Which place is cheaper, El Chalten or Tamarindo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Tamarindo or El Chalten?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tamarindo or El Chalten, 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: Tamarindo or El Chalten?
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.
El Chalten
El Chalten is probably one of the most beautiful areas of Patagonia, especially at the slightest ray of sunshine and one of your cheapest destination while you are travelling in Patagonia. Indeed, you will spend your days hiking and there are no park fees. There are restaurants, souvenir shops, and outdoor stores but most of them will not accept credit cards so before heading out, get cash in El Calafate or your previous stop. For the beginners, it will be long hikes in a magical setting and for the experts perhaps a week long expedition to the greatest glaciers of the world. To discover the way people live in the pampa, you may also decide to stay at an Estancia. In the stunning Estancia Santa Thelma, about 300km away from El Chalten, you will be able to explore the surroundings by horse, live a unique experience in the middle of the nature and its vast plains occupied by thousands of merino sheep and horses and of course eat a typical meal of the region.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Argentina, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Argentina.
-
Tamarindo Prices
Costa Rica PricesEl Chalten Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTamarindo $144El Chalten $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Tamarindo is $144, while the average daily cost in El Chalten is $65. 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 Tamarindo and El Chalten in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTamarindo $50El Chalten $50
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTamarindo $100El Chalten $100
Compare Hotels in Tamarindo and El Chalten
Looking for a hotel in Tamarindo or El Chalten? 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: Tamarindo Hotel Prices and El Chalten Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tamarindo $69El Chalten $2.44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Costa Rica Private LIR Airport Departure transfer : $6.00
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Secret Papagayo: $13
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Hotel Riu Guanacaste: $15
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Riu Guanacaste: $16
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Hotel Mar Rey Tamarindo: $20
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Hotel Pastiempo Tamarindo: $20
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Palapa in Tamarindo: $21
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Selina Tamarindo: $21
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Hotel Mar Rey Tamarindo: $22
- Private Transfer Liberia Airport To Hotel Pas Tiempo Tamarindo: $22
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Hotel Luna Llena: $22
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Westin Conchal: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Tamarindo or El Chalten?
Prices for flights to both El Chalten and Tamarindo 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 dayTamarindo $56El Chalten $6.48
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tamarindo $17El Chalten $27
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- 1 Hour Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal: $30
- Tamarindo Estuary Tour: $45
- Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo: $46
- Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour: $47
- Morning Moka -Tamarindo's Morning Coffee Tour: $62
- Zipline Canopy Tour from Guanacaste: $70
- ATV Tour through the Flamingo Potrero and Brasilito Area: $70
- Turtle Watching Tour: $70
- Turtle Watching Night Tours with Expert Naturalist: $75
- Tamarindo River Boat Tour: $75
- Kayak and SUP Private Tour: $75
- Private Wildlife Tour in Avellanas Beach: $75
Tours and Activities in El Chalten
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for El Chalten are as follows:
- Rafting experience on the Rio de las Vueltas in Patagonia: $100
- Rio de las Vueltas Rafting Experience - El Chalten: $100
- 3 Hours Grilled Lamb Experience in Estancia Bonanza: $220
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTamarindo $14El Chalten $5.80
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tamarindo and El Chalten, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is El Chalten much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tamarindo is in Central America and El Chalten is in South 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 El Chalten would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in El Chalten 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 El Chalten.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tamarindo Expensive? and Is El Chalten Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Tamarindo or El Chalten?
El Chalten 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 Tamarindo or El Chalten in the Summer?
Both El Chalten and Tamarindo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
In July, Tamarindo is generally around the same temperature as El Chaltenin January. Daily temperatures in Tamarindo average around 28°C (82°F), and El Chalten fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in El Chalten. It's quite rainy in Tamarindo. In July, Tamarindo usually receives more rain than El Chaltenin January. Tamarindo gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryTamarindo 28°C (82°F)El Chalten 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tamarindo or El Chalten in the Autumn?
Both El Chalten and Tamarindo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Tamarindo is a little warmer than El Chalten in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tamarindo averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and El Chalten fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in April.
El Chalten gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. Tamarindo usually gets more rain in October than El Chaltenin April. Tamarindo gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year. December to May is the dry season in Tamarindo. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tamarindo.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilTamarindo 27°C (81°F)El Chalten 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Tamarindo or El Chalten in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tamarindo and El Chalten. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.
In the winter, Tamarindo is much warmer than El Chalten. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tamarindo in January average around 27°C (81°F), and El Chalten averages at about 16°C (61°F)in July.
In January, Tamarindo usually receives less rain than El Chaltenin July. Tamarindo gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyTamarindo 27°C (81°F)El Chalten 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Tamarindo or El Chalten in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tamarindo as well as El Chalten. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Tamarindo is generally a little warmer than El Chaltenin October. Daily temperatures in Tamarindo average around 29°C (85°F), and El Chalten fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in El Chalten. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tamarindo this time of the year. In the spring, Tamarindo often gets more sunshine than El Chaltenin October. Tamarindo gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while El Chalten receives 205 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in El Chalten. Tamarindo usually gets less rain in April than El Chaltenin October. Tamarindo gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to May in Tamarindo is the dry season. Also, June to November in Tamarindo is the hurricane season.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberTamarindo 29°C (85°F)El Chalten 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for El Chalten and Tamarindo
| Tamarindo | El Chalten | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.