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

Should you visit Managua or Vieques Island?

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 Vieques Island can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Managua or Vieques Island?

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.

Vieques Island

Amidst the melodious chorus of coqui frogs and gentle whispers of palm trees blowing in an evening breeze, you will find that the waters around you glow just as brightly as the stars above. This tropical paradise is none other than Vieques, Puerto Rico. Tropical forests, bioluminescent bays, coral reefs--this island attracts visitors from all around the world who seek to see the wonders and beauties of the tropics. This island suits those from all walks of life, from history buffs seeking to learn about its unique past to nature-lovers wanting to admire its untouched wilderness. Vieques is the place for a perfect vacation!

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


Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island is $170. 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 Vieques Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Managua $23
    Vieques Island $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Managua $46
    Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Managua and Vieques Island

Looking for a hotel in Managua or Vieques Island? 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 Vieques Island


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.
    Managua $20
    Vieques Island $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

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

  • Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
  • Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
  • Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
  • Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
  • Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
  • Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
  • Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
  • Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
  • San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
  • Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vieques Island

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

  • Private Transfer Fajardo or Ceiba to San Juan Airport: $150
  • Taxi Transfer From San Juan Airport to El Conquistador Hotel: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Vieques Island?

Prices for flights to both Vieques Island 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
    Vieques Island $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Managua $16
    Vieques Island $34

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: $320

Tours and Activities in Vieques Island

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

  • 1-Hour Bioluminescent Boat Tour in Mosquito Bay, Vieques : $128
  • Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $65
  • Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $72
  • Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayaking Tour in Laguna Grande Fajardo: $65
  • Culebra Island Snorkel with Turtles Adventure - Ferry Tickets Included: $135
  • El Yunque Waterfalls and Waterslide River Tour: $50
  • Fajardo Afternoon Snorkeling Boat Tour: $110
  • Full-Day Snorkeling Tour to Culebra Island with Lunch: $139
  • Half Day Adventure Private Tour in El Yunque Rainforest: $234
  • Icacos Island All-Inclusive Snorkel and Boat Tour : $125
  • Isla de Vieques Beach Sightseeing Day Tour: $70
  • Mosquito Bay Kayak Experience in Vieques: $115

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Managua $11
    Vieques Island $30


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and Vieques Island, we can see that Vieques Island is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Managua is in Central America and Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Managua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Managua 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 Vieques Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vieques Island than you might in Managua.

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


Which is Bigger, Managua or Vieques Island?

Managua has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Vieques Island, 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 Vieques Island?

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 Vieques Island in the Summer?

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

It's quite rainy in Managua. In July, Managua usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. Managua usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during summer. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Managua is around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Managua in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 29°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Managua 27°C (81°F) 
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Managua or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

Both Vieques Island and Managua during the autumn 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 Vieques Island year-round.

Vieques Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually gets more rain in October than Vieques Island. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Managua often gets less sunshine than Vieques Island. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun.

In October, Managua is generally around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 27°C (81°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Managua 27°C (81°F) 
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Managua or Vieques Island in the Winter?

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

In January, Managua usually receives less rain than Vieques Island. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. Managua usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island during winter. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

Managua is around the same temperature as Vieques Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Managua 26°C (79°F) 
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Managua or Vieques Island in the Spring?

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

Managua usually gets less rain in April than Vieques Island. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In the spring, Managua often gets less sunshine than Vieques Island. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Managua is around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Managua in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 27°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Managua 29°C (84°F) 
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Managua

Managua Vieques Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)