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

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Puerto Varas?

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

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

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.

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 3-Day Tours from Manaus, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Chile, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Puerto Varas 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.

  • Sao Paulo Prices
    Brazil Prices
    Puerto Varas Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Sao Paulo $60
    Puerto Varas $127

The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $60, 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 Sao Paulo and Puerto Varas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sao Paulo $28
    Puerto Varas $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sao Paulo $56
    Puerto Varas $134
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Puerto Varas

Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo 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.

Hotels in Sao Paulo


Hotels in Puerto Varas


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 and Puerto Varas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sao Paulo $5.76
    Puerto Varas $21

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 Puerto Varas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Varas:

  • Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) - Departure Transfer: $63
  • Transfer from Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport: $50
  • Frutillar to Puerto Montt Airport PMC- Departure Private Transfer: $47
  • Puerto Varas Airport Shuttle Transfer: $38
  • Puerto Varas Bus Terminal Private Transfer: $25
  • Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport: $22
  • Cruce Andino Office Shuttle Transfer from Puerto Varas: $19

Is it cheaper to fly into Sao Paulo or Puerto Varas?

Prices for flights to both Puerto Varas 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
    Puerto Varas $43

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
    Puerto Varas $19

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 Puerto Varas

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

  • Chiloe Island - Puñihuil Tour: $90
  • From Chiloe Island Full-day Tour: $65
  • From Osorno Volcano & Petrohue Falls Day Tour: $49
  • Full-Day Osorno Vulcano and Petrohue Falls Small-Group Tour: $80
  • Half-Day Small-Group Rafting Experience in Petrohué River: $52
  • Lake Llanquihue Bike Tour in Puerto Varas: $162
  • Premium Full Day Shared Tour Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls: $230
  • Premium Half Day Shared Tour Sunset at Osorno Volcano: $130
  • Private Rock Climbing Experience in Northern Patagonia: $120
  • Private Tour of Sport Rock Climbing: $150
  • Full-Day Tour Chiloe Island: Castro and Dalcahue : $62
  • FullDay Chiloe Island Tour Castro and dalcahue: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sao Paulo $3.38
    Puerto Varas $6.51

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 Puerto Varas, we can see that Puerto Varas 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 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 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 Puerto Varas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Puerto Varas?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 400 times larger than the population of Puerto Varas. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or Puerto Varas?

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 Puerto Varas in the Summer?

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

In January, Sao Paulo is generally much warmer than Puerto Varas. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 25°C (77°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in January than Puerto Varas. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 90 mm (3.5 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) 
    Puerto Varas 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Puerto Varas in the Autumn?

Both Puerto Varas 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.

Sao Paulo is much warmer than Puerto Varas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Varas. In April, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Puerto Varas. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 143 mm (5.6 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) 
    Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Puerto Varas in the Winter?

Both Puerto Varas 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.

In the winter, Sao Paulo is much warmer than Puerto Varas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sao Paulo in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Puerto Varas averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Puerto Varas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Varas. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 229 mm (9 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) 
    Puerto Varas 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Puerto Varas in the Spring?

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

In October, Sao Paulo is generally much warmer than Puerto Varas. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 21°C (70°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Puerto Varas receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Sao Paulo usually receives less rain than Puerto Varas. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 121 mm (4.8 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) 
    Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Puerto Varas and Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo Puerto Varas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 224 mm (8.8 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 229 mm (9 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)