Which place is cheaper, Pucon or San Juan del Sur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Juan del Sur or Pucon?
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 Juan del Sur and Pucon. 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 Juan del Sur or Pucon?
San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.
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 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan del Sur $53Pucon $100
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan del Sur is $53, 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 San Juan del Sur and Pucon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan del Sur $21Pucon $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan del Sur $42Pucon $86
Compare Hotels in San Juan del Sur and Pucon
Looking for a hotel in San Juan del Sur 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.
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 Juan del Sur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan del Sur $18Pucon $19
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 San Juan del Sur or Pucon?
Prices for flights to both Pucon and San Juan del Sur 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 daySan Juan del Sur $18Pucon $38
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Juan del Sur $15Pucon $37
Tours and Activities in San Juan del Sur
Here are a few actual costs in San Juan del Sur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Maderas, San Juan del Sur also in Costa Rica: $90
- SJDS PORT EXCURSION: Zipline and Adventure Park: $103
- San Juan del Sur Shore Excursion: Private Masaya Volcano and Catarina Tour: $118
- ATV Adventure Tour in San Juan del Sur, NICARAGUA: $130
- atv tour also in Costa Rica: $132
- Mombacho Volcano Hike and Ziplining Adventure from San Juan del Sur: $159
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Juan del Sur $13Pucon $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Juan del Sur and Pucon, we can see that Pucon is more expensive. And not only is San Juan del Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Juan del Sur is in Central America 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 San Juan del Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Juan del Sur Expensive? and Is Pucon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Juan del Sur or Pucon?
Pucon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur or Pucon?
Pucon has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan del Sur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Pucon in the Summer?
Both Pucon and San Juan del Sur are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur throughout the year.
In July, San Juan del Sur is generally much warmer than Puconin January. Daily temperatures in San Juan del Sur average around 27°C (81°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite sunny in Pucon. San Juan del Sur usually receives less sunshine than Pucon during summer. San Juan del Sur gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in San Juan del Sur. In July, San Juan del Sur usually receives more rain than Puconin January. San Juan del Sur gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySan Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)Pucon 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Pucon in the Autumn?
Both Pucon and San Juan del Sur during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
San Juan del Sur is much warmer than Pucon in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Juan del Sur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in April.
In the autumn, San Juan del Sur often gets more sunshine than Puconin April. San Juan del Sur gets 195 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 San Juan del Sur. San Juan del Sur usually gets more rain in October than Puconin April. San Juan del Sur gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSan Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)Pucon 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Pucon in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan del Sur and Pucon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur year-round.
In the winter, San Juan del Sur is much warmer than Pucon. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Juan del Sur in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Pucon averages at about 7°C (45°F)in July.
In San Juan del Sur, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Juan del Sur usually receives more sunshine than Pucon during winter. San Juan del Sur gets 244 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, San Juan del Sur usually receives less rain than Puconin July. San Juan del Sur gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySan Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F)Pucon 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Pucon in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Juan del Sur as well as Pucon. San Juan del Sur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, San Juan del Sur is generally much warmer than Puconin October. Daily temperatures in San Juan del Sur average around 29°C (84°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan del Sur this time of the year. In the spring, San Juan del Sur often gets more sunshine than Puconin October. San Juan del Sur gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 198 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Pucon. San Juan del Sur usually gets less rain in April than Puconin October. San Juan del Sur gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSan Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F)Pucon 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Pucon and San Juan del Sur
| San Juan del Sur | Pucon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.