Isla de Ometepe is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Isla de Ometepe?
You should plan to spend around $44 (C$1,601) per day on your vacation in Isla de Ometepe. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $22 (C$798) on meals
- $11 (C$421) on local transportation
- $26 (C$943) on hotels
A one week trip to Isla de Ometepe for two people costs, on average, $612 (C$22,414). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$306
C$11,207
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$612
C$22,414
-
One Month
Per person
$1,311
C$48,030
-
One Week
For a couple
$612
C$22,414
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,223
C$44,828
-
One Month
For a couple
$2,621
C$96,060
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Isla de Ometepe cost?
A one week trip to Isla de Ometepe usually costs around $306 (C$11,207) for one person and $612 (C$22,414) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Isla de Ometepe on average costs around $612 (C$22,414) for one person and $1,223 (C$44,828) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Isla de Ometepe will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Isla de Ometepe on average costs around $1,311 (C$48,030) for one person and $2,621 (C$96,060) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Isla de Ometepe expensive to visit?
Isla de Ometepe is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Although Isla de Ometepe can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $17 (C$641) per day, mid-range travelers spend $43 (C$1,601) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $107 (C$3,922) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Isla de Ometepe.
Within Central America, Isla de Ometepe is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Central America for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Isla de Ometepe.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Isla de Ometepe Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Isla de Ometepe?
The average Isla de Ometepe trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Isla de Ometepe travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Isla de Ometepe cost?
Isla de Ometepe on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$5
(C$191)
|
$13
(C$471)
|
$31
(C$1,123)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$4
(C$154)
|
$11
(C$421)
|
$34
(C$1,255)
|
|
Food2
|
$9
(C$321)
|
$22
(C$798)
|
$53
(C$1,931)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$5
(C$202)
|
$13
(C$463)
|
$25
(C$903)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-5
(C$64-193)
|
$4-13
(C$162-487)
|
$11-33
(C$407-1,221)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Isla de Ometepe is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $17 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Most visitors to Isla de Ometepe will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $43 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $107 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the destination with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget.
Accommodation Budget in Isla de Ometepe
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Isla de Ometepe can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Isla de Ometepe in the off-season is $15, but in the peak travel season it will average around $28. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Isla de Ometepe to range from $15 to $. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Isla de Ometepe for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $26 (C$943). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $13 (C$471) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Isla de Ometepe? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid ), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Isla de Ometepe
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $11 (C$421) per person, per day, on local transportation in Isla de Ometepe. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Isla de Ometepe is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$11
C$421
The most practical way to get to Ometepe is to take a ferry from the town of San Jorge, which is near Rivas. The boat takes you to the island's main port in Moyogalpa and the trip will cost you between 2 and 3 dollars. You will likely have to pay a 10 cordoba tax on departure as well. Conveniently, a ferry also leaves from Granada on Mondays and Thursdays. It's about a six hour ride but is reasonably priced and will drop you off in the town of Altagracia.
Once you're on the island you can catch a bus that travels to most towns. It's incredibly slow and circles the island. There are slightly more frequent buses that make the trip between Moyogalpa and Altagracia. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, but prices can be quite expensive. If you are less concerned about money, another fun option is to rent a motorcycle to explore the island. This will give you more freedom and flexibility.
How much does it cost to go to Isla de Ometepe? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Isla de Ometepe will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Isla de Ometepe
Food is a major attraction for travelers, so make sure you don't miss out on the local culinary delights.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Isla de Ometepe can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Isla de Ometepe is $22 (C$798) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$22
C$798
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Isla de Ometepe is around $22 (C$798) per person, with previous travelers spending from $9 to $52. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Isla de Ometepe are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $7
- Lunch: $3 to $9
- Dinner: $7 to $15
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $3
Food options are somewhat limited on the island, but you will find a handful of restaurants that cater specifically to tourists. Most restaurants offer some form of grilled or fried fish, as well as tacos and fresh fruit. Spaghetti is also commonplace around the island, although the quality is highly variable. Pizza is also relatively easy to find. Vegetarian dishes are available at a handful of restaurants as well. Comida Corriente is the most budget friendly option. This traditional dish usually includes rice, beans, and some form of meat.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Opt for a reusable water bottle to avoid buying drinks everywhere. It's beneficial for the earth as well.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Isla de Ometepe
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Isla de Ometepe typically cost an average of $13 (C$463) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$13
C$463
Ometepe is a beautiful island with stunning natural scenery. There is some interesting wildlife on the island including a large population of the white-faced Capuchin monkey. There are also populations of the mantled howler monkey and smaller populations of spider monkeys.
There are interesting petroglyphs found on the island that were noted during the Ometepe Petroglyph Project, which ran between 1995 and 1999. Of the 73 sites surveyed during the project, petroglyphs were recorded on all but one.
There are some wonderful hikes all over the island, some of which are highly recommended. These include the challenging hike to the top of Volcan Concepcion and the slightly less difficult hike to the top of Volcan Maderas. At the top of Volcan Maderas you'll find a crater lake. There's also a waterfall in route that you can visit as well. Other options around the island include horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, bicycling, and swimming. It's easy to keep yourself entertained exploring the island for at least a few days.
A nice way to explore destinations in Isla de Ometepe is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- A great tour day for the ISLAND OF OMETEPE. For $80 details
Nightlife Budget in Isla de Ometepe
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $8.86 (C$325) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Isla de Ometepe per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$8.86
C$325
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Travel cost data last updated: Mar 3, 2025
Traveling in Isla de Ometepe
Ometepe Island
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.
Neighborhoods & Around
The main town on the island is Moyogalpa, which is the harbor village, and your likely point of arrival if you travel to Ometepe by ferry. There are a handful of hotels and restaurants around town, and this town can serve as a good base during your visit to the island.
Altagracia is the second largest town on the island and is located on the eastern side. The town has a cathedral that was built in 1924 as well as the Museum of Ometepe that has a collection of archaeological and ethnographic items.
On the southeastern coast you'll find the town of Merida, while the town of Balgue is on the southwestern coast. Santo Domingo is just past the isthmus on the Maderas side. This town has a few affordable hotels and restaurants, as well as a black sand beach. Santa Cruz is about an hour by taxi from Moyogalpa on the Maderas side. This is a small village that has gained popularity with backpackers and has a few hostels.
Related:
Looking for a party hostel in Costa Rica or Cancun? Looking for a budget hostel in Mexico or Costa Rica?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.