Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Cuenca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cuenca or Tamarindo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cuenca and Tamarindo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Cuenca or Tamarindo?
Cuenca
Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador, the third largest in the country, and the capital of Azuay Province. Cuenca is considered as Ecuador's most important and beautiful colonial city after Quito. Dating from the 16th century, Cuenca's historic center, a Unesco World Heritage Site with its trademark skyline of massive rotundas and soaring steeples, is a magical sight in which you will feel like you are moving back in time. Cuenca is the center of many craft traditions, including ceramics, metalwork and the internationally famous panama hat. The nearby villages also offer many other handicrafts. Tourists enjoy wandering the ancient streets discovering picturesque alleys and hidden corners, where nuns march along cobblestone streets and kids in Catholic-school uniforms skip past historic churches. Fascinating historic monuments and fabulous views are found at every turn. Cuenca also has outstanding art museums and festivals. For a rewarding cultural experience, visit during Easter to attend the Festival of Religious Music.
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 Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador, 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 dayCuenca $42Tamarindo $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Cuenca is $42, 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 Cuenca and Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCuenca $13Tamarindo $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCuenca $26Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Cuenca and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Cuenca 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: Cuenca Hotel Prices and Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cuenca $11Tamarindo $69
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
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Taxi Ride$2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cuenca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cuenca:
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Cuenca: $47
- Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $104
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Airport Transfer from Liberia Airport to Andaz Papagayo Hyatt (Round Trip): $163
- Flamingo/Tamarindo to Liberia Airport(LIR)- Departure Transfer: $38
- From Hotel Transfer to Liberia Guanacaste Airport: $62
- Guanacaste Airport transfer to Jw Marriott Guanacaste: $130
- Liberia Airport Private Transfer To Gulf of Papagayo Costa Rica: $125
- Liberia Airport To Tamarindo Private Transfer: $55
- Monteverde: Transfer to Tamarindo: $65
- Playa Conchal & Flamingo From Liberia Airport, Transfer Service: $168
- Playa Grande to Liberia Airport (LIR) Departure Private Transfer: $31
- Private Airport Transfer from Liberia to Tamarindo beaches Areas & surrounding : $140
- Private Liberia airport transfer: $200
- Private Transfer - Liberia Airport & Riu Hotel: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Cuenca or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo and Cuenca 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 dayCuenca $15Tamarindo $32
Typical Food Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
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Lunch$10
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Snacks$5.00
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Empanada$1.50
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Hot Dog$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cuenca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cuenca.
- Street food Tour in Cuenca,Ecuador: $33
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Cuenca City Tour & Cooking Class (PRIVATE Tour from Cuenca): $112
- Private Cooking Class: $125
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.Cuenca $16Tamarindo $17
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Shared Tour: $25
- Cuenca-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $30
- Private Cuenca City Tour including Turi Viewpoint: $40
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
- El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
- Experience Historical City Tour: $44
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Tour: $46
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cuenca City Tour: $48
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $49
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- Costa Rica: tour in electric car (only best view locations): $2.00
- Sea turtle watching tour near playa grande: $44
- Tamarindo Estuary Tour: $44
- Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo: $46
- Tamarindo Birdwatching Crocodiles and Monkey Tour: $50
- ATV Beach and Mountain Tour!: $62
- Tamarindo Estuary: Howler Monkey Mangrove Kayaking Tour: $65
- Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch: $65
- ATV and UTV Beach Tour from Tamarindo, Flamingo and Conchal Beach: $67
- ATV Tour through the Flamingo Potrero and Brasilito Area: $70
- Zipline Canopy Tour from Guanacaste: $70
- Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCuenca $14Tamarindo $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cuenca and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cuenca 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 Cuenca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cuenca 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 Cuenca.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cuenca Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Cuenca or Tamarindo?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Cuenca or Tamarindo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cuenca and Tamarindo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tamarindo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Tamarindo. Cuenca gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Cuenca is cooler than Tamarindo in the summer. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCuenca 22°C (72°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cuenca as well as Tamarindo. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Tamarindo. Cuenca usually gets less rain in October than Tamarindo. Cuenca gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Cuenca is much colder than Tamarindo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cuenca in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCuenca 12°C (54°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Tamarindo in the Winter?
Both Tamarindo and Cuenca are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Cuenca usually receives more rain than Tamarindo. Cuenca gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The weather in Cuenca can be very cold. In January, Cuenca is generally much colder than Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Cuenca average around 4°C (39°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCuenca 4°C (39°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Tamarindo in the Spring?
Both Tamarindo and Cuenca during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.
Cuenca usually gets more rain in April than Tamarindo. Cuenca gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Cuenca is much colder than Tamarindo in the spring. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCuenca 10°C (50°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Cuenca
| Cuenca | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 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.