Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Antigua Guatemala?
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 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guatemala City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Guatemala, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.
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Antigua Guatemala Prices
Guatemala PricesTamarindo Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAntigua Guatemala $74Tamarindo $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Antigua Guatemala is $74, while the average daily cost in Tamarindo is $159. 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 $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAntigua Guatemala $44Tamarindo $110
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 $13Tamarindo $76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala
Also for Antigua Guatemala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Airport: $27
- Private Ground Transfer From Antigua To Guatemala City Airport: $30
- Shared Transfer From Antigua to Panajachel (Atitlan): $30
- Private Transfers in Guatemala: $39
- Private Transfer from Antigua to the Airport: $70
- Private Transfer Antigua Guatemala to Monterrico Beach: $85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Westin Conchal Hotel: $295
- Minivan Departure Transfer Tamarindo to San Jose Airport SJO: $293
- Round Trip Shuttle Transfer From Liberia Airport To Four Seasons Papagayo: $265
- Private Round-Trip Transfer: Liberia Airport to Reserva Conchal with Free Drinks: $260
- Private Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Las Catalinas: $250
- Round Trip Transfer From Liberia Airport To Secrets Papagayo: $250
- Private Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Casa Chameleon At Las Catalinas: $235
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Casa Chameleon At Las Catalinas: $235
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Andaz Papagayo Resort: $221
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To JW Marriott Guanacaste: $205
- Transfer To/From Liberia Airport To/ From JW Marriott Guanacaste: $195
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Margaritaville Costa Rica: $185
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 $25Tamarindo $62
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$3.28
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Lunch$7.87
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:
- Cooking and pastry class in Casa San Miguel: $38
- Cooking class and market tour/Pepian Workshop: $50
- Cooking Class With Local Family: $70
- Guatemalan Mayan Cooking Workshop: $75
- Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour: $85
- Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua: $90
- Foodie & Street Food Tour in Antigua: $95
- Pacaya Volcano Hike and Pizza Experience: $175
- Epic Pacaya Volcano Hike w/ Pizza & Marshmallows: $220
- Epic Pacaya Volcano Horseback Tour w/ Pizza & Marshmallows: $271
- Pizza Making Adventure at Pacaya Volcano Tour from Antigua: $299
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tamarindo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.
- Online Class on Zoom: Cooking Costa Rica Homemade Food: $35
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Antigua Guatemala $15Tamarindo $19
Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.
- Signature Lattes Tasting Experience in Antigua for Coffee Lovers: $13
- Antigua Sightseeing: Private Walking Tour Culture and History: $24
- Walking tour Jewels of Antigua : A Tour of the Unmissable: $25
- Antigua Guatemala Walking Tour History Architecture & Facades: $25
- Antigua Walking Tour Morning and Afternoon: $27
- Coffee Tasting- Mayan Experience: $28
- Coffee Tour Adventure Antigua Guatemala: $30
- Antigua Market Culture and Cuisine Tour: $32
- The Enchanted Cauldron: Mixology Experience in Antigua: $35
- Private Tour of the Emblematic Streets of Antigua Guatemala: $35
- Antigua Colonial Tour: $35
- Mayan Cultural Walking Tour in La Antigua: $35
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- "Rio Celeste Waterfall, Cacao & Cofee tour and Sloth Adventure: $250
- 1 Full Private Tour to Arenal Volcano + Baldi Hot Springs: $183
- 1 Hour Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal: $70
- 1,5 Hours Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal: $85
- 2 Hours ATV Off Road Tour in Guanacaste Costa Rica: $85
- 2 Hours Private Jet Ski Tour in Brasilito Flamingo or Conchal: $275
- 2 Hours Pura Vida ATV Adventure from Tamarindo to Playa Conchal: $180
- 2-Hour Guided Tour by ATV near Playa Conchal: $130
- 3 HOURS Coastal ATV Adventure from Tamarindo to Playa Negra: $270
- 3 Hour ATV Full Tour Off-Road Tour in Guanacaste, Costa Rica: $190
- 3 Hour ATV Secluded Beach Tour from Tamarindo, Flamingo, Conchal & Grande: $125
- 3 Hours Flamingo Beach ATV Tour: $105
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAntigua Guatemala $12Tamarindo $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Antigua Guatemala
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Antigua Guatemala:
- Antigua Bar Crawl: $26
Sample the Local Flavors in Tamarindo
Also in Tamarindo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Puro Vino - Tamarindo's Wine Tour Ride: $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.