A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valdivia vs. Vieques Island for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Valdivia or Vieques Island?

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

Should I visit Valdivia or Vieques Island? 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 Vieques Island?

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.

Vieques Island

Amidst the melodious chorus of coqui frogs and gentle whispers of palm trees blowing in an evening breeze, you will find that the waters around you glow just as brightly as the stars above. This tropical paradise is none other than Vieques, Puerto Rico. Tropical forests, bioluminescent bays, coral reefs--this island attracts visitors from all around the world who seek to see the wonders and beauties of the tropics. This island suits those from all walks of life, from history buffs seeking to learn about its unique past to nature-lovers wanting to admire its untouched wilderness. Vieques is the place for a perfect vacation!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valdivia and Vieques Island, we can see that Vieques Island is more expensive. And not only is Valdivia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Valdivia is in South America and Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Vieques Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valdivia or Vieques Island?

Valdivia has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Valdivia and Vieques Island, 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 Vieques Island?

Valdivia has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vieques Island experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Valdivia or Vieques Island in the Summer?

Both Vieques Island and Valdivia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Valdivia is much colder than Vieques Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valdivia in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 29°C (83°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. Valdivia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island during summer. Valdivia gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Valdivia usually receives less rain than Vieques Islandin July. Valdivia gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valdivia or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

Both Vieques Island and Valdivia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.

In April, Valdivia is generally much colder than Vieques Islandin October. Daily temperatures in Valdivia average around 11°C (52°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Valdivia often gets less sunshine than Vieques Islandin October. Valdivia gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun.

Vieques Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. Valdivia usually gets less rain in April than Vieques Islandin October. Valdivia gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valdivia or Vieques Island in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdivia and Vieques Island. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Valdivia is much colder than Vieques Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Valdivia averages around 7°C (45°F) in July, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. Valdivia usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during winter. Valdivia gets 66 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Valdivia usually receives more rain than Vieques Islandin January. Valdivia gets 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valdivia or Vieques Island in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valdivia as well as Vieques Island. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

In the spring, Valdivia is much colder than Vieques Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valdivia in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 27°C (80°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. In the spring, Valdivia often gets less sunshine than Vieques Islandin April. Valdivia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun.

Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the spring. Valdivia usually gets more rain in October than Vieques Islandin April. Valdivia gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Valdivia