Which place is cheaper, Puerto Madryn or Liberia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Liberia or Puerto Madryn?
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 Liberia and Puerto Madryn. 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: Liberia or Puerto Madryn?
Liberia
Liberia is a town in northwestern Costa Rica. It is the capital of the Guanacaste province, which is about 140 miles away from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. The town has a population of about 56,000 and is one of the tourism centers of the country.
Puerto Madryn
Puerto Madryn is mostly known as the gateway to Peninsula Valdes, welcoming tourists who come for whale watching. The Peninsula Valdes is a nature reserve designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site; 97 km long and 63 km wide, it is connected to the continent by an isthmus of 35 km from which we can see both gulfs, San Jose at north and the Nuevo at south.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica, The Best 2-Week Tours in Argentina, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLiberia $112Puerto Madryn $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Liberia is $112, while the average daily cost in Puerto Madryn is $14. 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 Liberia and Puerto Madryn in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLiberia $60Puerto Madryn $5.25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLiberia $120Puerto Madryn $11
Compare Hotels in Liberia and Puerto Madryn
Looking for a hotel in Liberia or Puerto Madryn? 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: Liberia Hotel Prices and Puerto Madryn Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Liberia $43Puerto Madryn $3.28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liberia
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Liberia are as follows:
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Bike Rental$25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liberia
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liberia:
- Costa Rica Private Airport Transfer : $6.00
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Papagayo Peninsula: $12
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Riu Hotel and Vice Versa: $15
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Riu Guanacaste: $17
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Riu Guanacaste: $18
- Private Transfer from Libera/Four Seasons Guanacaste Airport: $19
- Private or VIP Transfer: Liberia Airport to RIU Hotels & More: $19
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Tamarindo Beach: $20
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Peñas Blancas Nicaragua: $26
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Playa Grande - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
- Direct Transfer Liberia Airport to Guanacaste Hotels: $35
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Peñas Blancas - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Madryn
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Madryn:
- Trelew Airport Shuttle Transfer To Puerto Madryn : $47
- From Punta Tombo Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Liberia or Puerto Madryn?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Madryn and Liberia 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 dayLiberia $21Puerto Madryn $5.69
Typical Food Prices in Liberia
Some typical examples of dining costs in Liberia are as follows:
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Snacks$1.97
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Lunch at The Shack (for 1)$4.95
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Lunch$11
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Coffee & Tres Leches (for 2)$14
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Ginger Ale$1.28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liberia
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Liberia.
- 2-Hour Cooking Class in Nosara : $65
- Private Local Cooking Class in Nosara: $85
- Private Sunset Dinner at the Beach with Chef : $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Liberia $25Puerto Madryn $5.77
Tours and Activities in Liberia
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Liberia are as follows:
- (Private) La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike: $41
- La Leona Waterfall: Private tour in Rincon de la Vieja!: $43
- Night Tour in Nuevo Arenal: $43
- Bird-Watching and Wildlife Tour: $43
- La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day : $45
- La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike (Private Tour): $45
- Skip the Line: Diamante Eco Adventure Park: Animal Sanctuary Discovery Ticket: $49
- Zip-line Adventure: $53
- Horseback Riding Tour: $59
- Rincón de la Vieja Bird-Watching Tour: $62
- Zipline at Skyline Canopy Tour Guanacaste Costa Rica: $65
- From Tubing Adventure at Rio Negro: $65
Typical Entertainment Prices in Puerto Madryn
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Puerto Madryn are as follows:
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Whale Watching for Two$0.35
Tours and Activities in Puerto Madryn
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Madryn are as follows:
- Kayaking adventure in Puerto Madryn: $60
- Excursion to Punta Loma and Puerto Madryn for Cruisers: $60
- From City and Punta Loma Tour: $70
- Shore Excursion: Punta Loma+City Tour, for cruise passengers: $70
- Punta Loma Shore Excursion with City tour: $75
- Punta Loma Excursion for Cruise Passengers: $75
- Full Day Peninsula Valdes Experience - optional Whale Watching : $87
- Peninsula Valdes Full Day Tour: $88
- Punta Tombo Tour, the Penguin Experience: $88
- Full Day Peninsula Valdes Experience: $90
- Shore Excursion Punta Loma Sea Lions Reserve Including Puerto Madryn City Tour : $95
- Wonderful Punta Tombo Penguin Rookery Tour : $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLiberia $13Puerto Madryn $3.13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Liberia and Puerto Madryn, we can see that Liberia is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Madryn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Liberia is in Central America and Puerto Madryn is in South 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 Puerto Madryn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Madryn 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 Liberia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liberia than you might in Puerto Madryn.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Liberia Expensive? and Is Puerto Madryn Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Liberia or Puerto Madryn?
Puerto Madryn has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Liberia. When comparing the sizes of Liberia and Puerto Madryn, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Liberia or Puerto Madryn?
Puerto Madryn has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Liberia experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Liberia or Puerto Madryn in the Summer?
Both Puerto Madryn and Liberia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Liberia throughout the year.
In July, Liberia is generally a little warmer than Puerto Madrynin January. Daily temperatures in Liberia average around 28°C (82°F), and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
It's quite rainy in Liberia. In July, Liberia usually receives more rain than Puerto Madrynin January. Liberia gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLiberia 28°C (82°F)Puerto Madryn 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Puerto Madryn in the Autumn?
Both Puerto Madryn and Liberia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Liberia because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Liberia is much warmer than Puerto Madryn in the autumn. The daily temperature in Liberia averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Liberia. Liberia usually gets more rain in October than Puerto Madrynin April. Liberia gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Liberia. April to December is the rainy season in Liberia.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLiberia 27°C (81°F)Puerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Puerto Madryn in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Liberia and Puerto Madryn. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round.
In the winter, Liberia is much warmer than Puerto Madryn. Typically, the winter temperatures in Liberia in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Madryn averages at about 7°C (45°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Puerto Madryn this time of the year. In Liberia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Liberia usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Madryn during winter. Liberia gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Madryn receives 209 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Liberia usually receives less rain than Puerto Madrynin July. Liberia gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLiberia 27°C (81°F)Puerto Madryn 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Puerto Madryn in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Liberia as well as Puerto Madryn. Liberia attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Liberia is generally much warmer than Puerto Madrynin October. Daily temperatures in Liberia average around 29°C (85°F), and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Liberia usually gets more rain in April than Puerto Madrynin October. Liberia gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Liberia is the dry season. April to December in Liberia is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLiberia 29°C (85°F)Puerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Madryn and Liberia
| Liberia | Puerto Madryn | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 12 mm (0.5 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.