Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Manaus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manaus or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Manaus or Ponce? 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 Ponce?
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.
Ponce
Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManaus $59Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Manaus is $59, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $205. 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 Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManaus $42Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManaus $84Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Manaus and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Manaus or Ponce? 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: Manaus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manaus $7.94Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus
Also for Manaus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer 24h Airport to Hotel in Manaus: $15
- Private 24-hour transfer from the Hotel to the Airport in Manaus: $16
- 24-hour hotel transfer - airport in Manaus: $17
- Transfer Privativo 24h aeroporto -> hotel em Manaus: $18
- Serviço de transfer privativo do Porto -> aeroporto de Mana: $20
- Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) -Departure Private Transfer: $21
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
- Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Manaus hotels to Manaus Airport(MAO) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Manaus Airport (MAO) to Manaus hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Manaus private Airport transfer: $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $189
- San juan Puerto Rico PrivateTransfers Airport,Hotels,Cruise Ports: $60
- San Juan hotels to San Juan PR Cruise Port - Departure Transfer: $46
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $92
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Manaus or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce 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
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Food Meals for one dayManaus $12Ponce $35
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 Ponce
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.
- Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
- Private Half-Day Food Tour : $130
- Private San Juan Cooking Class with a Local Expert: $146
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manaus -Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Manaus
For Manaus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Like a Local Customized Guided Welcome Tour: $30
- Manaus City Tour e Musa: $50
- City Tour in Manaus at Teatro Amazonas and Praça da Matriz: $50
- MUSA and INPA Museums with Observation Tower Tour: $50
- Half-Day City Tour: $54
- Full-Day Tour on the Amazon River: $55
- Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
- Manaus Sightseeing Tour: $64
- Solimoes River Piranha Fishing and Alligator Watching Tour: $66
- Tour to Presidente Figueiredo Waterfalls: $70
- Full-Day Package Tour in Presidente Figueiredo : $70
- Meeting of the Waters & Pink Dolphin Tour with Lunch: $71
Tours and Activities in Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
- Scuba Boat Diving Experience in Gilligan's Island at Copamarina: $160
- 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
- 2-Hour Private UTV Can-Am Beach Tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $264
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
- 5 hours Tour in La Parguera Private Boat Charter: $200
- 7 Hours River Tour with Beach and Learn to Make Piña Colada : $195
- 90 Minute Portrait Photoshoot Experience in the Caribbean: $129
- ATV Adventure at Hacienda Campo Rico: $136
- Adventure Trail Tour in the foothills of the National Rainforest: $110
- Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
- All Inclusive Cordillera Cay’s Sailing Catamaran Beach & Snorkeling Tour: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManaus $2.84Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce
Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
- Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Tour: $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manaus and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Manaus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manaus is in South America and Ponce is in Caribbean Islands, 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 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 Ponce would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ponce 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 Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manaus or Ponce?
Manaus has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Manaus and Ponce, 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 Ponce?
Manaus has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ponce experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Manaus or Ponce in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Manaus as well as Ponce. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Manaus is around the same temperature as Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Manaus averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In the summer, Manaus often gets less sunshine than Poncein July. Manaus gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
Manaus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manaus usually gets more rain in January than Poncein July. Manaus gets 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyManaus 27°C (81°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Manaus or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Manaus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Manaus is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manaus in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Ponce. Manaus usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during autumn. Manaus gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ponce. It's quite rainy in Manaus. In April, Manaus usually receives more rain than Poncein October. Manaus gets 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberManaus 28°C (82°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Manaus or Ponce in the Winter?
Both Ponce and Manaus during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In July, Manaus is generally around the same temperature as Poncein January. Daily temperatures in Manaus average around 28°C (82°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Manaus. In the winter, Manaus often gets less sunshine than Poncein January. Manaus gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
Manaus usually gets more rain in July than Poncein January. Manaus gets 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManaus 28°C (82°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Manaus or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manaus and Ponce. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Manaus is around the same temperature as Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Manaus averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. Manaus usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during spring. Manaus gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 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 Poncein April. Manaus gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilManaus 29°C (84°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Manaus
| Manaus | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 264 mm (10.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 311 mm (12.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.