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

Should you visit Flores or Managua?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Flores and Managua 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: Flores or Managua?

Flores

The town of Flores is located in Peten, Guatemala. The main hub is located on an island on Lago Peten Itza, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. On the other side of the causeway are the towns of Santa Elena and San Benito, however, all three are often referred to as Flores. Most people visit the area for its proximity to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, though the town itself is also charming with colonial buildings and historic churches lining the cobbled streets.

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 Tours for Seniors to Guatemala, The Best G Adventures Tours to Guatemala, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Managua or Flores?

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 Flores is $43, while the average daily cost in Managua is $67. 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 Flores and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Flores $8.73
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Flores $17
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Flores and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Flores 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 Flores


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: Flores Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Flores $7.97
    Managua $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Flores

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

  • Same day Round-Trip VIP Exclusive Transfer to Tikal from Flores : $133
  • Tikal Transfer and Tour Guide From Flores: $90
  • Bus transfer from Flores, Guatemala to Belize City: $20
  • Private transfer Mundo Maya Airport to Flores Island Hotels: $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

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

  • Transfer, Transportation, Shuttle and Tours : $30
  • Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
  • San Juan del Sur: One way shared transfer to Managua: $57
  • San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
  • Nicaragua Private Transfer Service Managua and San Juan del Sur: $100
  • One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
  • One way shared transfer to Leon: $39
  • Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $127
  • Granada: One way shared transfer to Managua: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Flores or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and Flores 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
    Flores $23
    Managua $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Flores $20
    Managua $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Flores

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Flores's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Tikal Entrance (for 2)
    $39
  • Map of Tikal
    $3.26

Tours and Activities in Flores

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

  • Shared Guided Sunset Tour in Yaxhá from Flores: $25
  • 2-Day Tour to Tikal and Yaxhá from Flores Island: $220
  • All Inclusive Tikal Tour from Flores and Airport: $105
  • All Inclusive Tikal Tour from Flores or Mayan World Airport: $78
  • Awaken to Tikals' Sunrise Exclusive Tour: $199
  • Basic Tour to Tikal Includes Transportation and Guide Service: $25
  • Discover "Crater Azul" & Its Crystal-Clear Waters On A Full-Day Tour From Flores: $280
  • From Flowers Eco Tour to Blue Crater All Inclusive: $70
  • From Flowers Sunset Tour in Tikal: $25
  • Full Day Tikal Sunrise Tour from Flores and Archaeological Tour: $48
  • Full-Day Shared Tour to Tikal from Flores Peten with Lunch: $110
  • Guided Tour of Tikal from Flores or Airport Private Service : $140

Tours and Activities in Managua

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

  • Granada + Boat ride+Handicraft Market+Catarina+ Lava tour: $120
  • Granada lake +Colonial City + Lava tour Masaya volcano: $60
  • 3 full day tour at Granada, Lava tour and Leon : $210
  • Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $88
  • Apoyo Lagoon + Lava tour: $48
  • Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.: $155
  • Complete Tour of Granada and Masaya: History, Beauty & Tradition: $115
  • Discover the Best of Managua on a Private City Tour: $60
  • Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
  • Managua Capital City Private Tour: $90
  • Managua City Tour: $98
  • Managua City Tour: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Flores $21
    Managua $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Flores

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


  • Two Margaritas
    $2.61


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

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


Which is Bigger, Flores or Managua?

Managua has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Flores. When comparing the sizes of Flores 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.