Which place is cheaper, Isla de Ometepe or Playa del Carmen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Isla de Ometepe?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Isla de Ometepe? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Playa del Carmen or Isla de Ometepe?
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Isla de Ometepe $34
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, 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 Playa del Carmen and Isla de Ometepe in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Isla de Ometepe $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Isla de Ometepe $26
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Isla de Ometepe
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen 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.
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: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Isla de Ometepe $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer to Xplor / Xenses / Xplor Fire from Playa del Carmen: $25
- Shared transfer from Playa del Carmen tu Cancun airport: $25
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen: $31
- Akumal to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Maroma Beach: Entry Ticket to Maroma Beach Club & Transfer: $47
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Puerto Aventuras: $48
- Private Transfer to Xel-Há Park from Playa del Carmen: $53
- Private Transfer Airport-Costa Mujeres/Playa Mujeres 1-8 pax: $59
- Shared roundtrip transfer from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen: $71
- Transfer in Private vehicle from Akumal City - Cancun Airport (CUN) : $74
- Akumal to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Isla de Ometepe?
Prices for flights to both Isla de Ometepe and Playa del Carmen 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
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Food Meals for one dayPlaya del Carmen $24Isla de Ometepe $13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $60
- Walking Food Tour: $65
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $77
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- Seafood Tour in Playa del Carmen: $101
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Cultural Coba Sunset Adventure with Dinner and show from Cancun: $130
- Sunset Adventure in Coba and Dinner with Show from Riviera Maya: $155
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $157
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Isla de Ometepe $13
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Shopping Tour & Tulum Mayan Ruins: $11
- Cancun Airport: Bus Ticket to/from Playa del Carmen: $14
- Tulum Ruins: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Ek Balam: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2024: $20
- YAL-KÚ Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket: $23
- Chichen Itza and Cenote Full Day Tour from Playa del Carmen: $28
- Ultramar Ferry, Regular round ticket, Playa del Carmen-Cozumel: $32
- Tulum and 2 Cenotes Half Day Tour from Riviera: $34
- Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to/from Cozumel: $35
- Mayan tour 4x1: Tulum, Cobá, Cenote & Playa del carmen: $35
- Tulum Ruins and Amusement Park Shared Tour: $37
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Isla de Ometepe $8.85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Isla de Ometepe, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Isla de Ometepe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North 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 Playa del Carmen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Isla de Ometepe Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen or Isla de Ometepe?
Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Isla de Ometepe in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Isla de Ometepe. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Isla de Ometepe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Isla de Ometepe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Isla de Ometepe averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Isla de Ometepe during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Isla de Ometepe receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
Isla de Ometepe receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Isla de Ometepe. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Isla de Ometepe in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Isla de Ometepe. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Isla de Ometepe throughout the year.
In October, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Isla de Ometepe. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Isla de Ometepe. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Isla de Ometepe receives 195 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Isla de Ometepe. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in October than Isla de Ometepe. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Isla de Ometepe in the Winter?
Both Isla de Ometepe and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Isla de Ometepe because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Playa del Carmen is cooler than Isla de Ometepe in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Isla de Ometepe. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Isla de Ometepe during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Isla de Ometepe receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Isla de Ometepe. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Isla de Ometepe 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Isla de Ometepe in the Spring?
Both Isla de Ometepe and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Isla de Ometepe year-round.
In the spring, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Isla de Ometepe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Isla de Ometepe averages at about 29°C (84°F).
In Isla de Ometepe, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Isla de Ometepe. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Isla de Ometepe receives 242 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in April than Isla de Ometepe. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Isla de Ometepe 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Isla de Ometepe and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Isla de Ometepe | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.