Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Colonia del Sacramento?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Tamarindo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Colonia del Sacramento and Tamarindo can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Tamarindo?
Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is in the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. It is filled with old colonial buildings and cobbled streets, and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, sandwiched in between the Portuguese colony of Brazil and the Spanish Viceroyalty of the River Plate, later Argentina, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. Its strategic position and use as a smuggling port meant that its sovereignty was constantly contested and the city changed hands several times between Spain and Portugal. The irresistibly picturesque town's charm and its proximity to Buenos Aires draw thousands of Argentine and other visitors on weekends and in summer. Prices rise in these periods and it can be difficult to find a room so make sure to book your trip well in advance.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, 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 dayColonia del Sacramento $68Tamarindo $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento and Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColonia del Sacramento $34Tamarindo $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColonia del Sacramento $68Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento 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: Colonia del Sacramento Hotel Prices and Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $17Tamarindo $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colonia del Sacramento
Also for Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Colonia Port Terminal Private Transfer : $15
- Colonia Bus Terminal Private Transfer : $15
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 Colonia del Sacramento or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo and Colonia del Sacramento 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 dayColonia del Sacramento $19Tamarindo $32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colonia del Sacramento
For Colonia del Sacramento, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sensory Experience - Blind dinner in Colonia Del Sacramento: $95
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.Colonia del Sacramento $24Tamarindo $17
Tours and Activities in Colonia del Sacramento
For Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Walking tour around Colonia del Sacramento Old Town: $15
- Goup Walking Tour - Spanish Only: $18
- Shared City Tour at sunset in Historic Neighborhood: $20
- Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
- Hike at promenade + entry ticket to bullring (Walk 5.5km): $28
- Winery tour with shared transport and tasting included: $38
- Shared Boat Tour Experience - Colonia del Sacramento: $43
- Adventure Sightseeing Bike Tour: $53
- Full gastronomic experience: Uruguayan meat,cheese and wine: $55
- Historical Walking Tour with Snack: $58
- Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $58
- From Horse Ride Experience: $72
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 dayColonia del Sacramento $5.85Tamarindo $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is Colonia del Sacramento much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Colonia del Sacramento Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Colonia del Sacramento or Tamarindo?
Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento or Tamarindo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Tamarindo. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
In the summer, Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Tamarindo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Colonia del Sacramento this time of the year. In the summer, Colonia del Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Tamarindoin July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tamarindo. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in January than Tamarindoin July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 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 JulyColonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
Both Tamarindo and Colonia del Sacramento 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, Colonia del Sacramento is generally much colder than Tamarindoin October. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (65°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during autumn. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 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 Colonia del Sacramento. In April, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less rain than Tamarindoin October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 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 OctoberColonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Tamarindo in the Winter?
Both Tamarindo and Colonia del Sacramento during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.
Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Tamarindo in the winter. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 12°C (53°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, Colonia del Sacramento often gets less sunshine than Tamarindoin January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun.
Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in July than Tamarindoin January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 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 JanuaryColonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Tamarindo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Tamarindo. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Tamarindo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in October average around 18°C (64°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 Colonia del Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less sunshine than Tamarindo during spring. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
Colonia del Sacramento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Tamarindoin April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 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 AprilColonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Colonia del Sacramento
| Colonia del Sacramento | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 89 mm (3.5 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.