Which place is cheaper, Isla de Ometepe or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tulum 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 Tulum 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: Tulum or Isla de Ometepe?
Tulum
When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.
Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.
This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours 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 dayTulum $122Isla de Ometepe $34
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, 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 Tulum and Isla de Ometepe in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60Isla de Ometepe $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120Isla de Ometepe $26
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Isla de Ometepe
Looking for a hotel in Tulum 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: Tulum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28Isla de Ometepe $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Tulum to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $70
- Xcaret to Tulum - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
- Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
- Tulum to Playa del Carmen - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $82
- Private Transfer in Vehicle from Tulum to Cancun Airport : $91
- Horseback Riding in the Jungle w/ Transfers and Lunch: $100
- Departure Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport CUN by Minivan - Minibus: $117
- Tulum to Bacalar - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $153
- Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $160
- Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun International Airport: $160
- One Way Private Tulum Transfers to or from Cancun Airport: $160
- Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $182
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Isla de Ometepe?
Prices for flights to both Isla de Ometepe and Tulum 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 dayTulum $34Isla de Ometepe $13
Typical Food Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Lunch$3.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
- Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $86
- Vegan Walking Food Tour with Tasting: $87
- Mexican Cooking from Scratch and Mezcal Tasting in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
- Mayan Night Guided Tour, Cenote Swim and Mayan Dinner: $209
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $32Isla de Ometepe $13
Tours and Activities in Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Audioguide Tulum, Audioguide-App Mayastadt Tulum, Tour Tulum Archaeological Site: $4.31
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Return Home: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Coba Ruins: The trail of the Mayas: $10
- Tulum Archeological Site Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
- Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $12
- Self-Guided Mayan Ruins Tour: $13
- Explore Coba: The Ultimate Self-Guided Audio & Map Tour: $15
- Archeological Guided Walking Tour in Tulum: $20
- Archaeological Site Guided Walking Tour: $20
- Tulum Mural Tours: $36
- Playa del Carmen: ATV, Cenote, and Zipline Tour with a Meal: $41
- Entrance tickets to swim in 4 Cenotes in Casa Tortuga Park: $42
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 dayTulum $25Isla de Ometepe $8.85
Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:
- 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
- Wine Tasting at Pan y Vino Tulum: $58
- Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Isla de Ometepe, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Isla de Ometepe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum 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 Tulum would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tulum 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 Tulum Expensive? and Is Isla de Ometepe Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Tulum or Isla de Ometepe?
Tulum 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 Tulum or Isla de Ometepe in the Summer?
Both Isla de Ometepe and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Isla de Ometepe because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Tulum is around the same temperature as Isla de Ometepe in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Isla de Ometepe during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Isla de Ometepe receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Isla de Ometepe. It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives around the same amount of rain as Isla de Ometepe. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 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 JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Isla de Ometepe in the Autumn?
Both Isla de Ometepe and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Tulum because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Isla de Ometepe year-round.
In the autumn, Tulum is around the same temperature as Isla de Ometepe. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Isla de Ometepe averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Isla de Ometepe. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Isla de Ometepe receives 195 hours of full sun.
Isla de Ometepe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets less rain in October than Isla de Ometepe. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Isla de Ometepe in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Isla de Ometepe. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Isla de Ometepe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Tulum is generally cooler than Isla de Ometepe. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Isla de Ometepe this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Isla de Ometepe during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Isla de Ometepe receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tulum usually receives more rain than Isla de Ometepe. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 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 JanuaryTulum 23°C (74°F)Isla de Ometepe 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Isla de Ometepe in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Isla de Ometepe. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Isla de Ometepe throughout the year.
Tulum is around the same temperature as Isla de Ometepe in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Isla de Ometepe. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Isla de Ometepe. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Isla de Ometepe receives 242 hours of full sun.
Tulum usually gets more rain in April than Isla de Ometepe. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Isla de Ometepe 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Isla de Ometepe and Tulum
| Tulum | Isla de Ometepe | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.