Which place is cheaper, Leon or San Ignacio?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit San Ignacio or Leon?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Ignacio 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: San Ignacio or Leon?
San Ignacio
So you want a tropical getaway, but also don't want to lay around with nothing to do. You want an adventure! You want relaxation and exploration.
You want to visit the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.
This section of the Cayo region is really more of a jungle than a typical Belize beach getaway. Located close the ancient Mayan ruins on the western and inland side of Belize, this town is most popular for its many outdoor adventures including hiking, climbing, and caving!
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 Budget Tours to Belize, The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
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San Ignacio Prices
Belize PricesLeon Prices
Nicaragua Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Ignacio $86Leon $68
The average daily cost (per person) in San Ignacio is $86, while the average daily cost in Leon is $68. 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 San Ignacio and Leon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Ignacio $19Leon $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Ignacio $38Leon $32
Compare Hotels in San Ignacio and Leon
Looking for a hotel in San Ignacio 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.
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: San Ignacio Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Ignacio $3.09Leon $1.51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:
- Belize: Airport to San Ignacio Town Transfer: $75
- From Van Transfer To Flores Peten in Guatemala: $20
- San Ignacio Hotel to Belize City Transfer: $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leon:
- From Granada: One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $39
- From San Jorge: One way shared transfer to Leon: $57
- One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
- San Juan del Sur: One way shared transfer to Leon: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into San Ignacio or Leon?
Prices for flights to both Leon and San Ignacio 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 daySan Ignacio $35Leon $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Ignacio
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Ignacio.
- Maya Fish Cooking Experience: $75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.
- Cooking Workshop in Nicaragua: $25
- Tlakualli Food Tour: $25
- Nicaraguan Cooking Class with a Local Family at Leon City: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Ignacio $99Leon $5.83
Tours and Activities in San Ignacio
Here are a few actual costs in San Ignacio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tea Tasting Medicinal Tour: $25
- Night Hike Tour: Critters of the Night: $28
- Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio: $85
- Adventure Sun Set Horse Ride: $90
- Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $95
- Cave Tubing with local tour Guide and Belizean Lunch: $95
- Half-Day Cave Canoeing Adventure: $95
- From Xunantunich Mayan Tour & Optional Combos: $115
- Mountain Bike Adventure to Xunantunich Maya Site in Belize: $115
- Xunantunich horseback riding tour: $120
- Cave Tubing Adventure at Nohoch Che'en and Jaguar Paw : $125
- Caracol Maya Ruins & Waterfall Tour with Lunch: $130
Tours and Activities in Leon
Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Leon city: Walking tour by our landmarks.: $10
- Leon Colonial City Tour: $39
- Colonial City Tour: $39
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $49
- Volcano Board Adventure on Cerro Negro: $65
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
- Volcano Boarding Private Tour : $84
- Unforgettable León: Historical and Cultural Tour: $86
- Volcano Sandboarding Private Experience in Leon: $89
- Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Ignacio $17Leon $3.54
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Ignacio and Leon, we can see that San Ignacio is more expensive. And not only is Leon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Leon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leon 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 San Ignacio would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Ignacio than you might in Leon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Ignacio Expensive? and Is Leon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Ignacio or Leon?
Leon has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of San Ignacio. When comparing the sizes of San Ignacio 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 San Ignacio or Leon?
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 San Ignacio or Leon in the Summer?
Both Leon and San Ignacio are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Ignacio throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Leon. It's quite rainy in San Ignacio. In July, San Ignacio usually receives more rain than Leon. San Ignacio gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Leon receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. San Ignacio usually receives more sunshine than Leon during summer. San Ignacio gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, San Ignacio is generally around the same temperature as Leon. Daily temperatures in San Ignacio average around 28°C (82°F), and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Ignacio 28°C (82°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit San Ignacio or Leon in the Autumn?
Both Leon and San Ignacio during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Ignacio because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.
Leon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. San Ignacio usually gets more rain in October than Leon. San Ignacio gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Leon receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, San Ignacio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leon. San Ignacio gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 195 hours of full sun.
San Ignacio is around the same temperature as Leon in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Ignacio averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Ignacio 26°C (80°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit San Ignacio or Leon in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Ignacio and Leon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Ignacio year-round. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
San Ignacio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, San Ignacio usually receives more rain than Leon. San Ignacio gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Leon receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leon this time of the year. San Ignacio usually receives less sunshine than Leon during winter. San Ignacio gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, San Ignacio is cooler than Leon. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Ignacio in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Leon averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Ignacio 24°C (74°F)Leon 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit San Ignacio or Leon in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Ignacio as well as Leon. San Ignacio attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.
San Ignacio usually gets more rain in April than Leon. San Ignacio gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leon receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Ignacio this time of the year. In the spring, San Ignacio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leon. San Ignacio gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 242 hours of full sun.
In April, San Ignacio is generally around the same temperature as Leon. Daily temperatures in San Ignacio average around 27°C (80°F), and Leon fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Ignacio 27°C (80°F)Leon 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Leon and San Ignacio
| San Ignacio | Leon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.