A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Asuncion vs. Managua for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Asuncion or Managua?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Asuncion or Managua, 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: Asuncion or Managua?

Asuncion

Asuncion is a vastly underrated city. It is the capital but also the administrative economic and cultural center of Paraguay. It is located in the south central part of the country, near the border with Argentina and it is one of the oldest cities in South America, with people living here since almost 500 years. The city has a beautiful and simple center, with a few unique colonial and beaux arts buildings, international cuisine, shady plazas and friendly people. Its handful of historic buildings around the Plaza de los Heroes, Plaza Uruguaya and Manzana de la Ribera, two or three small museums, old bars and cafes, but also smart suburbs, ritzy shopping malls and fashionable nightclubs will keep you entertained for a day or two. It is a very charming city for travellers and apart from the sights, the city boasts a good tourist infrastructure with hotels and restaurants.

Managua

Managua is the capital, and largest city in Nicaragua. The economy is generally centered around the trade of coffee, cotton, and other types of agriculture. It also is a textile capital for the area. Managua is also a very reasonably priced destination in Central America. Restaurants and hotels are quite affordable and you'll find all kinds of international cuisine around the city. Transportation is also incredibly affordable and you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised at the cost of intercity bus rides.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Managua or Asuncion?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Asuncion is $68, while the average daily cost in Managua is $55. 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 Asuncion and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Asuncion $22
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Asuncion $44
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Asuncion and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Asuncion or Managua? 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 Asuncion


Hotels in Managua


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: Asuncion Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Asuncion $8.82
    Managua $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asuncion

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

  • RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $59
  • RoundTrip Private Transfer Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $52
  • Transfer in private minivan from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $29
  • Transfer in private minivan Asuncion City - Silvio Pettirosi Airport (ASU): $29
  • Transfer in Private Car from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $21
  • Transfer in private car from Asuncion City - Asuncion Airport (ASU): $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

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

  • Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
  • San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
  • Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
  • Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
  • Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
  • Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
  • Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
  • Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
  • Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Asuncion or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and Asuncion 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
    Asuncion $17
    Managua $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Asuncion $16
    Managua $16

Tours and Activities in Asuncion

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

  • Asunción Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
  • Asuncion Birding Tour: $70
  • Birding and Nature Chaco Tour: $140
  • Crystal Fall - day tour in a reduced group: $85
  • Day Tour “Cerrito”: $231
  • Day tour “Circuito San Bernardino”: $214
  • Day tour “Circuito Sapucai”: $221
  • Day tour “Pai Pukú”: $230
  • Day tour to “National Park Ybycuí”: $265
  • Full day Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour: $207
  • Golden Triangle Tour: $110
  • Half-Day Yparacai Lake Tour from Asuncion with Pick Up: $185

Tours and Activities in Managua

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

  • 3 full days PRIVATE tour at Granada, Masaya and Leon area from Managua: $210
  • Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $88
  • Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.: $155
  • Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
  • Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
  • Leon City and Rum Tasting Tour from Managua: $215
  • Managua City Tour: $88
  • Managua City Tour: $84
  • Managua Love Stories: A Romantic Tour: $189
  • Managua Love Stories: A Walking Tour: $97
  • Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $164
  • Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $321

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Asuncion $10
    Managua $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Asuncion

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Asuncion are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.22


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asuncion Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Asuncion or Managua?

Asuncion has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Asuncion and Managua, 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 Asuncion or Managua?

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

Should I visit Asuncion or Managua in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Asuncion and Managua. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Asuncion is around the same temperature as Managua in the summer. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 29°C (84°F) in January, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in July.

In Asuncion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asuncion usually receives more sunshine than Managua during summer. Asuncion gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.

Managua receives a lot of rain in the summer. Asuncion gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Asuncion usually receives around the same amount of rain as Managuain July. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Asuncion 29°C (84°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Asuncion or Managua in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Asuncion as well as Managua. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

In the autumn, Asuncion is cooler than Managua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Asuncion in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

In the autumn, Asuncion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managuain October. Asuncion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Managua. Asuncion receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Asuncion usually gets less rain in April than Managuain October. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Asuncion 24°C (75°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Asuncion or Managua in the Winter?

Both Managua and Asuncion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Asuncion is generally cooler than Managuain January. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 19°C (66°F), and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Managua. Asuncion usually receives less sunshine than Managua during winter. Asuncion gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Managuain January. Asuncion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Asuncion 19°C (66°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Asuncion or Managua in the Spring?

Both Managua and Asuncion during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.

Asuncion is cooler than Managua in the spring. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.

In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Asuncion. In the spring, Asuncion often gets less sunshine than Managuain April. Asuncion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asuncion. Asuncion usually gets more rain in October than Managuain April. Asuncion gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Asuncion 25°C (77°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and Asuncion

Asuncion Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 29°C (84°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)