Which place is cheaper, Puerto Madryn or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Managua or Puerto Madryn?
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 Managua and Puerto Madryn can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or Puerto Madryn?
Managua
Managua is the capital, and largest city in Nicaragua. The economy is generally centered around the trade of coffee, cotton, and other types of agriculture. It also is a textile capital for the area. Managua is also a very reasonably priced destination in Central America. Restaurants and hotels are quite affordable and you'll find all kinds of international cuisine around the city. Transportation is also incredibly affordable and you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised at the cost of intercity bus rides.
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 Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Argentina, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Argentina.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $55Puerto Madryn $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, 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 Managua and Puerto Madryn in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23Puerto Madryn $5.25
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46Puerto Madryn $11
Compare Hotels in Managua and Puerto Madryn
Looking for a hotel in Managua 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: Managua Hotel Prices and Puerto Madryn Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20Puerto Madryn $3.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
- Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Madryn
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Madryn:
- From Punta Tombo Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $131
- Trelew Airport Shuttle Transfer To Puerto Madryn : $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Puerto Madryn?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Madryn and Managua 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 dayManagua $17Puerto Madryn $5.69
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16Puerto Madryn $5.77
Tours and Activities in Managua
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Managua.
- Private lava tour-Masaya Volcano from Managua: $49
- Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $53
- Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
- Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
- PRIVATE Laguna de apoyo day pass + masaya volcano lava tour: $70
- PRIVATE Boat ride + Colonial city tour at Granada+Catarina lookout: $80
- PRIVATE Day trip Granada Isletas +Colonial City tour from Managua: $80
- Managua City Tour: $84
- PRIVATE Boat tour + Granada City +Masaya Volcano Night Tour : $85
- full tour Somoto Canyon Nicaragua: $86
- PRIVATE Boat tour+Granada City and Catarina lookout from Managua: $88
- Managua City Tour: $88
Typical Entertainment Prices in Puerto Madryn
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Puerto Madryn are as follows:
-
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:
- 4 x 4 experience around Puerto Madryn: $100
- Cruise Shore Excursion Ea San Lorenzo Peninsula Valdes - Patagonia - Argentina: $229
- Cruise Shore Excursion Peninsula Valdes - Pto Madryn - Patagonia - Argentina: $119
- Cruise Shore Excursion Punta Tombo - Tickets included - Puerto Madryn Patagonia: $129
- Excursion to Punta Loma and Puerto Madryn for Cruisers: $60
- From City and Punta Loma Tour: $70
- From Florentino Ameghino Dam Day Tour: $194
- From Penguin Tour & Península Valdés Day Trip: $152
- From Valdes Peninsula Full-Day Tour: $130
- Full Day Peninsula Valdes Experience: $90
- Full Day Peninsula Valdes Experience - optional Whale Watching : $87
- Full Day Punta Tombo - Walking Among Penguins Experience - Madryn: $105
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11Puerto Madryn $3.13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and Puerto Madryn, we can see that Managua is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Madryn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Managua 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 Managua would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Managua 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 Managua Expensive? and Is Puerto Madryn Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or Puerto Madryn?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Puerto Madryn. When comparing the sizes of Managua 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 Managua or Puerto Madryn?
Puerto Madryn has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Managua experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Managua or Puerto Madryn in the Summer?
Both Puerto Madryn and Managua during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Managua is generally a little warmer than Puerto Madrynin January. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually gets more rain in July than Puerto Madrynin January. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManagua 27°C (81°F)Puerto Madryn 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Managua or Puerto Madryn in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Puerto Madryn. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
Managua is much warmer than Puerto Madryn in the autumn. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in April.
Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Managua usually receives more rain than Puerto Madrynin April. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilManagua 27°C (81°F)Puerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Managua or Puerto Madryn in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Managua as well as Puerto Madryn. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Managua is much warmer than Puerto Madryn. Typically, the winter temperatures in Managua in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Puerto Madryn averages at about 7°C (45°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Puerto Madryn. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In the winter, Managua often gets more sunshine than Puerto Madrynin July. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Madryn receives 209 hours of full sun.
Managua usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Madrynin July. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyManagua 26°C (79°F)Puerto Madryn 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Managua or Puerto Madryn in the Spring?
Both Puerto Madryn and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
In April, Managua is generally much warmer than Puerto Madrynin October. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 29°C (84°F), and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In April, Managua usually receives less rain than Puerto Madrynin October. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberManagua 29°C (84°F)Puerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Madryn and Managua
| Managua | Puerto Madryn | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.