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

Should you visit Isla de Ometepe or Pucon?

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 Pucon, 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 Pucon?

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.

Pucon

A popular hub for adventure tourism, Pucon is a town in the Lake District of the South American nation of Chile. Located on Lake Villarirca with the snowcapped Villarrica volcano looming above and plenty of forested valleys below, the town has become a home base year-round for a full range of outdoor activities.

Check out our ultimate guide to Traveling in Patagonia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Pucon 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 Pucon is $100. 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 Pucon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Isla de Ometepe $13
    Pucon $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Isla de Ometepe $26
    Pucon $86
Compare Hotels in Isla de Ometepe and Pucon

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


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
    Pucon $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pucon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pucon:

  • Private Transfer Pucon Thermal Resorts to Temuco Airport: $49
  • Pucon to Puerto Montt El Tepual Airport (PMC) -Departure Transfer: $114
  • Pucon Temuco Airport Private Transfer: $130

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

Prices for flights to both Pucon 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
    Pucon $38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Isla de Ometepe $13
    Pucon $37

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 Pucon

Here are a few actual costs in Pucon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 3-Hour Rafting Experience in Pucon: $60
  • Private 3-Hour Canyoning Experience on the Correntoso River: $68
  • Sightseeing Tour in Pucon and Villarica: $93
  • Half Day Tour to The Eyes Of Caburgua from Pucon: $93
  • Private Half Day Andean Lakes Experience with pickup: $110
  • Full Day Private Tour Ascending Sollipulli Volcano: $140
  • Local Chile-Bavarian Culinary Pretzel Baking Experience n Sausage: $149
  • Full Day Excursion Tour to Quetrupillán Volcano: $177

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Isla de Ometepe $8.85
    Pucon $27


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



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

Pucon 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 Isla de Ometepe or Pucon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Isla de Ometepe and Pucon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Isla de Ometepe year-round.

Isla de Ometepe is much warmer than Pucon in the summer. The daily temperature in Isla de Ometepe averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Pucon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pucon this time of the year. Isla de Ometepe usually receives less sunshine than Pucon during summer. Isla de Ometepe gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

Isla de Ometepe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Isla de Ometepe usually receives more rain than Puconin January. Isla de Ometepe gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F) 
    Pucon 16°C (61°F)

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

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

In the autumn, Isla de Ometepe is much warmer than Pucon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Isla de Ometepe in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Pucon averages at about 11°C (52°F)in April.

In the autumn, Isla de Ometepe often gets more sunshine than Puconin April. Isla de Ometepe gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 132 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pucon. Isla de Ometepe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Isla de Ometepe usually gets more rain in October than Puconin April. Isla de Ometepe gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F) 
    Pucon 11°C (52°F)

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

Both Pucon 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.

In January, Isla de Ometepe is generally much warmer than Puconin July. Daily temperatures in Isla de Ometepe average around 26°C (79°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Isla de Ometepe. Isla de Ometepe usually receives more sunshine than Pucon during winter. Isla de Ometepe gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 66 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pucon. In January, Isla de Ometepe usually receives less rain than Puconin July. Isla de Ometepe gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Isla de Ometepe 26°C (79°F) 
    Pucon 7°C (45°F)

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

Both Pucon 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.

Isla de Ometepe is much warmer than Pucon in the spring. The daily temperature in Isla de Ometepe averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Isla de Ometepe. In the spring, Isla de Ometepe often gets more sunshine than Puconin October. Isla de Ometepe gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 198 hours of full sun.

Pucon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Isla de Ometepe usually gets less rain in April than Puconin October. Isla de Ometepe gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Isla de Ometepe 29°C (84°F) 
    Pucon 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Pucon and Isla de Ometepe

Isla de Ometepe Pucon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 297 mm (11.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 247 mm (9.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)