A Travel Price Comparison for Chile Valdivia vs. Pucon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Valdivia or Pucon?

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

Should I visit Valdivia or Pucon? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Valdivia or Pucon?

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.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Valdivia or Pucon?

Valdivia has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Pucon. When comparing the sizes of Valdivia 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 Valdivia 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 Valdivia or Pucon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Valdivia as well as Pucon.

Valdivia is around the same temperature as Pucon in the summer. The daily temperature in Valdivia averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Pucon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pucon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valdivia this time of the year. In the summer, Valdivia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pucon. Valdivia gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 296 hours of full sun.

Valdivia usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Pucon. Valdivia gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valdivia or Pucon in the Autumn?

Both Pucon and Valdivia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In the autumn, Valdivia is around the same temperature as Pucon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valdivia in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Pucon averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Valdivia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pucon during autumn. Valdivia gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 132 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pucon. It's quite rainy in Valdivia. In April, Valdivia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pucon. Valdivia gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valdivia or Pucon in the Winter?

Both Pucon and Valdivia during the winter are popular places to visit.

In July, Valdivia is generally around the same temperature as Pucon. Daily temperatures in Valdivia average around 7°C (45°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Valdivia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pucon. Valdivia gets 66 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 66 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 Valdivia. Valdivia usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Pucon. Valdivia gets 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valdivia or Pucon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdivia and Pucon.

Valdivia is around the same temperature as Pucon in the spring. The daily temperature in Valdivia averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Valdivia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pucon during spring. Valdivia gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pucon receives a lot of rain in the spring. Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Valdivia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pucon. Valdivia gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pucon and Valdivia