Which place is cheaper, Pucon or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Punta del Este or Pucon?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este or Pucon, 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: Punta del Este or Pucon?
Punta del Este
Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Chile.
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Punta del Este Prices
Uruguay PricesPucon Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $116Pucon $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $116, while the average daily cost in Pucon 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 Punta del Este and Pucon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $53Pucon $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $106Pucon $86
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Pucon
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este or Pucon? 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.
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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $21Pucon $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- PDP Airport Private Transfer to Punta del Este City Center: $83
- Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $116
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $116
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $168
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $168
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $275
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pucon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pucon:
- Pucon to Puerto Montt El Tepual Airport (PMC) -Departure Transfer: $267
- Pucon Temuco Airport Private Transfer: $98
- Private Transfer Pucon Thermal Resorts to Temuco Airport (ZCO): $84
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Pucon?
Prices for flights to both Pucon and Punta del Este 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
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Food Meals for one dayPunta del Este $51Pucon $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta del Este $10Pucon $37
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- City Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Tour: $10
- Skip the Line: Casapueblo Museum Admission Ticket in Punta del Este: $15
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $19
- Punta del Este Classic City Tour with Sunset at Casapueblo: $30
- Punta del Este city tour: $42
- Full-day guided tour of Punta del Este: $43
- Shore Excursion for Cruisers: $45
- Full-Day Beach & Culture Tour: $45
- Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $50
- Punta del Este, City Tour: $50
Tours and Activities in Pucon
Here are a few actual costs in Pucon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Geometric Thermal Tour with Pickup and Tickets: $120
- Half Day Tour to The Eyes Of Caburgua from Pucon: $124
- Sightseeing Tour in Pucon and Villarica: $125
- Tour in Self-drive Electric Hot Tub Boat Nestled in nature!: $78
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.43Pucon $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:
- Wine Tasting: $42
- Wine Lovers - Fun Wine Tasting outside Punta del Este!: $199
When comparing the travel costs between Punta del Este and Pucon, we can see that Pucon 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 Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Pucon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Pucon?
Pucon has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Pucon in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Pucon.
In the summer, Punta del Este is a little warmer than Pucon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Punta del Este in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Pucon averages at about 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 Punta del Este this time of the year. In the summer, Punta del Este often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pucon. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 296 hours of full sun.
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in January than Pucon. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Pucon 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Pucon in the Autumn?
Both Pucon and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In April, Punta del Este is generally much warmer than Pucon. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 17°C (63°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Punta del Este usually receives more sunshine than Pucon during autumn. Punta del Este gets 171 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. In April, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Pucon. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Pucon 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Pucon in the Winter?
Both Pucon and Punta del Este during the winter are popular places to visit.
Punta del Este is a little warmer than Pucon in the winter. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 10°C (50°F) in July, and Pucon fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In the winter, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than Pucon. Punta del Este gets 135 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. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in July than Pucon. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Pucon 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Pucon in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Pucon.
In the spring, Punta del Este is a little warmer than Pucon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Punta del Este in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Pucon averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In Punta del Este, it's very sunny this time of the year. Punta del Este usually receives more sunshine than Pucon during spring. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.
Pucon receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Pucon. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Pucon 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Pucon and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Pucon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.