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

Should you visit Florianopolis or Isla de Ometepe?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis or Isla de Ometepe? 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: Florianopolis or Isla de Ometepe?

Florianopolis

With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.

Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.

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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Isla de Ometepe or Florianopolis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $62, while the average daily cost in Isla de Ometepe is $34. 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 Florianopolis and Isla de Ometepe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Florianopolis $26
    Isla de Ometepe $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Florianopolis $52
    Isla de Ometepe $26
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Isla de Ometepe

Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis


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: Florianopolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Florianopolis $13
    Isla de Ometepe $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis

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

  • Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14
  • Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
  • Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
  • Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $40
  • One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
  • Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $78
  • Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $84
  • Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
  • Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
  • Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168

Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Isla de Ometepe?

Prices for flights to both Isla de Ometepe and Florianopolis 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
    Florianopolis $22
    Isla de Ometepe $13
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis

For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • A Quick Snack
    $0.44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Florianopolis $26
    Isla de Ometepe $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis

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


  • Internet
    $0.59

Tours and Activities in Florianopolis

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

  • Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
  • Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
  • Shared Shuttle between Florianópolis Airport and Hotel with optional City Tour: $23
  • Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
  • Rafting Adventure in Apuama - Rio Cubatão in Greater Florianópolis: $30
  • Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $32
  • Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
  • Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
  • Tour Balneario Camboriu and Laranjeiras Beach TELEFERICO INCLUDED: $37
  • Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
  • Private Tour: The 7 Most Preserved Beaches on the South Island by Floripa Nativa: $39
  • Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $42

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
    Florianopolis $8.68
    Isla de Ometepe $8.85
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.59


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



When is the best time to visit Florianopolis or Isla de Ometepe?

Florianopolis has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Isla de Ometepe experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Florianopolis or Isla de Ometepe in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Isla de Ometepe. The warm climate attracts visitors to Isla de Ometepe throughout the year.

In January, Florianopolis is generally around the same temperature as Isla de Ometepein July. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 25°C (76°F), and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the summer, Florianopolis often gets more sunshine than Isla de Ometepein July. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Isla de Ometepe receives 175 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Isla de Ometepe. Florianopolis receives a lot of rain in the summer. Florianopolis usually gets more rain in January than Isla de Ometepein July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Florianopolis 25°C (76°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Isla de Ometepe in the Autumn?

Both Isla de Ometepe and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Isla de Ometepe because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Florianopolis is cooler than Isla de Ometepe in the autumn. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Isla de Ometepe during autumn. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Isla de Ometepe receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Isla de Ometepe. In April, Florianopolis usually receives less rain than Isla de Ometepein October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Florianopolis 22°C (71°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Isla de Ometepe in the Winter?

Both Isla de Ometepe and Florianopolis during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Isla de Ometepe year-round.

In the winter, Florianopolis is much colder than Isla de Ometepe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Florianopolis in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Isla de Ometepe averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

In Isla de Ometepe, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Isla de Ometepein January. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Isla de Ometepe receives 244 hours of full sun.

Florianopolis usually gets more rain in July than Isla de Ometepein January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Florianopolis 17°C (62°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Isla de Ometepe in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Isla de Ometepe. Isla de Ometepe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Isla de Ometepein April. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 20°C (68°F), and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Isla de Ometepe this time of the year. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Isla de Ometepe during spring. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Isla de Ometepe receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.

Florianopolis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Isla de Ometepein April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Florianopolis 20°C (68°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Isla de Ometepe and Florianopolis

Florianopolis Isla de Ometepe
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 95 mm (3.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 22°C (71°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)