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

Should you visit Isla de Ometepe or Puerto Viejo?

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 Puerto Viejo, 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 Puerto Viejo?

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.

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a small coastal town in Caribbean Costa Rica in the province of Limon. There are two gorgeous National Parks nearby - Cahuita and Manzanillo, and it rains more than on the Pacific side, which is why it is so lush and green with the rainforest coming down to the sea. Clear water, coconut palms, great surf and a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere make Puerto Viejo a favorite among travelers. Located on about an hour south of Limon, Puerto Viejo is the center of activity between the smaller villages of Cahuita and Manzanillo. The relaxed, seaside town is framed by jungle, turquoise seas, banana plantations and scenic rivers. It's known for the Salsa Brava surf break and beaches like black-sand Playa Negra, but this burgeoning party town is no longer a destination only for intrepid surfers; it's bustling with tourist activity. Stylish eateries serve global fusion, and intentionally rustic bamboo bars pump dancehall and reggaeton. With its blend of Afro-Caribbean descendants, expat Europeans and indigenous Costa Ricans, Puerto Viejo charms visitors with a unique mix of people and cultures. Rastafari culture has a firm foothold in the town, and many Rastas sell handmade jewelry and other wares along the town's vibrant roadside. Nearby you'll find rainforest fruit and cacao farms and wide-open beaches. If you're looking to chill a little, party a little and eat a little, you've come to the right place.

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 Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.

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

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

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 Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

Both Puerto Viejo and Isla de Ometepe during the summer 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 Puerto Viejo year-round.

September to October is the dry season in Puerto Viejo. Puerto Viejo 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 July than Puerto Viejo. Isla de Ometepe gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Isla de Ometepe often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Isla de Ometepe gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Isla de Ometepe or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

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

September to October in Puerto Viejo is the dry season. Also, November to January is the rainy season in Puerto Viejo. Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Isla de Ometepe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Isla de Ometepe usually receives around the same amount of rain as Puerto Viejo. Isla de Ometepe gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Isla de Ometepe usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during autumn. Isla de Ometepe gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Isla de Ometepe is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Isla de Ometepe averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Isla de Ometepe or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

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

November to January in Puerto Viejo is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Isla de Ometepe usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Viejo. Isla de Ometepe gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Isla de Ometepe this time of the year. In the winter, Isla de Ometepe often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Isla de Ometepe gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Isla de Ometepe is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Isla de Ometepe in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Should I visit Isla de Ometepe or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. In April, Isla de Ometepe usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Isla de Ometepe gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Isla de Ometepe. Isla de Ometepe usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during spring. Isla de Ometepe gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Isla de Ometepe is generally a little warmer than Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Isla de Ometepe average around 29°C (84°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Isla de Ometepe