A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manaus vs. Cali for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Manaus or Cali?

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

Should I visit Manaus or Cali? 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: Manaus or Cali?

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.

Cali

Cali is Colombia's third largest city. Founded in 1536, can be explored on foot: walk under the shade of trees along the riverbank, admire the architecture of churches and other national monuments, and visit the city's many museums. Being the salsa capital of the world, Cali is primarily a destination for salsa and party but it also offers some great days out in the nearby natural surroundings. In Cali, travelers can enjoy music festivals, learn about sugarcane farming, and take in the mountainous landscapes.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bogota, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Cali or Manaus?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Manaus is $61, while the average daily cost in Cali is $25. 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 Manaus and Cali in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manaus $43
    Cali $6.04
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manaus $86
    Cali $12
Compare Hotels in Manaus and Cali

Looking for a hotel in Manaus or Cali? 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 Manaus


Hotels in Cali


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 and Cali Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manaus $8.12
    Cali $5.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus

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

  • Transfers from the airport to any place in Manaus City: $40
  • Transfer from Manaus Airport to Manaus City: $40
  • Transfer 24h hotel - aeroporto em Manaus: $18
  • Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Eduardo Gomes International Airport: $72
  • Serviço de transfer privativo do Porto -> aeroporto de Mana: $20
  • Serviço de transfer privado 24h em grupo aeroporto -> hotel: $99
  • Private transfer hotel -> port of Manaus: $20
  • Private Transfers Services Airport -Hotel 24h: $20
  • Private Transfer 24h Airport to Hotel in Manaus: $19
  • Private Transfer - Airport - Hotel / Hotel - Airport: $35
  • Private 24-hour transfer from the Hotel to the Airport in Manaus: $19
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cali

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cali:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cali

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

  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Cali Airport (CLO) - Cali City: $25
  • Transfer in Private Car from Cali Airport (CLO) -Cali City: $22
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Cali Airport (CLO) - Cali City: $51
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport : $17
  • From Cali Airport: One-way Privater Transfer to Cali: $58
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by Minibus: $171
  • National Park Waterfalls Tour with Lunch & Transfer: $115
  • City Highlights Private Bus Tour with Transfer: $150
  • Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airpot One Way Transfer: $19
  • Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
  • Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
  • Arrival Transfer from Cali Airport CLO to Cali City by MiniSuv: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Manaus or Cali?

Prices for flights to both Cali and Manaus 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
    Manaus $13
    Cali $8.60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manaus

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

  • Folklore Amazonian Dinner Show: $42
  • Food Tour: $50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cali

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

  • Alameda Market Cali Food Tour: $14
  • Street Food Tour: $21
  • Alameda Market Food Tour: $55
  • Flavors of Food tour at the local market: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manaus -
    Cali $11

Tours and Activities in Manaus

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

  • Jewish Tour in Manaus in the Amazon from 4 to 5 hours: $154
  • Adventure: 4-hour hike in the Amazon rainforest: $150
  • Amazon Experience: meet a native village and swim with porpoises: $80
  • Amazon Jungle Experience with Overnight: $300
  • 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 Waterfalls Tour: $70
  • Amazon and Negro Rivers Experience with Night Exploration Tour: $300
  • City Tour - The Best of Manaus: $64
  • City Tour Plus Amazon River Tour: $100
  • City Tour no Centro Histórico de Manaus com um fotógrafo: $94

Tours and Activities in Cali

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

  • 4 Hours Private River Tour to Pance Cali Colombia : $60
  • A day to enjoy nature and have an adventure in the Jordan river: $65
  • Cali ATV tours - Take your adrenaline to the maximum on the road: $159
  • Cali Bike Park Tour: $95
  • Cali City Tour - The Best Of Cali In Comfort: $53
  • Cali City Tour by 3 Hours (transportation + guide): $182
  • Cali City Tour by 5 Hours (transportation + guide): $251
  • Cali City Tour by 8 Hours (transportation + guide): $374
  • Cali Downtown Walking Tour: $56
  • Cali Mountain Bike Tour: $95
  • Cali Salsa & Resistance Street Art Tour: $14
  • Cali Salsa Tour: Learn the history, dance and play instruments: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manaus $2.90
    Cali $8.51


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

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


Which is Bigger, Manaus or Cali?

Cali has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Manaus. When comparing the sizes of Manaus and Cali, 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.