A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Piriapolis vs. Leon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Piriapolis or Leon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Piriapolis or Leon, 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: Piriapolis or Leon?

Piriapolis

Piriapolis is a small beach town between Montevideo and Punta del Este in Uruguay. It is a more laid back version of Punta del Este with fewer fancy restaurants and clubs but it has perhaps more charm, with its grand old hotel and beachfront promenade backed by small mountains. The rather old-school coastal resort is vaguely reminiscent of a Mediterranean beach town.

Leon

Leon is one of the oldest city's in Nicaragua and you can see hints of its colonial past in the architecture around town. Tourism is not a major part of the economy in Leon, but the city is gaining popularity with budget travelers and backpackers and more recently tour groups are including Leon in their itinerary.

With a population of just over 200,000, Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua, after Managua. During the university season the population grows dramatically as there is a heavy presence of students in Leon. It is a popular university town, and this young population gives the city plenty of energy and entertainment.

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


Which place is cheaper, Leon or Piriapolis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Piriapolis is $67, while the average daily cost in Leon is $59. 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 Piriapolis and Leon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Piriapolis $27
    Leon $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Piriapolis $54
    Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Piriapolis and Leon

Looking for a hotel in Piriapolis or Leon? 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 Piriapolis


Hotels in Leon


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: Piriapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Piriapolis $31
    Leon $1.51

Is it cheaper to fly into Piriapolis or Leon?

Prices for flights to both Leon and Piriapolis 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
    Piriapolis $23
    Leon $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.

  • Tlakualli Food Tour: $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Piriapolis $5.89
    Leon $5.81

Tours and Activities in Leon

Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $35
  • Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
  • Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
  • Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
  • Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
  • Volcano Boarding Private Tour : $84
  • Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
  • Telica Sunset Tour : $93
  • Horseback Riding Private Tour : $103
  • Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
  • Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
  • 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $163

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Piriapolis $8.11
    Leon $3.53


When comparing the travel costs between Piriapolis and Leon, we can see that Piriapolis 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 Piriapolis is in South America and Leon is in Central 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 Piriapolis Expensive? and Is Leon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Piriapolis or Leon?

Leon has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Piriapolis. When comparing the sizes of Piriapolis and Leon, 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 Piriapolis or Leon?

Piriapolis has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Leon experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Piriapolis or Leon in the Summer?

Both Leon and Piriapolis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Piriapolis is cooler than Leon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Piriapolis in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Leon averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Piriapolis. Piriapolis usually receives more sunshine than Leon during summer. Piriapolis gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Leon. In January, Piriapolis usually receives less rain than Leonin July. Piriapolis gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Leon receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Piriapolis 23°C (73°F) 
    Leon 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Piriapolis or Leon in the Autumn?

Both Leon and Piriapolis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.

In April, Piriapolis is generally much colder than Leonin October. Daily temperatures in Piriapolis average around 17°C (63°F), and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Piriapolis often gets less sunshine than Leonin October. Piriapolis gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 195 hours of full sun.

Leon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Piriapolis usually gets less rain in April than Leonin October. Piriapolis gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Leon receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Piriapolis 17°C (63°F) 
    Leon 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Piriapolis or Leon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Piriapolis and Leon. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Piriapolis is much colder than Leon in the winter. The daily temperature in Piriapolis averages around 10°C (50°F) in July, and Leon fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leon this time of the year. Piriapolis usually receives less sunshine than Leon during winter. Piriapolis gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Piriapolis usually receives more rain than Leonin January. Piriapolis gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Leon receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Piriapolis 10°C (50°F) 
    Leon 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Piriapolis or Leon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Piriapolis as well as Leon. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.

In the spring, Piriapolis is much colder than Leon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Piriapolis in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Leon averages at about 29°C (84°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Piriapolis this time of the year. In the spring, Piriapolis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leonin April. Piriapolis gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 242 hours of full sun.

Piriapolis usually gets more rain in October than Leonin April. Piriapolis gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Leon receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Piriapolis 16°C (61°F) 
    Leon 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Leon and Piriapolis

Piriapolis Leon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 10°C (50°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)