
- Bariloche: Snowmobile ride with dinner 4 steps: $537
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Carlos de Bariloche $33Valdivia $13
Tours and Activities in San Carlos de Bariloche
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Carlos de Bariloche are as follows:
- 2-Day Bariloche Experience with Optional Airfare: $430
- 4-Hour Guided Tour of the Small Circuit: $90
- Adventure to Cerro Tronador and Black Ventisquero from Bariloche: $140
- Bariloche Chocolate Tour: Patagonian Flavors on Foot: $52
- Bariloche Craft Beer Sensory Experience: $285
- Bariloche Horseback Riding & Traditional Argentine Barbecue Tour: $204
- Bariloche San Martin de los Andes and Seven Lakes Road Tour: $135
- Bariloche Tour Route of the 7 Lakes to San Martin de los Andes : $80
- Bariloche: Beer Tour through 3 breweries: $240
- Bariloche: Boat Tour to Victoria Island and Arrayanes Forest: $120
- Bariloche: Cerro Catedral Tour: $36
- Bariloche: Cerro Catedral guided tour: $43
Tours and Activities in Valdivia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.
- City Tour in Valdivia: $26
- Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
- Huilo Huilo Reserve Tour from Valdivia with Lunch: $68
- Huilo Huilo Hot Springs Tour from Valdivia with Lunch: $80
- Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $89
- Private City Tour: $100
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Carlos de Bariloche $8.76Valdivia $4.79
Sample the Local Flavors in San Carlos de Bariloche
Also in San Carlos de Bariloche, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bariloche: Patagonian Experience wine tasting: $95
- Bariloche: Wine Tasting Winehouse Experience: $110
- Patagonian WineHouse in Bariloche: Cheese and Wine Tasting: $125
- Bariloche: Bar Crawl. Patagonian Bar Crawl: $160
When comparing the travel costs between San Carlos de Bariloche and Valdivia, we can see that San Carlos de Bariloche 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 San Carlos de Bariloche Expensive? and Is Valdivia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Carlos de Bariloche or Valdivia?
Valdivia has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of San Carlos de Bariloche. When comparing the sizes of San Carlos de Bariloche and Valdivia, 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.
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.