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

Should you visit Valdivia or Temuco?

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

Should I visit Valdivia or Temuco? 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 Temuco?

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.

Temuco

Temuco is a large and modern city found 680 km south of Santiago. While the city is dynamic, it does not have any particular charm with the exception of being a great point of departure for many excursions around the lake region and the many national parks found in the surrounding area. Temuco is also well known for its Mapuche culture, a proud and rebellious community of around 20 000 in the area today, who has fought continuously against every invaders in the past.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile, The Best Wildlife Tours to Chile, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Chile, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile.

When comparing the travel costs between Valdivia and Temuco, we can see that Temuco is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Valdivia or Temuco?

Temuco has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of Valdivia and Temuco, 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 Temuco?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Valdivia or Temuco in the Summer?

Both Temuco and Valdivia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In January, Valdivia is generally around the same temperature as Temuco. Daily temperatures in Valdivia average around 16°C (61°F), and Temuco fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Temuco. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. Valdivia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Temuco during summer. Valdivia gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Temuco receives 290 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Valdivia usually receives more rain than Temuco. Valdivia gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valdivia or Temuco in the Autumn?

Both Temuco and Valdivia during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Valdivia is around the same temperature as Temuco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valdivia averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Temuco fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Valdivia often gets less sunshine than Temuco. Valdivia gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Temuco receives 150 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. Valdivia usually gets more rain in April than Temuco. Valdivia gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valdivia or Temuco in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdivia and Temuco.

In the winter, Valdivia is around the same temperature as Temuco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valdivia in July average around 7°C (45°F), and Temuco averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Valdivia usually receives less sunshine than Temuco during winter. Valdivia gets 66 hours of sunny skies, while Temuco receives 78 hours of full sun in the winter.

Temuco receives a lot of rain in the winter. Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Valdivia usually receives more rain than Temuco. Valdivia gets 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valdivia or Temuco in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valdivia as well as Temuco.

In October, Valdivia is generally around the same temperature as Temuco. Daily temperatures in Valdivia average around 11°C (52°F), and Temuco fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Valdivia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Temuco. Valdivia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Temuco receives 193 hours of full sun.

Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the spring. Valdivia usually gets more rain in October than Temuco. Valdivia gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Temuco and Valdivia