A Travel Price Comparison for Brazil Ilha Grande vs. Manaus for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ilha Grande or Manaus?

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

Should I visit Ilha Grande or Manaus? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Ilha Grande or Manaus?

Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is a large, beautiful, island located off the southeast coast of Brazil. The island has few inhabitants, resulting in mostly unadulterated beaches and landscapes. There are over a dozen trails and beaches to explore, some of which have been called the best beaches in Brazil. Due to the limited number of inhabitants, ATMs are sparse on the island, so be sure to have cash with you before getting there.

Manaus

Manaus is a Brazilian city, capital of the state of Amazonas, and is located on the Rio Negro a few miles before it meets the Rio Solimões to form the Amazon River. The city is a major departure point for those visiting the Amazon Rainforest, though there are a few sights worth seeing within the city itself as well.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Manaus or Ilha Grande?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ilha Grande is $83, while the average daily cost in Manaus is $68. 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 Ilha Grande and Manaus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ilha Grande $37
    Manaus $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ilha Grande $74
    Manaus $84
Compare Hotels in Ilha Grande and Manaus

Looking for a hotel in Ilha Grande or Manaus? 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 Ilha Grande


Hotels in Manaus


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: Manaus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ilha Grande $18
    Manaus $7.88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ilha Grande

Also for Ilha Grande, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Angra dos Reis to Rio de Janeiro: $50
  • Regular transfer from Isla Grande (Abraão) x Rio de Janeiro: $48
  • From Angra dos Reis: Shared Transfer to Rio de Janeiro: $46
  • Departure private transfer from Costa do Sol to Rio GIG Airport: $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus

Also for Manaus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Manaus Airport to Manaus City: $45
  • Transfer Group 24h Hotel to Airport in Manaus: $104
  • Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Eduardo Gomes International Airport: $86
  • Serviço de Transfer privado 24h Hotel -> aeroporto em Manaus: $18
  • Serviço de Transfer Privado 24h Aeroporto - Hotel em Manaus: $23
  • Private transfer service for the MUSA Manaus – Come with Comfort.: $25
  • Private transfer in Manaus - 24h: $17
  • Private Transfer Service Available in the City of Manaus: $178
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $107
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
  • One Way Shared Transfer from hotels to Manaus airport: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Ilha Grande or Manaus?

Prices for flights to both Manaus and Ilha Grande 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
    Ilha Grande $36
    Manaus $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manaus

For Manaus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Food Tour: $70
  • Regional Food Tour with Tasting of Typical Dishes: $93
  • Dinner with Boi-Bumbá Show and Transfers: $117
  • Folklore Amazonian Dinner Show: $120
  • Amazonian Food Tour with Local Guide: $156

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ilha Grande $6.57
    Manaus -

Tours and Activities in Ilha Grande

For Ilha Grande, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Angra Dos Reis Daily Tour To Paradise. Boat Trip Lunch And Fruits Included: $84
  • Angra Islands Speedboat Tour from Paraty: $64
  • Angra Paradise Islands Speedboat Tour: $89
  • Angra Paradise Islands Speedboat Tour: $85
  • Angra Super Blue Lagoon Speedboat Tour: $79
  • Angra dos Reis Island Hopping Speedboat Tour from Ilha Grande: $74
  • Boat Adventure through the Super Blue Lagoon in Angra dos Reis: $109
  • Boat Tour To The Beaches Of Angra Dos Reis: $20
  • Discover Angra’s Hidden Paradise Islands by Speedboat Tour: $115
  • Diving Adventures in Angra dos Reis: $239
  • Full-Day Ilha Grande Northern Coast Speedboat Tour: $67
  • Half-Day Ilha Grande Schooner Tour: $46

Tours and Activities in Manaus

For Manaus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Adventure: 4-hour hike in the Amazon rainforest: $150
  • Amazon Experience: Indigenous culture and nature phenomenon: $92
  • Amazon Experience: meet a native village and swim with porpoises: $90
  • Amazon Jungle: 3- or 4-Day Tour at Ipanema River Guest House: $200
  • Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
  • Amazon Private Safari by Tuhiri Eco Tour - Leaving Manaus: $199
  • Amazon Rainforest Tour, Trails, Jungle, Caves and Waterfalls: $230
  • Amazon River Day Tour – The Ultimate Full-Day Adventure: $140
  • Amazon River Stand Up Paddling Tour: $124
  • Amazon Safari Tour in Manaus (Shared:): $87
  • Amazonas Theatre: Historical City Tour in Manaus + Ebook: $90
  • City Tour Plus Amazon River Tour: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ilha Grande $11
    Manaus $2.82


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ilha Grande and Manaus, we can see that Ilha Grande is more expensive. And not only is Manaus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Manaus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manaus 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 Ilha Grande would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ilha Grande than you might in Manaus.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ilha Grande Expensive? and Is Manaus Expensive?.