Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Asuncion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Asuncion or Tamarindo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Asuncion 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: Asuncion or Tamarindo?
Asuncion
Asuncion is a vastly underrated city. It is the capital but also the administrative economic and cultural center of Paraguay. It is located in the south central part of the country, near the border with Argentina and it is one of the oldest cities in South America, with people living here since almost 500 years. The city has a beautiful and simple center, with a few unique colonial and beaux arts buildings, international cuisine, shady plazas and friendly people. Its handful of historic buildings around the Plaza de los Heroes, Plaza Uruguaya and Manzana de la Ribera, two or three small museums, old bars and cafes, but also smart suburbs, ritzy shopping malls and fashionable nightclubs will keep you entertained for a day or two. It is a very charming city for travellers and apart from the sights, the city boasts a good tourist infrastructure with hotels and restaurants.
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 Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAsuncion $68Tamarindo $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Asuncion is $68, 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 Asuncion and Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAsuncion $22Tamarindo $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAsuncion $44Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Asuncion and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Asuncion 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: Asuncion Hotel Prices and Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Asuncion $8.82Tamarindo $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asuncion
Also for Asuncion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private car from Asuncion City - Asuncion Airport (ASU): $20
- Transfer in Private Car from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $21
- Transfer in private minivan from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $29
- Transfer in private minivan Asuncion City - Silvio Pettirosi Airport (ASU): $29
- RoundTrip Private Transfer Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $52
- RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Transfers Riu Palace or Guanacaste from Airports Round trip: $158
- Transfer from Westin Conchal Hotel to Liberia Airport (LIR): $140
- Transfer from JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa to Liberia Airport (LIR): $148
- Transfer To/From Liberia Airport To/ From JW Marriott Guanacaste: $195
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Reserva Conchal: $143
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Planet Hollywood Costa Rica: $92
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Four Seasons Papagayo: $98
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Hacienda Pinilla Guanacaste: $175
- Transfer to Liberia or LIR Airport: $120
- Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $307
- Shuttle Transfer From Liberia Airport To Tamarindo Beach - Costa Rica: $145
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Riu Guanacaste Hotel: $181
Is it cheaper to fly into Asuncion or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo and Asuncion 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 dayAsuncion $17Tamarindo $32
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
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Asuncion $16Tamarindo $17
Tours and Activities in Asuncion
For Asuncion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Asuncion: $34
- Walking Tour with a Local in Asuncion "The Mother of Cities": $35
- Asunción Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Asuncion Birding Tour: $70
- Crystal Fall - day tour in a reduced group: $85
- Golden Triangle Tour: $110
- Birding and Nature Chaco Tour: $140
- Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour from Asunción: $160
- Half-Day Yparacai Lake Tour from Asuncion with Pick Up: $185
- Full day Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour: $207
- Day tour “Circuito San Bernardino”: $214
- Day tour “Circuito Sapucai”: $221
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- Ecologic farming Sloth tour Hiking & Chocolate -Coffee tour: $260
- 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
- Sloth Farm Watching Tour & Amazimg Waterfall: $185
- 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 Hour ATV Secluded Beach Tour from Tamarindo, Flamingo, Conchal & Grande: $125
- 3-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Nature Day Tour: $300
- 5-Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour in Tamarindo Costa Rica: $95
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAsuncion $10Tamarindo $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Asuncion
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Asuncion are as follows:
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Beer$1.22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asuncion and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is Asuncion much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Asuncion is in South America and Tamarindo is in Central America, 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 Asuncion would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asuncion 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 Asuncion.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asuncion Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Asuncion or Tamarindo?
Asuncion has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tamarindo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Asuncion or Tamarindo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Asuncion as well as Tamarindo. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
In the summer, Asuncion is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Asuncion in January average around 29°C (84°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asuncion this time of the year. In the summer, Asuncion often gets more sunshine than Tamarindoin July. Asuncion gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tamarindo. Asuncion receives a lot of rain in the summer. Asuncion usually gets less rain in January than Tamarindoin July. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyAsuncion 29°C (84°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
Both Tamarindo and Asuncion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Asuncion is generally cooler than Tamarindoin October. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 24°C (75°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Asuncion usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during autumn. Asuncion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. It's quite rainy in Asuncion. In April, Asuncion usually receives less rain than Tamarindoin October. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberAsuncion 24°C (75°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Tamarindo in the Winter?
Both Tamarindo and Asuncion during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.
Asuncion is cooler than Tamarindo in the winter. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in January.
In Tamarindo, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Asuncion often gets less sunshine than Tamarindoin January. Asuncion gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun.
Asuncion usually gets more rain in July than Tamarindoin January. Asuncion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAsuncion 19°C (66°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Tamarindo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Asuncion and Tamarindo. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Asuncion is cooler than Tamarindo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Asuncion in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 29°C (85°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tamarindo this time of the year. In Asuncion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asuncion usually receives less sunshine than Tamarindo during spring. Asuncion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
Asuncion gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Tamarindoin April. Asuncion gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilAsuncion 25°C (77°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Asuncion
| Asuncion | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 29°C (84°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.