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

Should you visit Valdivia or Puerto Varas?

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

Should I visit Valdivia or Puerto Varas? 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 Puerto Varas?

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Valdivia or Puerto Varas?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Valdivia as well as Puerto Varas.

In the summer, Valdivia is around the same temperature as Puerto Varas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valdivia in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Puerto Varas averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Puerto Varas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valdivia this time of the year. In the summer, Valdivia often gets more sunshine than Puerto Varas. Valdivia gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 204 hours of full sun.

Valdivia usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Varas. Valdivia gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valdivia or Puerto Varas in the Autumn?

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

In April, Valdivia is generally around the same temperature as Puerto Varas. Daily temperatures in Valdivia average around 11°C (52°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Valdivia usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Varas during autumn. Valdivia gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Varas receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Varas. It's quite rainy in Valdivia. In April, Valdivia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Puerto Varas. Valdivia gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valdivia or Puerto Varas in the Winter?

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

Valdivia is around the same temperature as Puerto Varas in the winter. The daily temperature in Valdivia averages around 7°C (45°F) in July, and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Valdivia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto Varas. Valdivia gets 66 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 67 hours of full sun.

Puerto Varas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. Valdivia usually gets more rain in July than Puerto Varas. Valdivia gets 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valdivia or Puerto Varas in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdivia and Puerto Varas.

In the spring, Valdivia is around the same temperature as Puerto Varas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valdivia in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Puerto Varas averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Valdivia usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Varas during spring. Valdivia gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Varas receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

Puerto Varas receives a lot of rain in the spring. Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Valdivia usually receives less rain than Puerto Varas. Valdivia gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Puerto Varas and Valdivia