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

Should you visit San Ignacio or Managua?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Ignacio or Managua, 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 Managua?

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!

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.

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


Which place is cheaper, Managua or San Ignacio?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in San Ignacio is $72, while the average daily cost in Managua is $55. 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 Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Ignacio $19
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Ignacio $38
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in San Ignacio and Managua

Looking for a hotel in San Ignacio or Managua? 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 San Ignacio


Hotels in Managua


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 and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Ignacio $3.11
    Managua $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:

  • From Van Transfer To Flores Peten in Guatemala: $20
  • San Ignacio Hotel to Belize City Transfer: $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

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

  • Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
  • Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
  • Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
  • San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
  • Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into San Ignacio or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    San Ignacio $21
    Managua $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Ignacio $100
    Managua $16

Tours and Activities in San Ignacio

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

  • ATM Cave Tour from San Ignacio: $159
  • ATV Excursions in Cayo with Waterfalls Experience: $174
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic: $125
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour from San Ignacio : $120
  • Barton Creek Tour: $98
  • Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $90
  • Caracol Maya Ruins Tour Including Rio On Pools, Rio Frio Cave and a Picnic Lunch: $125
  • Cave Tubing Adventure at Nohoch Che'en and Jaguar Paw : $115
  • Cave Tubing and Zip line Adventure from San Ignacio: $144
  • Cave Tubing with local tour Guide and Belizean Lunch: $90
  • From Xunantunich Mayan Tour & Optional Combos: $75
  • Full Day at Tikal Mayan Ruin Tour from San Ignacio: $250

Tours and Activities in Managua

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

  • Private lava tour-Masaya Volcano from Managua: $49
  • Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $53
  • Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
  • Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
  • PRIVATE Laguna de apoyo day pass + masaya volcano lava tour: $70
  • Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $75
  • PRIVATE Day trip Granada Isletas +Colonial City tour from Managua: $80
  • Masaya Volcano Night Tour The Impressive Power of Nature: $80
  • Managua City Tour: $84
  • PRIVATE Boat tour + Granada City +Masaya Volcano Night Tour : $85
  • full tour Somoto Canyon Nicaragua: $86
  • Managua City Tour: $88

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Ignacio $17
    Managua $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Ignacio and Managua, we can see that San Ignacio is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 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 Managua.

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 Managua Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, San Ignacio or Managua?

Managua has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of San Ignacio. When comparing the sizes of San Ignacio and Managua, 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 Managua?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit San Ignacio or Managua in the Summer?

Both Managua and San Ignacio during the summer 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 Managua year-round.

Managua 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 July than Managua. San Ignacio gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in San Ignacio. In the summer, San Ignacio often gets more sunshine than Managua. San Ignacio gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Ignacio 28°C (82°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit San Ignacio or Managua in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Ignacio and Managua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Ignacio year-round. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Ignacio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Ignacio usually receives more rain than Managua. San Ignacio gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

San Ignacio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Managua during autumn. San Ignacio gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Ignacio is around the same temperature as Managua in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Ignacio averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Ignacio 26°C (80°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit San Ignacio or Managua in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Ignacio as well as Managua. San Ignacio attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

San Ignacio receives a lot of rain in the winter. San Ignacio usually gets more rain in January than Managua. San Ignacio gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. In the winter, San Ignacio often gets less sunshine than Managua. San Ignacio gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.

In the winter, San Ignacio is cooler than Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Ignacio in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Managua averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Ignacio 24°C (74°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit San Ignacio or Managua in the Spring?

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

In April, San Ignacio usually receives more rain than Managua. San Ignacio gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Managua. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. San Ignacio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Managua during spring. San Ignacio gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, San Ignacio is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in San Ignacio average around 27°C (80°F), and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Ignacio 27°C (80°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and San Ignacio

San Ignacio Managua
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)