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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $53. 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 $8.77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

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

  • Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
  • San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
  • Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
  • Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
  • Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
  • Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
  • Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
  • Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
  • Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota

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


  • Taxi from Airport
    $7.56
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.39
  • 2 Bus Passes
    $0.89

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
  • Private Visit to Zipaquira's Town & Salt Cathedral + In&Out Transfer + (6 hours): $176
  • Bogotá to or from Barichara or San Gil Private Transfer: $167
  • Bogotá to or from Villavieja or Tatacoa Desert Private Transfer: $167
  • Layover Bogotá Private Tour + Transfer in & Out (4 Hrs.) : $149
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City in a Luxury Van: $134
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Minibus: $124
  • Bogotá Private Luxury Transfer - Airport Pick Up or Drop Off - SUV Mercedes Benz: $97
  • Bogotá to or from Villa de Leyva Private Transfer: $80
  • El Dorado International Airport (BOG) - Private Round trip transfer Bogota: $80
  • Arrival Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota by MiniSuv: $66
  • Andres Carne de Res Chia • Premium Private Transfer: $39

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 $17
    Bogota $14

Typical Food Prices in Bogota

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


  • Breakfast
    $1.57
  • Hot Dog
    $0.92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota

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

  • Peruvian cooking workshop: $26
  • Bogotá Bites: Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $45
  • Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
  • PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
  • Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
  • Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $90
  • Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res DC: $100

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.

  • 3 full days PRIVATE tour at Granada, Masaya and Leon area from Managua: $210
  • Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $88
  • Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.: $155
  • Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
  • Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
  • Leon City and Rum Tasting Tour from Managua: $215
  • Managua City Tour: $88
  • Managua City Tour: $84
  • Managua Love Stories: A Romantic Tour: $189
  • Managua Love Stories: A Walking Tour: $97
  • Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $164
  • Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $321

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota

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


  • Beer
    $1.31

Tours and Activities in Bogota

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

  • Bogota Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Private Tour + Lunch: $80
  • Express Salt Cathedral Tour• Guided Tour & Tickets • 5h: $219
  • La Candelaria and Monserrate Walking Half Day Tour: $234
  • Lake Guatavitá Private Day Tour: $255
  • Salt Cathedral Zipaquira - Group tour and daily departure: $80
  • *Private tour* to Guatavita sacred lagoon + Nemocon salt mine: $153
  • 3h 30 -Hour StopOver—Walking Tour: Bogota Historical Center: $54
  • 4 Hours Private Tour to Monserrate from Bogotá: $69
  • 4-Hour Private Tour of Bogotá with Guide and Transportation: $77
  • 4-hour Paragliding Adventure from Bogota: $170
  • 5-hour Bogota Street Art Tour with transportation: $184
  • 5-hour Tour through Bogotá during the stopover. Includes round-trip from airport: $160

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Managua $11
    Bogota $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:

  • Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá: $25
  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá : $25
  • Saturday Bar Crawl in La Candelaria, Bogotá: $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)