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

Should you visit Isla de Ometepe or Liberia?

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 Liberia, 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 Liberia?

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.

Liberia

Liberia is a town in northwestern Costa Rica. It is the capital of the Guanacaste province, which is about 140 miles away from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. The town has a population of about 56,000 and is one of the tourism centers of the country.

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


Which place is cheaper, Liberia 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 Liberia is $112. 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 Liberia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Isla de Ometepe $13
    Liberia $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Isla de Ometepe $26
    Liberia $120
Compare Hotels in Isla de Ometepe and Liberia

Looking for a hotel in Isla de Ometepe or Liberia? 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 Liberia


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: Liberia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Isla de Ometepe $11
    Liberia $43

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liberia

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Liberia are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liberia

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liberia:

  • Costa Rica Private Airport Transfer : $6.00
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Riu Hotel and Vice Versa: $15
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Riu Guanacaste: $17
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Riu Guanacaste: $18
  • Private or VIP Transfer: Liberia Airport to RIU Hotels & More: $19
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Peñas Blancas Nicaragua: $26
  • Direct Transfer Liberia Airport to Guanacaste Hotels: $35
  • Liberia Airport (LIR) to Flamingo/Tamarindo - Arrival Transfer: $38
  • 1-Way Transfer from Guanacaste Airport to Papagayo: $42
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer: Liberia Airport to Tamarindo/Westin: $44
  • Transfers from Liberia Airport: $60
  • Liberia Airport (LIR) to Playa Grande Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61

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

Prices for flights to both Liberia 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
    Liberia $21

Typical Food Prices in Liberia

Some typical examples of dining costs in Liberia are as follows:


  • Snacks
    $1.97
  • Lunch at The Shack (for 1)
    $4.95
  • Lunch
    $11
  • Coffee & Tres Leches (for 2)
    $14
  • Ginger Ale
    $1.28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liberia

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

  • Private Sunset Dinner at the Beach with Chef : $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Isla de Ometepe $13
    Liberia $25

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 Liberia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Liberia are as follows:

  • La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike (Group Tour) : $35
  • La Leona Waterfall: Private tour in Rincon de la Vieja!: $43
  • Bird-Watching and Wildlife Tour: $43
  • Night Tour in Nuevo Arenal: $43
  • La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day : $45
  • Private La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike: $45
  • La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike (Private Tour): $45
  • Skip the Line: Diamante Eco Adventure Park: Animal Sanctuary Discovery Ticket: $49
  • Zip-line Adventure: $53
  • Rincón de la Vieja Bird-Watching Tour: $62
  • From Tubing Adventure at Rio Negro: $65
  • Ponderosa Adventure Park Admission Ticket: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Isla de Ometepe $8.85
    Liberia $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Isla de Ometepe and Liberia, we can see that Liberia 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 Liberia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liberia 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 Liberia Expensive?.



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

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 Liberia in the Summer?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Liberia. It's quite rainy in Isla de Ometepe. In July, Isla de Ometepe usually receives less rain than Liberia. Isla de Ometepe gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Isla de Ometepe usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Liberia during summer. Isla de Ometepe gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Liberia receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

Isla de Ometepe is around the same temperature as Liberia in the summer. The daily temperature in Isla de Ometepe averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Liberia fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F) 
    Liberia 28°C (82°F)

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

Both Liberia and Isla de Ometepe during the autumn 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 Liberia year-round.

December to April is the dry season in Liberia. April to December is the rainy season in Liberia. Liberia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Isla de Ometepe. Isla de Ometepe usually gets less rain in October than Liberia. Isla de Ometepe gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Isla de Ometepe often gets more sunshine than Liberia. Isla de Ometepe gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liberia receives 169 hours of full sun.

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


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

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

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

In January, Isla de Ometepe usually receives less rain than Liberia. Isla de Ometepe gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Liberia this time of the year. In Isla de Ometepe, it's very sunny this time of the year. Isla de Ometepe usually receives less sunshine than Liberia during winter. Isla de Ometepe gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Liberia receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Isla de Ometepe is generally around the same temperature as Liberia. Daily temperatures in Isla de Ometepe average around 26°C (79°F), and Liberia fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Isla de Ometepe 26°C (79°F) 
    Liberia 27°C (81°F)

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

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

Also, December to April in Liberia is the dry season. April to December in Liberia is the rainy season. Isla de Ometepe usually gets less rain in April than Liberia. Isla de Ometepe gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Liberia receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Liberia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Isla de Ometepe this time of the year. In the spring, Isla de Ometepe often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Liberia. Isla de Ometepe gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liberia receives 255 hours of full sun.

Isla de Ometepe is around the same temperature as Liberia in the spring. The daily temperature in Isla de Ometepe averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Liberia fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Isla de Ometepe 29°C (84°F) 
    Liberia 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Liberia and Isla de Ometepe

Isla de Ometepe Liberia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)