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

Should you visit Isla de Ometepe or Managua?

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 Managua, 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 Managua?

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.

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 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, Managua 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 Managua is $55. 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 Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Isla de Ometepe $13
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Isla de Ometepe $26
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Isla de Ometepe and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Isla de Ometepe 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 Isla de Ometepe


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: Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Isla de Ometepe $11
    Managua $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

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

  • Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
  • San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
  • Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
  • Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $65
  • Transfer from and To Poneloya or Las Peñitas Beach- Leon, Nicaragua: $68
  • Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
  • Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
  • Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
  • Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90

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

Prices for flights to both Managua 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
    Managua $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Isla de Ometepe $13
    Managua $16

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 Managua

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

  • Private lava tour-Masaya Volcano from Managua: $49
  • Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $53
  • Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
  • Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
  • PRIVATE Laguna de apoyo day pass + masaya volcano lava tour: $70
  • PRIVATE Boat ride + Colonial city tour at Granada+Catarina lookout: $80
  • PRIVATE Day trip Granada Isletas +Colonial City tour from Managua: $80
  • Managua City Tour: $84
  • PRIVATE Boat tour + Granada City +Masaya Volcano Night Tour : $85
  • full tour Somoto Canyon Nicaragua: $86
  • PRIVATE Boat tour+Granada City and Catarina lookout from Managua: $88
  • Managua City Tour: $88

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Isla de Ometepe $8.85
    Managua $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Isla de Ometepe and Managua, we can see that Managua 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 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 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 Managua Expensive?.



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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

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

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

It's quite rainy in Managua. Isla de Ometepe receives a lot of rain in the summer. Isla de Ometepe usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Managua. Isla de Ometepe gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Isla de Ometepe often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managua. Isla de Ometepe gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun.

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


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

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

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

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

Isla de Ometepe usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Managua during autumn. Isla de Ometepe gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


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

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

Both Managua and Isla de Ometepe during the winter 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 Managua year-round.

Isla de Ometepe usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Managua. Isla de Ometepe gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Isla de Ometepe. In the winter, Isla de Ometepe often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managua. Isla de Ometepe gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.

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


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

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

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

In April, Isla de Ometepe usually receives around the same amount of rain as Managua. Isla de Ometepe gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In Isla de Ometepe, it's very sunny this time of the year. Isla de Ometepe usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Managua during spring. Isla de Ometepe gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


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

Typical Weather for Managua and Isla de Ometepe

Isla de Ometepe Managua
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)