A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Juan del Sur vs. Valdivia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur or Valdivia?

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.

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 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Juan del Sur and Valdivia, we can see that Valdivia 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 Valdivia 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 Valdivia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valdivia 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 Valdivia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Juan del Sur or Valdivia?

Valdivia has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of San Juan del Sur 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.

When is the best time to visit San Juan del Sur or Valdivia?

Valdivia 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 Valdivia in the Summer?

Both Valdivia and San Juan del Sur during the summer 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.

In July, San Juan del Sur is generally much warmer than Valdiviain January. Daily temperatures in San Juan del Sur average around 27°C (81°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Valdivia, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, San Juan del Sur often gets less sunshine than Valdiviain January. San Juan del Sur gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 296 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. San Juan del Sur usually gets more rain in July than Valdiviain January. San Juan del Sur gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Valdivia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan del Sur and Valdivia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur year-round.

San Juan del Sur is much warmer than Valdivia in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Juan del Sur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in April.

San Juan del Sur usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during autumn. San Juan del Sur gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 132 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Juan del Sur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Juan del Sur usually receives more rain than Valdiviain April. San Juan del Sur gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Valdivia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Juan del Sur as well as Valdivia. San Juan del Sur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, San Juan del Sur is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Juan del Sur in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Valdivia averages at about 7°C (45°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan del Sur this time of the year. In the winter, San Juan del Sur often gets more sunshine than Valdiviain July. San Juan del Sur gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 66 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Valdivia. San Juan del Sur usually gets less rain in January than Valdiviain July. San Juan del Sur gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Valdivia in the Spring?

Both Valdivia and San Juan del Sur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur throughout the year.

In April, San Juan del Sur is generally much warmer than Valdiviain October. Daily temperatures in San Juan del Sur average around 29°C (84°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. San Juan del Sur usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during spring. San Juan del Sur gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. In April, San Juan del Sur usually receives less rain than Valdiviain October. San Juan del Sur gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Valdivia and San Juan del Sur