Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Punta Arenas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Punta Arenas or Tamarindo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Punta Arenas 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: Punta Arenas or Tamarindo?
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile, 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 dayPunta Arenas $63Tamarindo $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta Arenas is $63, 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 Punta Arenas and Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta Arenas $32Tamarindo $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta Arenas $64Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Punta Arenas and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Punta Arenas 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: Punta Arenas Hotel Prices and Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta Arenas $1.80Tamarindo $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $64
- Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $307
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to JW Marriott Guanacaste: $280
- Round Trip Transfer From Liberia Airport To Secrets Papagayo: $250
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Andaz Papagayo Resort: $201
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Four Seasons Resort: $200
- Private Liberia airport transfer: $200
- Transfer To/From Liberia Airport To/ From JW Marriott Guanacaste: $195
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To JW Marriott Guanacaste: $185
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Riu Guanacaste Hotel: $181
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Hacienda Pinilla Guanacaste: $175
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Planet Hollywood Beach Resort: $171
- Private Transfer from Intl Liberia (LIR) Airport to Papagayo beaches areas: $170
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta Arenas or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo and Punta Arenas 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 dayPunta Arenas $21Tamarindo $32
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
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.Punta Arenas $6.44Tamarindo $17
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- City Sightseeing and Monuments Guided Tour: $52
- Regular city cruise tour: $65
- Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Punta Arenas Sightseeing Tour: $72
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
- Punta Arenas Private City Tour Shore Excursion: $155
- Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
- Mountain Bike Adventure in Punta Arenas: $192
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- 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
- 5-Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour in Tamarindo Costa Rica: $95
- 5-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Adventure Day Tour: $300
- 5-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Buena Vista Eco Adventure Day Tour: $300
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta Arenas $4.86Tamarindo $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta Arenas and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is Punta Arenas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Punta Arenas Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Punta Arenas or Tamarindo?
Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas or Tamarindo in the Summer?
Both Tamarindo and Punta Arenas during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.
In January, Punta Arenas is generally much colder than Tamarindoin July. Daily temperatures in Punta Arenas average around 11°C (52°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Punta Arenas. In the summer, Punta Arenas often gets more sunshine than Tamarindoin July. Punta Arenas gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun.
Tamarindo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Punta Arenas usually gets less rain in January than Tamarindoin July. Punta Arenas gets 39 mm (1.5 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 JulyPunta Arenas 11°C (52°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta Arenas and Tamarindo. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Punta Arenas is much colder than Tamarindo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Punta Arenas averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
Punta Arenas usually receives less sunshine than Tamarindo during autumn. Punta Arenas gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Tamarindo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Punta Arenas usually receives less rain than Tamarindoin October. Punta Arenas gets 36 mm (1.4 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 OctoberPunta Arenas 7°C (44°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Tamarindo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Punta Arenas as well as Tamarindo. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
Punta Arenas can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Punta Arenas is much colder than Tamarindo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Punta Arenas in July average around 1°C (35°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. In the winter, Punta Arenas often gets less sunshine than Tamarindoin January. Punta Arenas gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun.
Punta Arenas usually gets more rain in July than Tamarindoin January. Punta Arenas gets 30 mm (1.2 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 JanuaryPunta Arenas 1°C (35°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Tamarindo in the Spring?
Both Tamarindo and Punta Arenas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Punta Arenas is generally much colder than Tamarindoin April. Daily temperatures in Punta Arenas average around 7°C (44°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It's quite sunny in Tamarindo. Punta Arenas usually receives less sunshine than Tamarindo during spring. Punta Arenas gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Punta Arenas usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tamarindoin April. Punta Arenas gets 29 mm (1.1 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 AprilPunta Arenas 7°C (44°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Punta Arenas
| Punta Arenas | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 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.