Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Manaus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manaus or Tamarindo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Manaus or Tamarindo? 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 Tamarindo?
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.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a small beach town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast. This town is usually sought out by surfers, fishers, couples, and families. There are delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, and friendly Tico's and Tica's (local Costa Rican nicknames) everywhere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManaus $59Tamarindo $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Manaus is $59, while the average daily cost in Tamarindo is $121. 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 Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManaus $42Tamarindo $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManaus $84Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Manaus and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Manaus or Tamarindo? 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 Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manaus $7.94Tamarindo $69
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 Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Transfers Riu Palace or Guanacaste from Airports Round trip: $158
- Transfer from Westin Conchal Hotel to Liberia Airport (LIR): $140
- Transfer from JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa to Liberia Airport (LIR): $148
- Transfer To/From Liberia Airport To/ From JW Marriott Guanacaste: $195
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Reserva Conchal: $143
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Planet Hollywood Costa Rica: $92
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Four Seasons Papagayo: $98
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Hacienda Pinilla Guanacaste: $175
- Transfer to Liberia or LIR Airport: $120
- Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $307
- Shuttle Transfer From Liberia Airport To Tamarindo Beach - Costa Rica: $145
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Riu Guanacaste Hotel: $181
Is it cheaper to fly into Manaus or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo 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 $12Tamarindo $32
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 Tamarindo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.
- Online Class on Zoom: Cooking Costa Rica Homemade Food: $35
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manaus -Tamarindo $17
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 Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- Ecologic farming Sloth tour Hiking & Chocolate -Coffee tour: $260
- Premium Tour: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano Adventure Combo Tour: $220
- Premium Tour: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and Waterfall Hiking: $170
- Premium Tour:Sloths and Río Celeste y Cortez Waterfalls (Tenorio Volcano Park): $220
- Private ATV or Buggy Tour from Riu Hotels: $85
- Sloth Farm Watching Tour & Amazimg Waterfall: $185
- Wildlife Tour at Palo Verde National Park: $199
- 1,5 Hours Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal: $80
- 2-Hour Guided Tour by ATV near Playa Conchal: $130
- 3 Hour ATV Secluded Beach Tour from Tamarindo, Flamingo, Conchal & Grande: $125
- 3-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Nature Day Tour: $300
- 5-Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour in Tamarindo Costa Rica: $95
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManaus $2.84Tamarindo $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manaus and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo is in Central 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 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 Tamarindo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Manaus or Tamarindo?
Manaus has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tamarindo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Manaus or Tamarindo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Manaus as well as Tamarindo. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
Manaus is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the summer. The daily temperature in Manaus averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.
In the summer, Manaus often gets less sunshine than Tamarindoin July. Manaus gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tamarindo. Manaus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manaus usually gets more rain in January than Tamarindoin July. Manaus gets 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyManaus 27°C (81°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Manaus or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
Both Tamarindo and Manaus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Manaus is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manaus in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
Manaus usually receives less sunshine than Tamarindo during autumn. Manaus gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. It's quite rainy in Manaus. In April, Manaus usually receives more rain than Tamarindoin October. Manaus gets 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberManaus 28°C (82°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Manaus or Tamarindo in the Winter?
Both Tamarindo and Manaus during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.
In July, Manaus is generally around the same temperature as Tamarindoin January. Daily temperatures in Manaus average around 28°C (82°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Tamarindo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Manaus. In the winter, Manaus often gets less sunshine than Tamarindoin January. Manaus gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun.
Manaus usually gets more rain in July than Tamarindoin January. Manaus gets 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManaus 28°C (82°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Manaus or Tamarindo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manaus and Tamarindo. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Manaus is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the spring. The daily temperature in Manaus averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tamarindo this time of the year. Manaus usually receives less sunshine than Tamarindo during spring. Manaus gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 255 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 Tamarindoin April. Manaus gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilManaus 29°C (84°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Manaus
| Manaus | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 264 mm (10.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 311 mm (12.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.