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

Should you visit Basse-Terre or Managua?

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

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Managua? 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: Basse-Terre or Managua?

Basse-Terre

In Guadeloupe there is Basse Terre the city and Basse-Terre the island - the city is the capital of Guadeloupe, and the island is Guadeloupe's western half of the main island. As a whole, the place is very green, featuring lush vegetation and a mountainous landscape with a sulfuric volcano.

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 Basse-Terre?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Basse-Terre is €151, while the average daily cost in Managua is €50. 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 Basse-Terre and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Basse-Terre 90
    Managua 21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Basse-Terre 180
    Managua 42
Compare Hotels in Basse-Terre and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Basse-Terre 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 Basse-Terre


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: Basse-Terre Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Basse-Terre 8.00
    Managua 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

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

  • Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
  • Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
  • San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
  • Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
  • Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
  • Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
  • Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
  • Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
  • Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
  • Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Basse-Terre or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and Basse-Terre 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
    Basse-Terre 46
    Managua 16

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Basse-Terre 47
    Managua 15

Tours and Activities in Basse-Terre

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basse-Terre are as follows:

  • Full day tour: the best of the island w/photos drone sunset: $214

Tours and Activities in Managua

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

  • Private lava tour-Masaya Volcano from Managua: $49
  • Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $53
  • Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
  • Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
  • PRIVATE Laguna de apoyo day pass + masaya volcano lava tour: $70
  • PRIVATE Boat ride + Colonial city tour at Granada+Catarina lookout: $80
  • PRIVATE Day trip Granada Isletas +Colonial City tour from Managua: $80
  • Managua City Tour: $84
  • PRIVATE Boat tour + Granada City +Masaya Volcano Night Tour : $85
  • full tour Somoto Canyon Nicaragua: $86
  • PRIVATE Boat tour+Granada City and Catarina lookout from Managua: $88
  • Managua City Tour: $88

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Basse-Terre 13
    Managua 10


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


Which is Bigger, Basse-Terre or Managua?

Managua has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Basse-Terre. When comparing the sizes of Basse-Terre 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 Basse-Terre or Managua?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Managua in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basse-Terre as well as Managua. Basse-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Managua. Basse-Terre receives a lot of rain in the summer. Basse-Terre usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Managua. Basse-Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basse-Terre this time of the year. In the summer, Basse-Terre often gets more sunshine than Managua. Basse-Terre gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun.

Basse-Terre is around the same temperature as Managua in the summer. The daily temperature in Basse-Terre averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Basse-Terre 27°C (81°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Managua in the Autumn?

Both Managua and Basse-Terre are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Basse-Terre throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. It's quite rainy in Basse-Terre. In October, Basse-Terre usually receives more rain than Managua. Basse-Terre gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. Basse-Terre usually receives more sunshine than Managua during autumn. Basse-Terre gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Basse-Terre is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basse-Terre in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Basse-Terre 27°C (80°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Managua in the Winter?

Both Managua and Basse-Terre during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Basse-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.

Basse-Terre usually gets more rain in January than Managua. Basse-Terre gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Basse-Terre. In the winter, Basse-Terre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managua. Basse-Terre gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.

In January, Basse-Terre is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in Basse-Terre average around 24°C (76°F), and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Basse-Terre 24°C (76°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Basse-Terre or Managua in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basse-Terre and Managua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Basse-Terre year-round. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Basse-Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Basse-Terre usually receives more rain than Managua. Basse-Terre gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In Basse-Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basse-Terre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Managua during spring. Basse-Terre gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.

Basse-Terre is cooler than Managua in the spring. The daily temperature in Basse-Terre averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Basse-Terre 26°C (78°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and Basse-Terre

Basse-Terre Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)