A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Copan vs. Leon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Copan or Leon?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copan and Leon can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Copan or Leon?

Copan

If you are a lover of history, or just really want to tap into your inner Indiana Jones, a trip to Copan, Honduras is right up your alley. Located in western Honduras, the cobblestone lined streets and white adobe buildings topped with red roofs provide the beautiful backdrop to this once powerful city.

Occupied by the Maya for 2,000 years, Copan was the ruling city in the southern Mayan kingdom. Settled nicely in a fertile river valley among rolling hills, this city is absolutely fascinating and the perfect place to explore history.

Leon

Leon is one of the oldest city's in Nicaragua and you can see hints of its colonial past in the architecture around town. Tourism is not a major part of the economy in Leon, but the city is gaining popularity with budget travelers and backpackers and more recently tour groups are including Leon in their itinerary.

With a population of just over 200,000, Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua, after Managua. During the university season the population grows dramatically as there is a heavy presence of students in Leon. It is a popular university town, and this young population gives the city plenty of energy and entertainment.

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


Which place is cheaper, Leon or Copan?

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 Copan is $104, while the average daily cost in Leon is $68. 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 Copan and Leon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Copan $22
    Leon $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Copan $44
    Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Copan and Leon

Looking for a hotel in Copan or Leon? 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 Copan


Hotels in Leon


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Copan $78
    Leon $1.51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leon:

  • From Granada: One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $39
  • From One way shared transfer to Rivas: $57
  • From One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $57
  • From San Jorge: One way shared transfer to Leon: $57
  • One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
  • San Juan del Sur: One way shared transfer to Leon: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Copan or Leon?

Prices for flights to both Leon and Copan 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
    Copan $36
    Leon $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.

  • Tlakualli Food Tour: $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Copan $25
    Leon $5.82

Tours and Activities in Leon

Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $35
  • Colonial City Tour: $39
  • Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
  • Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
  • Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
  • Unforgettable León: Historical and Cultural Tour: $68
  • Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
  • Volcano Boarding Private Tour : $84
  • Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
  • Telica Sunset Tour : $93
  • Horseback Riding Private Tour : $103
  • Leon Nicaragua City Tour: $122

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Copan $7.14
    Leon $3.54


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

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


Which is Bigger, Copan or Leon?

Leon has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Copan. When comparing the sizes of Copan and Leon, 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.