Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Flores?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Flores 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 Flores 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: Flores or Tamarindo?
Flores
The town of Flores is located in Peten, Guatemala. The main hub is located on an island on Lago Peten Itza, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. On the other side of the causeway are the towns of Santa Elena and San Benito, however, all three are often referred to as Flores. Most people visit the area for its proximity to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, though the town itself is also charming with colonial buildings and historic churches lining the cobbled streets.
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 3-Day Tours in Guatemala, The Best 2-Week Tours in Guatemala, 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 dayFlores $33Tamarindo $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Flores is $33, 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 Flores and Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlores $8.62Tamarindo $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlores $17Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Flores and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Flores 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: Flores Hotel Prices and Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Flores $7.86Tamarindo $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Flores
Also for Flores, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer Mundo Maya Airport to Flores Island Hotels: $10
- Bus transfer from Flores, Guatemala to Belize City: $20
- Belize, Caye Caulke, San Pedro Van/ Ferry Transfer: $20
- Transfer from Flores Guatemala to Caye Caulker Belize: $43
- Tikal Transfer and Tour Guide From Flores: $60
- Round-Trip VIP Exclusive Transfer to Tikal from Flores: $137
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Transfer from Westin Conchal Hotel to Liberia Airport (LIR): $140
- Transfer from JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa to Liberia Airport (LIR): $148
- Transfer from Four Seasons Resort to Liberia Airport (LIR): $120
- 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 Golfo de Papagayo: $115
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Four Seasons Papagayo: $98
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Hacienda Pinilla Guanacaste: $175
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Casa Chameleon At Las Catalinas: $165
- Transfer to Liberia or LIR Airport: $120
- Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $307
Is it cheaper to fly into Flores or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo and Flores 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 dayFlores $13Tamarindo $32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tamarindo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Flores $20Tamarindo $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Flores
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Flores's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Tikal Entrance (for 2)$39
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Map of Tikal$3.22
Tours and Activities in Flores
For Flores, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Yaxha: Shared Sunset Tour / Transportation & Guide: $25
- From Tikal Guided Tour with Transportation: $25
- Shared Guided Sunset Tour in Yaxhá from Flores: $25
- Basic Tour to Tikal Includes Transportation and Guide Service: $25
- From Tikal Sunset Tour: $30
- Tikal Ruins Day Tour from Flores: $34
- Tikal Group Tour : $42
- Full Day Tikal Sunrise Tour from Flores and Archaeological Tour: $48
- Tikal National Park Full-Day Guided Tour from Flores: $55
- From Flores Guided Tour to Tikal with transportation + lunch: $75
- From Exclusive Tikal Group Tour: $77
- Tour to Tikal (Awesome): $90
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- ATV adventure from Riu, Secrets and papagayo: $90
- Ecologic farming Sloth tour Hiking & Chocolate -Coffee tour: $233
- 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
- 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-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Nature Day Tour: $300
- 5-Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour in Tamarindo Costa Rica: $95
- 5-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Buena Vista Eco Adventure Day Tour: $300
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlores $21Tamarindo $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Flores
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Flores are as follows:
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Two Margaritas$2.57
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Flores and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is Flores much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Flores would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Flores 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 Flores.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Flores 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.