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

Should you visit Manaus or Lima?

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

Should I visit Manaus or Lima? 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 Lima?

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.

Lima

Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Lima or Manaus?

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 Manaus is $69, while the average daily cost in Lima is $98. 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 Lima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manaus $43
    Lima $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manaus $86
    Lima $108
Compare Hotels in Manaus and Lima

Looking for a hotel in Manaus or Lima? 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 Lima


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 Lima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manaus $8.00
    Lima $6.25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus

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

  • Serviço de Transfer privado 24h Hotel -> aeroporto em Manaus: $18
  • 24-hour Hotel Transfer to Manaus Airport: $19
  • 24-hour airport to hotel transfer in Manaus: $19
  • 24-hour transfer from airport to hotel in Manaus: $20
  • Serviço de Transfer Privado 24h Aeroporto - Hotel em Manaus: $23
  • Manaus to Manaus Airport (MAO) - Departure Private Transfer: $31
  • Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
  • Transfer from Manaus Airport to Manaus City: $45
  • Manaus Airport: 1-Hour Shared Transfer to Manaus Hotels: $46
  • Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) -Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Private transfer service for the MUSA Manaus – Come with Comfort.: $55

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $5.92
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.92
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • Transfer: Lima City Center to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $14
  • Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $15
  • Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel or Hotel-Airport!!: $15
  • Transfer from the Airport to hotels in Lima: $30
  • Transfer by car from the airport to the hotel: $60
  • Transfer To Lima Airport: $20
  • Tour Night Magic Water Park and Ravine with Transfer: $49
  • Tour Magic Water Park in Lima with Small Group Transfer: $38
  • Secure private transfer to/from Lima Airport 24/7: $26
  • Round Trip Transfer from and to the Airport in Miraflores/Barranco/Sani: $41
  • QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores: $5.95
  • Private taxi transfer: Lima Jorge Chávez Airport – Safe: $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Manaus or Lima?

Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $22
    Lima $33

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

Typical Food Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.74
  • Ice cream
    $3.85
  • Coffee
    $3.26
  • Donut
    $1.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.

  • Food Tours on the Forbidden Side of Lima (Min. 3 Guests – Max. 6): $5.00
  • Local Food Tour at an Iconic Market!!: $24
  • Private Churros Cooking Class, Miraflores & Hotel Pickup: $43
  • Lima Street Food Tour: Taste Authentic Peruvian Delights: $45
  • Dinner with Folkloric Show at Casa Tambo Restaurant: $46
  • #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!: $49
  • Lima Street Food Tour : Try the best Peruvian street food: $49
  • Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $50
  • Andean Breads Cooking Class in Lima: $55
  • Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
  • Limeno Bites Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $55
  • Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manaus -
    Lima $9.44

Tours and Activities in Manaus

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

  • Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
  • Full-Day Tour on the Amazon River: $55
  • Half-Day City Tour: $56
  • Guided Walking Tour with Museum Entry: $58
  • Meeting of the Waters & Pink Dolphin Tour with Lunch: $65
  • MUSA and INPA Museums with Observation Tower Tour: $65
  • Manaus City Tour e Musa: $65
  • The Heart of the Amazon in One Day (The Most Complete Tour): $70
  • Manaus Sightseeing Tour: $74
  • Private Tour in Science Forest and Amazonas Theater: $75
  • Manaus City Tour: $77
  • Amazon Museum Guided Tour with Biologist Guide: $80

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:


  • Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)
    $18
  • Movie Tickets
    $2.52

Tours and Activities in Lima

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:

  • 1 Day Tour to Huacachina from Lima (Dunebuggy + Vineyards): $225
  • 1 day tour in Ica Peru: $200
  • 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $265
  • 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $134
  • 3 Day Tour From Paracas, Huacachina Oasis & Pisco Vineyard: $159
  • 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
  • 3 Hour Private Electric Scooter Tour of Lima: $75
  • 3 Hours Walking Tour of Lima Old Town and Catacumbs: $59
  • 3-Day Tour Discover Paracas and Huacachina from Lima: $260
  • 4 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $299
  • 8-Hour Private Tour Lima Viceroyalty and Gold Museum with Lunch: $120
  • A Journey Through Time: Lima's Historic Center & Catacombs Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manaus $2.86
    Lima $6.14

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.96
  • Beer
    $4.44
  • Cocktail
    $3.55

Sample the Local Flavors in Lima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:

  • Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
  • Discover Barranco's Nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
  • Discover Miraflores nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $24
  • Lima Nightlife Tour & Society – Cultural Pub Crawl: $50
  • From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manaus and Lima, we can see that Lima 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 Lima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lima 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 Manaus Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Manaus or Lima?

Lima has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Manaus. When comparing the sizes of Manaus and Lima, 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 Manaus or Lima?

Manaus has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Manaus or Lima in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Manaus as well as Lima. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.

In January, Manaus is generally much warmer than Limain July. Daily temperatures in Manaus average around 27°C (81°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the summer, Manaus often gets more sunshine than Limain July. Manaus gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.

Manaus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manaus usually gets more rain in January than Limain July. Manaus gets 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Manaus 27°C (81°F) 
    Lima 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Manaus or Lima in the Autumn?

Both Lima and Manaus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Manaus is a little warmer than Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manaus averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

Manaus usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Manaus gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Manaus. In April, Manaus usually receives more rain than Limain October. Manaus gets 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Manaus 28°C (82°F) 
    Lima 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Manaus or Lima in the Winter?

Both Lima and Manaus during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.

In the winter, Manaus is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manaus in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Manaus. In the winter, Manaus often gets more sunshine than Limain January. Manaus gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.

Manaus usually gets more rain in July than Limain January. Manaus gets 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Manaus 28°C (82°F) 
    Lima 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Manaus or Lima in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manaus and Lima. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Manaus is generally a little warmer than Limain April. Daily temperatures in Manaus average around 29°C (84°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Manaus usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lima during spring. Manaus gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.

Manaus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Manaus usually receives more rain than Limain April. Manaus gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Manaus 29°C (84°F) 
    Lima 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Lima and Manaus

Manaus Lima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 264 mm (10.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 311 mm (12.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 279 mm (11 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Nov 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)