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

Should you visit Grand Cayman or Manaus?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Grand Cayman and Manaus. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Grand Cayman or Manaus?

Grand Cayman

When people think of the Cayman Islands, they typically think of offshore bank accounts and sunny, cruise ship ports. Grand Cayman has more to offer travelers than a playground for the wealthy or a short stopover for cruise passengers. This tropical island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, it is a shopper's heaven, a center for global finance and an ideal vacation spot.

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 Contiki Tours to Brazil, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Manaus or Grand Cayman?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $242, while the average daily cost in Manaus is $66. 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 Grand Cayman and Manaus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $149
    Manaus $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $298
    Manaus $82
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Manaus

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman


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: Grand Cayman Hotel Prices and Manaus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    Manaus $7.63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman

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

  • Private Transfer from Airport to morritts: $180
  • Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $103

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus

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

  • Transfer service from Iberostar (Port) to Manaus Airport: $23
  • Transfer from Manaus Airport to Manaus City: $45
  • Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Eduardo Gomes International Airport: $64
  • Serviço de Transfer Privado 24h Aeroporto - Hotel em Manaus: $25
  • Private Transfer Group 24h Hotel to Airport in Manaus: $112
  • Privado Transfer Aeroporto to Hotel Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge: $171
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $71
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $109
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Manaus private Airport transfer: $60
  • Manaus Airport(MAO) to Manaus hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Manaus?

Prices for flights to both Manaus and Grand Cayman 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
    Grand Cayman $67
    Manaus $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: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    Manaus -

Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman

For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • StingrayCity ,Coral Garden & Starfish Tour. : $69
  • 2 Stop Reef Snorkel and Glass Bottom Boat Adventure: $35
  • 3 Stop Boat Tour Stingray City Coral Gardens and Starfish Point: $65
  • Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $79
  • Cayman 2 in 1 Combo Tour Stingray City Reef Snorkel Adventure: $77
  • Cayman 3 in 1 Combo Adventure Stingray City Reef Snorkeling: $104
  • Cayman Adventure Stingrays Starfish plus Crystal Caves : $89
  • Cayman Bioluminescent Bay Night Tour: $144
  • Cayman Combo Tour: Starfish Point, Stingray City & Coral Gardens: $119
  • Cayman Crystal Caves Tour in Grand Cayman: $143
  • Cayman's Classic Food Tasting & Cultural Experience: $179
  • CaymanVisitor Hide & Seek GeoTour Self-Drive Tour: $13

Tours and Activities in Manaus

For Manaus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Adventure: 4-hour hike in the Amazon rainforest: $150
  • Amazon Experience: Indigenous culture and nature phenomenon: $78
  • Amazon Experience: meet a native village and swim with porpoises: $77
  • Amazon Jungle Experience with Overnight: $300
  • Amazon Jungle: 3- or 4-Day Tour at Ipanema River Guest House: $180
  • Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
  • Amazon Private Safari by Tuhiri Eco Tour - Leaving Manaus: $199
  • Amazon Rainforest Tour, Trails, Jungle, Caves and Waterfalls: $165
  • Amazon River Safari Boat Tour- Full Day Group Tour: $70
  • Amazonas: 2, 3, or 4-Day Tour: $220
  • City Tour Plus Amazon River Tour: $100
  • City Tour in Manaus at Teatro Amazonas and Praça da Matriz: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    Manaus $2.72
Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:


  • Beer
    $4.95

Sample the Local Flavors in Grand Cayman

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Grand Cayman:

  • Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass Ticket Only: $24
  • Cayman Art and Wine Tour: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand Cayman and Manaus, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Manaus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands and Manaus 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 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 Grand Cayman would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman Expensive? and Is Manaus Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Manaus?

Manaus has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman or Manaus?

Manaus has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Grand Cayman experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Manaus in the Summer?

Both Manaus and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.

In July, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Manausin January. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 28°C (83°F), and Manaus fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Manaus. It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Manausin January. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    Manaus 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Manaus in the Autumn?

Both Manaus and Grand Cayman during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Manaus in the autumn. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Manaus fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.

Manaus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in October than Manausin April. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    Manaus 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Manaus in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Manaus. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.

In the winter, Grand Cayman is cooler than Manaus. Typically, the winter temperatures in Grand Cayman in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Manaus averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.

In January, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Manausin July. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    Manaus 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Manaus in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Manaus. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Grand Cayman is generally cooler than Manausin October. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 26°C (79°F), and Manaus fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite rainy in Manaus. Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Manausin October. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F) 
    Manaus 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Manaus and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Manaus
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 264 mm (10.4 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 335 mm (13.2 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 311 mm (12.3 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 28°C (82°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.8 in)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.6 in)