Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Manaus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manaus or Santiago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Manaus or Santiago? 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 Santiago?
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.
Santiago
Santiago is the capital city of Chile. It is centrally located in the long and narrow country, making it a good jumping off point to explore everywhere else. It's convenient location means that you can go skiing in the Andes one day, and hang out at the beach the next.
Santiago has a cool semi-arid climate that is similar to Mediterranean climates. The summers, which are between November and March, are warm and dry. The temperatures climb to around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The winters, between June and August, are humid with cold mornings. The daily highs are around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows stay a few degrees above freezing. Rain is more common in the winter months and the dry season is between December and March.
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 in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManaus $59Santiago $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Manaus is $59, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $141. 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 Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManaus $42Santiago $110
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManaus $84Santiago $220
Compare Hotels in Manaus and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Manaus or Santiago? 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 and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manaus $7.94Santiago $5.41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus
Also for Manaus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 24-hour hotel transfer - airport in Manaus: $17
- Private Transfer 24h Airport to Hotel in Manaus: $18
- Private 24-hour transfer from the Hotel to the Airport in Manaus: $18
- Private Transfers Services Airport -Hotel 24h: $19
- 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: $23
- Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure 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
- Private Transfer - Airport - Hotel / Hotel - Airport: $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
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Metro Ride$1.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Visit Montes Winery (7th World Best Wine) & Transfer to Hotel: $300
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Santiago APT-HTL (SCL): $51
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Santiago de Chile City - Santiago Airport (SCL): $50
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Santiago Airport (SCL) - Santiago de Chile City: $49
- Transfer from or to the airport in Santiago, Chile: $60
- Transfer from Valparaiso or San Antonio Port + Condor Watching Tour: $230
- Transfer from Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski to Santiago: $83
- Transfer from Santiago to Portillo Ski Center: $160
- Transfer from Santiago To Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski: $83
- Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
- Transfer To Valle Nevado Private for small groups: $250
- Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Manaus or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago 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 $12Santiago $13
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
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.89
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Hamburger$2.50
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Dinner$26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Sunset Winery Tour with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $45
- Sunset at Alyan Family Wines Winery with Dinner: $95
- Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
- Sunset Alyan + 6 wines + savory board + rustic dinner + dessert: $119
- Small-Group Night City Tour: San Cristobal Hill and Dinner Show: $120
- San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
- Private Tour: Santiago at Night with Dinner and Show: $131
- Private Night City Tour with San Cristobal Hill And Dinner Show: $131
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour with Dinner and Show: $150
- Private Dinner and Show with Transfers: $158
- Traditional Chilean Cooking Class with a Local in Her Santiago Countryside Home: $168
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manaus -Santiago $47
Tours and Activities in Manaus
For Manaus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Walking Tours in Manaus: $15
- Like a Local Customized Guided Welcome Tour: $30
- City Tour in Manaus at Teatro Amazonas and Praça da Matriz: $50
- MUSA and INPA Museums with Observation Tower Tour: $50
- Manaus City Tour e Musa: $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
- Amazon Waterfalls Tour: $70
- Tour to Presidente Figueiredo Waterfalls: $70
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Private Adventure at 4200 meters above sea level in the Chilean Andes Cerro Pintor: $300
- Private Half-Day Guided Tour of the City of Santiago.: $280
- 4 Hour Santa Rita Winery All inclusive Tour for Wine Lover: $269
- 4-hour city tour of Santiago in small groups: $80
- Adventure and Viewpoints in Cajón del Maipo: $255
- Andean Horse Ride Yerba Loca Sanctuary - Private tour from Santiago: $240
- Andean Tour: $158
- Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120
- Andes Half-Day Private Tour with Wine and Cheese Tasting: $190
- Andes Sunset: shared tour with Asado in the mountain: $90
- Andes Tour to Portillo Inca Lagoon with San Esteban Vineyard Empanada & Wine: $119
- Andes Whitewater Rafting Adventure plus Winery Tour and Tasting: $199
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManaus $2.84Santiago $8.41
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Premium Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Spanish official: $37
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $50
- Concha y Toro Ticket and Tour with Wine Tasting: $50
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $62
- Undurraga Wine tour: $63
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
- Premium Wine Tasting in Santiago de Chile: $77
- From Concha y Toro Marqués Half-Day Wine Tasting: $89
- Private Tour: Undurraga Vineyard Experience with Premium Wine Tasting: $92
- From Maipo Valley Wine Tour: $99
- Concha y Toro semi-private tour with 3 wine tastings: $99
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manaus and Santiago, we can see that Santiago 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 Santiago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santiago 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 Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manaus or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Manaus. When comparing the sizes of Manaus and Santiago, 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 Santiago?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Manaus or Santiago in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Manaus as well as Santiago.
Manaus is a little warmer than Santiago in the summer. The daily temperature in Manaus averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Manaus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manaus usually gets more rain in January than Santiago. Manaus gets 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryManaus 27°C (81°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Manaus or Santiago in the Autumn?
Both Santiago and Manaus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In the autumn, Manaus is much warmer than Santiago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manaus in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F).
It's quite rainy in Manaus. In April, Manaus usually receives more rain than Santiago. Manaus gets 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilManaus 28°C (82°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Manaus or Santiago in the Winter?
Both Santiago and Manaus during the winter are popular places to visit.
In July, Manaus is generally much warmer than Santiago. Daily temperatures in Manaus average around 28°C (82°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Manaus usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Santiago. Manaus gets 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyManaus 28°C (82°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Manaus or Santiago in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manaus and Santiago.
Manaus is much warmer than Santiago in the spring. The daily temperature in Manaus averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Manaus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Manaus usually receives more rain than Santiago. Manaus gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberManaus 29°C (84°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Manaus
| Manaus | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 264 mm (10.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 311 mm (12.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.