A Travel Price Comparison for Nicaragua Isla de Ometepe vs. Leon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Isla de Ometepe or Leon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Isla de Ometepe or Leon, 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: Isla de Ometepe or Leon?

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.

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 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Leon or Isla de Ometepe?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Isla de Ometepe is $34, while the average daily cost in Leon is $59. 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 Isla de Ometepe and Leon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Isla de Ometepe $13
    Leon $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Isla de Ometepe $26
    Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Isla de Ometepe and Leon

Looking for a hotel in Isla de Ometepe 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 Isla de Ometepe


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.
    Isla de Ometepe $11
    Leon $1.51

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

Prices for flights to both Leon and Isla de Ometepe 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
    Isla de Ometepe $13
    Leon $12

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.
    Isla de Ometepe $13
    Leon $5.81

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

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
  • Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
  • Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
  • Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
  • 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
  • Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
  • Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
  • 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $163

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Isla de Ometepe $8.85
    Leon $3.53


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



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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Isla de Ometepe and Leon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Isla de Ometepe year-round. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Leon receives a lot of rain in the summer. Isla de Ometepe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Isla de Ometepe usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leon. Isla de Ometepe gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Leon receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Isla de Ometepe usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leon during summer. Isla de Ometepe gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.

Isla de Ometepe is around the same temperature as Leon in the summer. The daily temperature in Isla de Ometepe averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F) 
    Leon 27°C (81°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Isla de Ometepe as well as Leon. Isla de Ometepe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Leon. Isla de Ometepe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Isla de Ometepe usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Leon. Isla de Ometepe gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Leon receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Isla de Ometepe often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leon. Isla de Ometepe gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 195 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Isla de Ometepe is around the same temperature as Leon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Isla de Ometepe in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Leon averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F) 
    Leon 27°C (81°F)

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

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

In January, Isla de Ometepe usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leon. Isla de Ometepe gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Leon receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Leon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Isla de Ometepe. Isla de Ometepe usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leon during winter. Isla de Ometepe gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Isla de Ometepe is generally around the same temperature as Leon. Daily temperatures in Isla de Ometepe average around 26°C (79°F), and Leon fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Isla de Ometepe 26°C (79°F) 
    Leon 26°C (79°F)

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

Both Leon and Isla de Ometepe during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Isla de Ometepe because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.

Isla de Ometepe usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Leon. Isla de Ometepe gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Leon receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Leon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Isla de Ometepe. In the spring, Isla de Ometepe often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leon. Isla de Ometepe gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 242 hours of full sun.

Isla de Ometepe is around the same temperature as Leon in the spring. The daily temperature in Isla de Ometepe averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Leon fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Isla de Ometepe 29°C (84°F) 
    Leon 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Leon and Isla de Ometepe

Isla de Ometepe Leon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)