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

Should you visit Manaus or Valdivia?

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

Should I visit Manaus or Valdivia? 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 Valdivia?

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.

Valdivia

Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Valdivia or Manaus?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Manaus is $59, while the average daily cost in Valdivia is $69. 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 Valdivia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manaus $42
    Valdivia $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manaus $84
    Valdivia $80
Compare Hotels in Manaus and Valdivia

Looking for a hotel in Manaus or Valdivia? 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 Valdivia


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 Valdivia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manaus $7.94
    Valdivia $8.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus

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

  • 24-hour private group transfer service airport -> hotel: $95
  • Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Eduardo Gomes International Airport: $72
  • Manaus Airport(MAO) to Manaus hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
  • Transfers from the airport to any place in Manaus City: $40
  • Transfer from Manaus Airport to Manaus City: $40
  • Private Transfer - Airport - Hotel / Hotel - Airport: $34
  • Manaus private Airport transfer: $30
  • Manaus Airport (MAO) to Manaus hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
  • Manaus hotels to Manaus Airport(MAO) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia

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

  • Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Manaus or Valdivia?

Prices for flights to both Valdivia 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 $12
    Valdivia $21

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manaus -
    Valdivia $13

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: $147
  • 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 River Stand Up Paddling Tour: $124
  • Amazon Waterfalls Tour: $70
  • Amazon and Negro Rivers Experience with Night Exploration Tour: $300
  • City Tour Plus Amazon River Tour: $100
  • City Tour in Manaus at Teatro Amazonas and Praça da Matriz: $50

Tours and Activities in Valdivia

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.

  • Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $76
  • Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
  • Private City Tour: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manaus $2.84
    Valdivia $4.79


When comparing the travel costs between Manaus and Valdivia, we can see that Valdivia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Manaus or Valdivia?

Manaus has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of Manaus and Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Manaus or Valdivia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manaus and Valdivia.

In January, Manaus is generally much warmer than Valdivia. Daily temperatures in Manaus average around 27°C (81°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valdivia this time of the year. Manaus usually receives less sunshine than Valdivia during summer. Manaus gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

Manaus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Manaus usually receives more rain than Valdivia. Manaus gets 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Manaus 27°C (81°F) 
    Valdivia 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Manaus or Valdivia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Manaus as well as Valdivia.

Manaus is much warmer than Valdivia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manaus averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Manaus often gets less sunshine than Valdivia. Manaus gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 132 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Valdivia. Manaus receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manaus usually gets more rain in April than Valdivia. Manaus gets 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Manaus 28°C (82°F) 
    Valdivia 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Manaus or Valdivia in the Winter?

Both Valdivia and Manaus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In the winter, Manaus is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manaus in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Valdivia averages at about 7°C (45°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Manaus. Manaus usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during winter. Manaus gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 66 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. In July, Manaus usually receives less rain than Valdivia. Manaus gets 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Manaus 28°C (82°F) 
    Valdivia 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Manaus or Valdivia in the Spring?

Both Valdivia and Manaus during the spring are popular places to visit.

In October, Manaus is generally much warmer than Valdivia. Daily temperatures in Manaus average around 29°C (84°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Manaus often gets less sunshine than Valdivia. Manaus gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Manaus. Manaus usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Valdivia. Manaus gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Manaus 29°C (84°F) 
    Valdivia 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Valdivia and Manaus

Manaus Valdivia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 264 mm (10.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 311 mm (12.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 279 mm (11 in) 9°C (48°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 297 mm (11.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 247 mm (9.7 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)