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

Should you visit Montevideo or Isla de Ometepe?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montevideo and Isla de Ometepe can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Montevideo or Isla de Ometepe?

Montevideo

As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.

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.

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


Which place is cheaper, Isla de Ometepe or Montevideo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $63, while the average daily cost in Isla de Ometepe is $34. 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 Montevideo and Isla de Ometepe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $39
    Isla de Ometepe $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $78
    Isla de Ometepe $26
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Isla de Ometepe

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


Hotels in Isla de Ometepe


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: Montevideo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montevideo $7.32
    Isla de Ometepe $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

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

  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $12
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $21
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $26
  • Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
  • Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
  • Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
  • TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80

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

Prices for flights to both Isla de Ometepe and Montevideo 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
    Montevideo $13
    Isla de Ometepe $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

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

  • The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
  • El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango & Folklore in Montevideo: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montevideo $21
    Isla de Ometepe $13

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

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

  • Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Museo Andes 1972 / Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
  • Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo : $25
  • Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers - AudioGuided: $26
  • Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $28
  • Shared Montevideo Tour for Cruisers: $30
  • Old City Walking Tour with Private Photographer: $30
  • Walking Tour with Photographer and Audioguide: $31
  • City Sightseeing Tour: $32
  • Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers: $35
  • The Best Montevideo City Tour: $36

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    Isla de Ometepe $8.85

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:

  • Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Juanico Wine Tour Lunch: $132
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210


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



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

Montevideo 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 Montevideo or Isla de Ometepe in the Summer?

Both Isla de Ometepe and Montevideo during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Isla de Ometepe year-round.

In the summer, Montevideo is cooler than Isla de Ometepe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montevideo in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Isla de Ometepe averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Montevideo. In the summer, Montevideo often gets more sunshine than Isla de Ometepein July. Montevideo gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Isla de Ometepe receives 175 hours of full sun.

Isla de Ometepe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montevideo usually gets less rain in January than Isla de Ometepein July. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Montevideo 24°C (75°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and Isla de Ometepe. Isla de Ometepe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Montevideo is generally much colder than Isla de Ometepein October. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 17°C (63°F), and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Montevideo usually receives less sunshine than Isla de Ometepe during autumn. Montevideo gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Isla de Ometepe receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Isla de Ometepe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montevideo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Montevideo usually receives less rain than Isla de Ometepein October. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as Isla de Ometepe. The warm climate attracts visitors to Isla de Ometepe throughout the year.

Montevideo is much colder than Isla de Ometepe in the winter. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Isla de Ometepe. In the winter, Montevideo often gets less sunshine than Isla de Ometepein January. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Isla de Ometepe receives 244 hours of full sun.

Montevideo usually gets more rain in July than Isla de Ometepein January. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Montevideo 11°C (52°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 26°C (79°F)

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

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

In the spring, Montevideo is much colder than Isla de Ometepe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montevideo in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Isla de Ometepe averages at about 29°C (84°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Isla de Ometepe. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Isla de Ometepe during spring. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Isla de Ometepe receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Montevideo. In October, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Isla de Ometepein April. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    Isla de Ometepe 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Isla de Ometepe and Montevideo

Montevideo Isla de Ometepe
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)