A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antigua Guatemala vs. Isla de Ometepe for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Antigua Guatemala or Isla de Ometepe?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Antigua Guatemala or Isla de Ometepe, 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: Antigua Guatemala or Isla de Ometepe?

Antigua Guatemala

Before a disastrous earthquake in 1773, Antigua was the colonial capital of Guatemala. For 200 years it had reigned as so and today shows remnants of its glorious past with Spanish colonial buildings and other architectural landmarks still standing. Due to this large amount of preserved architecture, Antigua was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now the most touristed city of Guatemala.

Isla de Ometepe

Ometepe is a dramatically beautiful island in Lake Nicaragua in the country of Nicaragua. The island is the largest in the lake and is formed by two dramatic twin volcanoes that climb high from the water's surface. The two volcanoes are Concepcion and Maderas, and they are joined by an isthmus to make one island with an area of 276 square kilometers. The island is 31 kilometers long and between 5 and 10 kilometers wide. There are several small settlements on the island as well as a few coffee plantations. It is also one of the top sights in the country and makes for a unique travel destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guatemala City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Guatemala, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Isla de Ometepe or Antigua Guatemala?

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

  • Antigua Guatemala Prices
    Guatemala Prices
    Isla de Ometepe Prices
    Nicaragua Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Antigua Guatemala $74
    Isla de Ometepe $43

The average daily cost (per person) in Antigua Guatemala is $74, while the average daily cost in Isla de Ometepe is $43. 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 Antigua Guatemala and Isla de Ometepe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Antigua Guatemala $22
    Isla de Ometepe $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Antigua Guatemala $44
    Isla de Ometepe $26
Compare Hotels in Antigua Guatemala and Isla de Ometepe

Looking for a hotel in Antigua Guatemala or Isla de Ometepe? 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 Antigua Guatemala


Hotels in Isla de Ometepe


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: Antigua Guatemala Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Antigua Guatemala $12
    Isla de Ometepe $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala

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

  • Private Ground Transfer From Antigua To Guatemala City Airport: $25
  • Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to La Aurora Airport: $25
  • Shared Transfer From Antigua to Panajachel (Atitlan): $27
  • Private Transfer from Antigua to La Aurora Airport: $28
  • Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Panajachel: $65
  • Private Transfer From Antigua to Panajachel Atitlan: $66
  • Private Transfer from Antigua to the Airport: $90
  • Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Puerto Quetzal Port: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Antigua Guatemala or Isla de Ometepe?

Prices for flights to both Isla de Ometepe and Antigua Guatemala 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
    Antigua Guatemala $25
    Isla de Ometepe $22
Typical Food Prices in Antigua Guatemala

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:


  • Lunch
    $3.26
  • Lunch
    $7.82

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antigua Guatemala

For Antigua Guatemala, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taste of Guatemala,Walking Food Tour in Antigua Guatemala : $50
  • Antigua Street Food Tour : $65
  • Private Cooking Class of Typical Guatemalan Dishes: $70
  • Local Street Food Tour of Antigua: $75
  • Street Food Tour Around Antigua: $80
  • Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour: $85
  • Private Pacaya Volcano Hike & Optional Pizza Experience: $85
  • Guatemalan Cooking Class and Market Tour: $85
  • Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua: $90
  • Foodie & Street Food Tour in Antigua: $95
  • Guatemalan Cooking Class and Market Tour: $98
  • The Culinary Antigua Food Tour: $116

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Antigua Guatemala $15
    Isla de Ometepe $13

Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.

  • Antigua Walking Tour: $23
  • Colonial Antigua Afternoon Walking Tour: $25
  • Guided Walking Tour Legends of Antigua Guatemala: $25
  • Antigua Walking Tour: $25
  • Walking Tour of the Wonders of La Antigua Guatemala: $25
  • Antigua Guatemala Walking Tour History Architecture & Facades: $29
  • Coffee Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $30
  • Coffee Tour Adventure Antigua Guatemala: $30
  • Antigua Sightseeing: Private Walking Tour Culture and History: $30
  • Antigua Guatemala Walking Group Tour: $30
  • Walking Tour Antigua, an open Museum: $32
  • Guided Walking Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $32

Tours and Activities in Isla de Ometepe

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Isla de Ometepe are as follows:

  • A great tour day for the ISLAND OF OMETEPE.: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Antigua Guatemala $11
    Isla de Ometepe $8.82

Sample the Local Flavors in Antigua Guatemala

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Antigua Guatemala:

  • Antigua Bar Crawl: $26


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antigua Guatemala and Isla de Ometepe, we can see that Antigua Guatemala is more expensive. And not only is Isla de Ometepe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Isla de Ometepe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Isla de Ometepe 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 Antigua Guatemala would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antigua Guatemala than you might in Isla de Ometepe.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antigua Guatemala Expensive? and Is Isla de Ometepe Expensive?.