Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Antigua Guatemala?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Antigua Guatemala or Tamarindo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Antigua Guatemala or Tamarindo, 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: Antigua Guatemala or Tamarindo?
Antigua Guatemala
Before a disastrous earthquake in 1773, Antigua was the colonial capital of Guatemala. For 200 years it had reigned as so and today shows remnants of its glorious past with Spanish colonial buildings and other architectural landmarks still standing. Due to this large amount of preserved architecture, Antigua was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now the most touristed city of Guatemala.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a small beach town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast. This town is usually sought out by surfers, fishers, couples, and families. There are delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, and friendly Tico's and Tica's (local Costa Rican nicknames) everywhere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Guatemala, The Best Eco Tours in Guatemala, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAntigua Guatemala $63Tamarindo $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Antigua Guatemala is $63, while the average daily cost in Tamarindo is $121. 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 Antigua Guatemala and Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAntigua Guatemala $22Tamarindo $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAntigua Guatemala $44Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Antigua Guatemala and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Antigua Guatemala or Tamarindo? 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: Antigua Guatemala Hotel Prices and Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Antigua Guatemala $12Tamarindo $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala
Also for Antigua Guatemala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Guatemala City: One-way Shared Transfer to Antigua: $20
- Private Ground Transfer From Antigua To Guatemala City Airport: $23
- Guatemala: Antigua and Lago Atitlan Shuttle Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Puerto Quetzal Port: $27
- Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to La Aurora Airport: $30
- Transfer from Antigua to the Airport: $80
- Transfer Guatemala City to Aurora to Antigua Guatemala: $130
- Transfer from La Antigua Guatemala to Monterrico (One Way): $260
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $307
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Westin Conchal Hotel: $270
- Round Trip Shuttle Transfer From Liberia Airport To Four Seasons Papagayo: $265
- Round Trip Transfer From Liberia Airport To Secrets Papagayo: $250
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Four Seasons Resort: $200
- Private Liberia airport transfer: $200
- Transfer To/From Liberia Airport To/ From JW Marriott Guanacaste: $195
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To JW Marriott Guanacaste: $185
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Riu Guanacaste Hotel: $181
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Hacienda Pinilla Guanacaste: $175
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Riu Guanacaste Hotel: $171
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Planet Hollywood Beach Resort: $171
Is it cheaper to fly into Antigua Guatemala or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo and Antigua Guatemala 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 dayAntigua Guatemala $14Tamarindo $32
Typical Food Prices in Antigua Guatemala
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:
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Lunch$3.22
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Lunch$7.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antigua Guatemala
For Antigua Guatemala, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Make your own Mayan Pepian - Cooking class: $69
- Antigua: Cooking Class with Local Family: $74
- Street Food Tour Around Antigua: $75
- Market food tour and tortilla workshop: $79
- Market and Mayan Cooking Class: $80
- Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour: $85
- Foodie & street food tour: $85
- Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua: $90
- Private Cooking Class of Typical Guatemalan Dishes: $95
- Guatemalan Cooking Class and Market Tour: $98
- From Guatemala City: Guatemala Cooking Class Tour: $110
- Pacaya Volcano Luxury Sunset Horseback Riding Tour/ Dinner Cooked by-Lava Chef: $295
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tamarindo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Antigua Guatemala $15Tamarindo $17
Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.
- Historical and Cultural Walking Tour of Antigua Guatemala : $20
- Half-Day Walking Tour: $20
- City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $20
- La Antigua Horror Stories Night Walking Tour: $20
- Express tour in Antigua: $20
- Guided Walking Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $20
- Walking Tour of the Wonders of La Antigua Guatemala: $20
- Guided Walking Tour Legends of Antigua Guatemala: $20
- Antigua Walking Tour: $23
- Antigua Walking Tour Morning and Afternoon: $25
- Colonial Antigua Afternoon Walking Tour: $25
- Antigua Market Culture and Cuisine Tour: $27
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- ATV adventure from Riu, Secrets and papagayo: $90
- Ecologic farming Sloth tour Hiking & Chocolate -Coffee tour: $233
- Premium Tour: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano Adventure Combo Tour: $220
- Premium Tour: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and Waterfall Hiking: $170
- Premium Tour:Sloths and Río Celeste y Cortez Waterfalls (Tenorio Volcano Park): $220
- Private ATV or Buggy Tour from Riu Hotels: $85
- Wildlife Tour at Palo Verde National Park: $199
- 1,5 Hours Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal: $80
- 2-Hour Guided Tour by ATV near Playa Conchal: $130
- 3-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Nature Day Tour: $300
- 5-Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour in Tamarindo Costa Rica: $95
- 5-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Buena Vista Eco Adventure Day Tour: $300
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAntigua Guatemala $11Tamarindo $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Antigua Guatemala
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Antigua Guatemala:
- Macadamia Chocolate and Wine Tour on ATV or UTV: $85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antigua Guatemala and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is Antigua Guatemala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Antigua Guatemala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antigua Guatemala 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 Tamarindo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tamarindo than you might in Antigua Guatemala.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antigua Guatemala Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.
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.