A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Tamarindo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tamarindo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tamarindo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tamarindo?

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

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 Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
    Argentina Prices
    Tamarindo Prices
    Costa Rica Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $59
    Tamarindo $159

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $59, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tamarindo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $42
    Tamarindo $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $84
    Tamarindo $110
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tamarindo

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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.

Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina


Hotels in Tamarindo


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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Tamarindo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.20
    Tamarindo $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City: $20
  • Private Airport Transfer from Buenos Aires to Aeroparque AEP: $25
  • Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
  • Local Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
  • Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 30 USD: $30
  • Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) Transfer with English Speaking Driver: $34
  • Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Port to Ezeiza: $35
  • Private Transfer from Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires Cruise Port: $35
  • Madero Tango Show in Buenos Aires Without Transfers: $36
  • Private Transfer Jorge Newbery Airport to Hotel in Buenos Aires: $36
  • Premium Buenos Aires City Tour with Transfer: $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:

  • Airport Transfer from Intl. Liberia (LIR) to Tamarindo- Flamingo: $170
  • Airport Transfer from Liberia Airport to Andaz Papagayo Hyatt (Round Trip): $180
  • Convenient airport transfers from Liberia: $20
  • Costa Rica Private Guanacaste Airport (LIR) Departure transfer: $5.00
  • Flamingo/Tamarindo to Liberia Airport(LIR)- Departure Transfer: $122
  • Guanacaste Airport transfer to Jw Marriott Guanacaste: $130
  • JW Marriott/Riu Hotel to Liberia Airport (LIR) Departure Transfer: $105
  • Liberia Airport Private Transfer To Gulf of Papagayo Costa Rica: $125
  • Liberia Airport Private Transfer to Best Western Tamarindo: $24
  • Liberia Airport To Andaz Papagayo Resort, Private Transfer: $128
  • Liberia Airport To Tamarindo Private Transfer: $95
  • Liberia Airport Transfer To Playa Conchal And Playa Flamingo: $165

Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tamarindo?

Prices for flights to both Tamarindo and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.95
    Tamarindo $62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $35
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $40
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
  • BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo: $43
  • BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
  • Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
  • El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner and Transfers: $47
  • El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
  • Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $49
  • BA: Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $49

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $32
    Tamarindo $19

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Buenos Aires Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 18 reviews: $7.16
  • Discover Buenos Aires: A Self-Guided Tour: $8.27
  • Recoleta Cemetery Buenos Aires Tour with Audioguide (no ticket): $9.46
  • Small Group Buenos Aires Walking Tour: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $11
  • Guided tour of the Mate Museum: $13
  • Palermo Graffiti Tour: $13
  • Graffiti Tour: $14
  • Recoleta Cemetery Tour in English: $16
  • Buenos Aires Shopping Tour: $19
  • Buenos Aires : Guided Walking Tour of the AMIA.: $21
  • BA Street Art Walking Tour - Small Shared Group: $26

Tours and Activities in Tamarindo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:

  • Tamarindo Nightlife Pass Experience Adventure: $10
  • UNICO Luxury 1-Hour Boat Tour and Flamingo: $30
  • Paintball Experience near Tamarindo: $32
  • Tamarindo Estuary Tour: $45
  • Boat adventure with wildlife viewing in Tamarindo: $45
  • Tamarindo Mangrove Tour: $46
  • Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour: $47
  • Tamarindo Birdwatching Crocodiles and Monkey Tour: $50
  • Conchal Beach Horseback Riding - 1hr 30min Guided Tour: $50
  • Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR: $55
  • Rain Forest Canopy Tour from Zipline, Hanging Bridge: $60
  • Tamarindo wildlife Estuary boat ride tour 1 hour and 45 minutes: $62

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.69
    Tamarindo $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
  • Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $45
  • BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $60
  • Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $65
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
  • Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
  • Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $129
  • Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting Experience (BBQ): $150
  • Bodega Gamboa Premium Wine Tasting with Lunch: $159
  • Private Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Experience: $160

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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tamarindo?

Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tamarindo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tamarindo. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Tamarindo in the summer. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tamarindo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Tamarindoin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F) 
    Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tamarindo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Tamarindo. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.

In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Tamarindo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Tamarindoin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tamarindo. Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in April than Tamarindoin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to May in Tamarindo is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in Tamarindo is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F) 
    Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tamarindo in the Winter?

Both Tamarindo and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much colder than Tamarindoin January. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 12°C (53°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Tamarindo. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than Tamarindo during winter. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Tamarindoin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F) 
    Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tamarindo in the Spring?

Both Tamarindo and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Tamarindo in the spring. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in April.

In Tamarindo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than Tamarindoin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in October than Tamarindoin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to May is the dry season in Tamarindo. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tamarindo.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F) 
    Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina Tamarindo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)