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

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Pucon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo 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: Sao Paulo or Pucon?

Sao Paulo

With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.

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 3-Day Tours from Manaus, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Pucon or Sao Paulo?

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 Sao Paulo is $60, 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 Sao Paulo and Pucon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $28
    Pucon $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $56
    Pucon $86
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Pucon

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo


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: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $5.76
    Pucon $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to Sao Paulo Private Transfer: $79
  • Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $143
  • Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $176
  • Arrived in Guarulhos or Congonhas? Your Transfer is Ready: $90
  • Private Arrival Transfer | Congonhas Airport (CGH) x São Paulo City: $95
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Congonhas Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $39
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guarulhos International Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $47
  • Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Congonhas Airport: $39
  • Private Transfer from Alphaville to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $229
  • Private Transfer from Guarulhos to Santos: $80
  • Private Transfer from Morumbi to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $178

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pucon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pucon:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Pucon?

Prices for flights to both Pucon and Sao Paulo 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
    Sao Paulo $24
    Pucon $65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo

For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sao Paulo $3.89
    Pucon $37

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.

  • Sao Paulo Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Downtown-Center History Walking Tour - in English: $31
  • São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
  • São Paulo Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $48
  • Boat Trip Billings Dam and Experience Bororé Island: $50
  • São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour - In English: $55
  • Sao Paulo, Pinheiros - Food & Graffiti Tour - In English: $65
  • São Paulo Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $66
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $68
  • Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69
  • Shared tour of the tourist attractions of São Paulo: $77
  • São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group): $79

Tours and Activities in Pucon

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

  • 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
  • Tour in Self-drive Electric Hot Tub Boat Nestled in nature!: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.38
    Pucon $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:

  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Pucon, we can see that Pucon is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sao Paulo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo.

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


Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Pucon?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 370 times larger than the population of Pucon. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or Pucon?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Pucon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Pucon. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.

In the summer, Sao Paulo is much warmer than Pucon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sao Paulo in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Pucon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in January than Pucon. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F) 
    Pucon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Pucon in the Autumn?

Both Pucon and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In April, Sao Paulo is generally much warmer than Pucon. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 22°C (72°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pucon. In April, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Pucon. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F) 
    Pucon 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Pucon in the Winter?

Both Pucon and Sao Paulo during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sao Paulo is much warmer than Pucon in the winter. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Pucon fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Pucon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in July than Pucon. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F) 
    Pucon 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Pucon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Pucon. Most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Sao Paulo is much warmer than Pucon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sao Paulo in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Pucon averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Pucon receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Pucon. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F) 
    Pucon 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Pucon and Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo Pucon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 297 mm (11.7 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 247 mm (9.7 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)