A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Managua vs. Bogota for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Managua or Bogota?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Managua and Bogota can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Managua or Bogota?

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.

Bogota

Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Bogota or Managua?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $67, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $61. 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 Managua and Bogota in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Managua $23
    Bogota $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Managua $46
    Bogota $52
Compare Hotels in Managua and Bogota

Looking for a hotel in Managua or Bogota? 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 Managua


Hotels in Bogota


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 and Bogota Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Managua $20
    Bogota $8.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

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

  • Transfer, Transportation, Shuttle and Tours : $30
  • Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
  • San Juan del Sur: One way shared transfer to Managua: $57
  • San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
  • Nicaragua Private Transfer Service Managua and San Juan del Sur: $100
  • One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
  • One way shared transfer to Leon: $39
  • Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $127
  • Granada: One way shared transfer to Managua: $39

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota

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


  • Taxi from Airport
    $7.39
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.38
  • 2 Bus Passes
    $0.87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota

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

  • Private Salt Cathedral and Nemocón Salt Mines + In & out Transfer + (8 hours): $242
  • Layover Bogotá Private Tour + Transfer in & Out (4 Hrs.) : $179
  • Private Visit to Zipaquira's Town & Salt Cathedral + In&Out Transfer + (6 hours): $176
  • Bogota to or from Villavicencio Private Transfer: $94
  • Private Bogota Airport drop-off Transfer: $59
  • Private Arrival Transfer : From Airport to Bogotá Hotels : $36
  • Bogota Airport (BOG) to Bogota - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $36
  • Salt Cathedral & Lake Guatavita: Private Transfer from Bogota: $34
  • El Dorado Airport Transfer: Direct to Your Hotel or Accommodation: $30
  • Private Transfer DE Bogota Airport: $30
  • Private One Way Transfer: Bogota Airport (BOG) from/to Bogota: $30
  • Private Transfer from El Dorado Airport to Bogota Hotels: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Bogota?

Prices for flights to both Bogota and Managua 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
    Managua $30
    Bogota $23

Typical Food Prices in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $1.54
  • Hot Dog
    $0.90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
  • PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
  • Food Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $60
  • Flavors of Colombia: Chapinero Street Food Tour: $73
  • Food Tour in Historic Downtown with a Food Scholar and Tastings: $75
  • Colombian Cooking Class in Bogota with a Local Chef: $102
  • Tropical Abundance: Interactive Cooking Class in Bogota: $176
  • Bogotá Food Tour. Exotic Fruits and local Cuisine.: $180
  • Gastronomic Tour and Cooking Workshop: $213

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Managua $16
    Bogota $13

Tours and Activities in Managua

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

  • Granada + Boat ride+Handicraft Market+Catarina+ Lava tour: $120
  • Granada lake +Colonial City + Lava tour Masaya volcano: $60
  • 3 full day tour at Granada, Lava tour and Leon : $210
  • Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $88
  • Apoyo Lagoon + Lava tour: $48
  • Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.: $155
  • Complete Tour of Granada and Masaya: History, Beauty & Tradition: $115
  • Discover the Best of Managua on a Private City Tour: $60
  • Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
  • Managua Capital City Private Tour: $90
  • Managua City Tour: $98
  • Managua City Tour: $84

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Beer
    $1.28

Tours and Activities in Bogota

For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Bogota Private Tour with Monserrate, Museums, Food & Tasting Cafe: $43
  • Bogota Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Private Tour + Lunch: $69
  • Lake Guatavitá Private Day Tour: $243
  • Salt Cathedral Zipaquira - Group tour and daily departure: $79
  • *Private tour* to Guatavita sacred lagoon + Nemocon salt mine: $168
  • 3-Hour Walking Tour and Musical Picnic in the Heart of Ibague: $23
  • 3h 30 -Hour StopOver—Walking Tour: Bogota Historical Center: $54
  • 4-hour Comprehensive Private Emerald Tour in Bogota: $59
  • 5 hour Bogotá City & Monserrate Hill Tour: $138
  • All-inclusive Monserrate experience : $69
  • Armed Conflict and Violence Tour in Bogotá, Colombia: $12
  • Basic City Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Managua $11
    Bogota $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:

  • Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá, Colombia: $25
  • Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá, Colombia: $25


When comparing the travel costs between Managua and Bogota, we can see that Managua is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Managua is in Central America and Bogota is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Managua Expensive? and Is Bogota Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Managua or Bogota?

Bogota has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Bogota, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Managua or Bogota?

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 Managua or Bogota in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Bogota. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Managua usually receives more rain than Bogota. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Managua is much warmer than Bogota in the summer. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Managua 27°C (81°F) 
    Bogota 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Managua or Bogota in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Managua as well as Bogota. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Bogota. Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Managua usually gets more rain in October than Bogota. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Managua is much warmer than Bogota. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Managua in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Bogota averages at about 14°C (57°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Managua 27°C (81°F) 
    Bogota 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Managua or Bogota in the Winter?

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

In January, Managua usually receives less rain than Bogota. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Managua is generally much warmer than Bogota. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 26°C (79°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Managua 26°C (79°F) 
    Bogota 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Managua or Bogota in the Spring?

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

Managua usually gets less rain in April than Bogota. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Managua is much warmer than Bogota in the spring. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Bogota fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Managua 29°C (84°F) 
    Bogota 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Bogota and Managua

Managua Bogota
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)