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

Should you visit Punta del Este or Manaus?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este or Manaus, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Punta del Este or Manaus?

Punta del Este

Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, and The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Manaus or Punta del Este?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, while the average daily cost in Manaus is $59. 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 del Este and Manaus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Punta del Este $55
    Manaus $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Punta del Este $110
    Manaus $84
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Manaus

Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este or Manaus? 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 Punta del Este


Hotels in Manaus


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 del Este Hotel Prices and Manaus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Punta del Este $22
    Manaus $7.94

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este

Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $54
  • Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
  • Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
  • Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Manaus?

Prices for flights to both Manaus and Punta del Este 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
    Punta del Este $31
    Manaus $12

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.
    Punta del Este $11
    Manaus -

Tours and Activities in Punta del Este

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.

  • Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
  • City Tour Punta del Este: $95
  • Colonia Wine Experience for Food & Wine Lovers: $180
  • Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
  • East Coast of Uruguay – Private Multi Day Tour: $2,600
  • From Cabo Polonio - Full Day Private Tour: $1,000
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour Montevideo from Punta Del Este Port: $289
  • Full Experience Tasting Menu Viña Edén: $157
  • Gourmet Food & Wine Experience from Punta del Este: $205
  • Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
  • Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
  • Half Day Tour in Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio: $170

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Punta del Este $7.70
    Manaus $2.84

Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:

  • Wine Tasting: $42
  • Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $157


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Manaus, we can see that Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Manaus Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Manaus?

Manaus has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este and Manaus, 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 Punta del Este or Manaus?

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 Punta del Este or Manaus in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Manaus.

In January, Punta del Este is generally cooler than Manaus. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 23°C (73°F), and Manaus fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Punta del Este, it's very sunny this time of the year. Punta del Este usually receives more sunshine than Manaus during summer. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Manaus receives 114 hours of full sun in the summer.

Manaus receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Manaus. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Punta del Este 23°C (73°F) 
    Manaus 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Manaus in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Manaus.

Punta del Este is much colder than Manaus in the autumn. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Manaus fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In the autumn, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than Manaus. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manaus receives 112 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Manaus. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in April than Manaus. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Punta del Este 17°C (63°F) 
    Manaus 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Manaus in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Punta del Este is much colder than Manaus. Typically, the winter temperatures in Punta del Este in July average around 10°C (50°F), and Manaus averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Manaus. Punta del Este usually receives less sunshine than Manaus during winter. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Manaus receives 214 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of rain as Manaus. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Punta del Este 10°C (50°F) 
    Manaus 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Manaus in the Spring?

Both Manaus and Punta del Este during the spring are popular places to visit.

In October, Punta del Este is generally much colder than Manaus. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 16°C (61°F), and Manaus fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Punta del Este. In the spring, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than Manaus. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manaus receives 171 hours of full sun.

Manaus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in October than Manaus. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Punta del Este 16°C (61°F) 
    Manaus 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Manaus and Punta del Este

Punta del Este Manaus
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in) 27°C (81°F) 264 mm (10.4 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 335 mm (13.2 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 311 mm (12.3 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Jul 10°C (50°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.8 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.6 in)