Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Valdivia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Valdivia or Tamarindo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Valdivia 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: Valdivia or Tamarindo?
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.
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 10-Day Tours in Chile, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in 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 dayValdivia $69Tamarindo $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Valdivia is $69, 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 Valdivia and Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personValdivia $40Tamarindo $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomValdivia $80Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Valdivia and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Valdivia 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: Valdivia Hotel Prices and Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Valdivia $8.08Tamarindo $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia
Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52
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 Valdivia or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo and Valdivia 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 dayValdivia $21Tamarindo $32
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.Valdivia $13Tamarindo $17
Tours and Activities in Valdivia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.
- Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
- Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $76
- Private City Tour: $90
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 dayValdivia $4.79Tamarindo $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valdivia and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is Valdivia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Valdivia 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 Valdivia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdivia 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 Valdivia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valdivia Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Valdivia or Tamarindo?
Valdivia 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 Valdivia or Tamarindo in the Summer?
Both Tamarindo and Valdivia during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.
In the summer, Valdivia is much colder than Tamarindo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valdivia in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Valdivia. In the summer, Valdivia often gets more sunshine than Tamarindoin July. Valdivia gets 296 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. Valdivia usually gets less rain in January than Tamarindoin July. Valdivia gets 54 mm (2.1 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 JulyValdivia 16°C (61°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Valdivia or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdivia and Tamarindo. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Valdivia is generally much colder than Tamarindoin October. Daily temperatures in Valdivia average around 11°C (52°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Valdivia usually receives less sunshine than Tamarindo during autumn. Valdivia gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Tamarindo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Valdivia usually receives less rain than Tamarindoin October. Valdivia gets 133 mm (5.2 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 OctoberValdivia 11°C (52°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Valdivia or Tamarindo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Valdivia as well as Tamarindo. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
Valdivia is much colder than Tamarindo in the winter. The daily temperature in Valdivia averages around 7°C (45°F) in July, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. In the winter, Valdivia often gets less sunshine than Tamarindoin January. Valdivia gets 66 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun.
Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the winter. Valdivia usually gets more rain in July than Tamarindoin January. Valdivia gets 312 mm (12.3 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 JanuaryValdivia 7°C (45°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Valdivia or Tamarindo in the Spring?
Both Tamarindo and Valdivia 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 the spring, Valdivia is much colder than Tamarindo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valdivia in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 29°C (85°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Tamarindo. Valdivia usually receives less sunshine than Tamarindo during spring. Valdivia gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Valdivia. In October, Valdivia usually receives more rain than Tamarindoin April. Valdivia gets 109 mm (4.3 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 AprilValdivia 11°C (52°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Valdivia
| Valdivia | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.