A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Colonia del Sacramento for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Colonia del Sacramento?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Colonia del Sacramento 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Colonia del Sacramento?

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento is in the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. It is filled with old colonial buildings and cobbled streets, and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, sandwiched in between the Portuguese colony of Brazil and the Spanish Viceroyalty of the River Plate, later Argentina, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. Its strategic position and use as a smuggling port meant that its sovereignty was constantly contested and the city changed hands several times between Spain and Portugal. The irresistibly picturesque town's charm and its proximity to Buenos Aires draw thousands of Argentine and other visitors on weekends and in summer. Prices rise in these periods and it can be difficult to find a room so make sure to book your trip well in advance.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Colonia del Sacramento or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $11, while the average daily cost in Colonia del Sacramento is $67. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Colonia del Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.24
    Colonia del Sacramento $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.48
    Colonia del Sacramento $68
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Colonia del Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Colonia del Sacramento? 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina


Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento


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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Colonia del Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.62
    Colonia del Sacramento $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $0.14
  • Local Bus
    $0.00
  • Metro Ride
    $0.00
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.04
  • Taxi
    $0.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires HTL-APT (EZE): $37
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires APT-HTL (EZA): $36
  • Transfers from or to the airport In Argentina Your Best Choice: $83
  • Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $266
  • Transfer from EZEIZA or AEP Airport + Private City Tour: $200
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires Port to Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE): $52
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Cruise Terminal: $80
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires Port: $52
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal to International Airport (EZE): $80
  • Transfer between airports (EZE-AEP): $70
  • Transfer Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Downtown Hotel: $60
  • Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel transfer to International Airport (EZE): $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colonia del Sacramento

Also for Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Colonia Bus Terminal Private Transfer : $15
  • Colonia Port Terminal Private Transfer : $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Colonia del Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Colonia del Sacramento and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.33
    Colonia del Sacramento $19
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Lunch
    $0.03
  • Cup of Coffee
    $0.01
  • Empandas
    $0.02
  • Espresso
    $0.01
  • Dinner (Pizza)
    $0.02
  • Ice Cream
    $0.01
  • Breakfast at Airport
    $0.04
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    $0.01
  • Sweets
    $0.01
  • Hot Dog
    $0.01
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    $0.01
  • Lunch for 2
    $0.17
  • Cake and Coffee
    $0.54
  • Dinner
    $1.93
  • Powerade
    $0.12
  • Lunch
    $0.86
  • Dinner
    $1.25
  • Chocolate
    $3.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • Argentinean Empanadas cooking (Virtual Live experience): $12
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
  • 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $37
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $37
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Argentine Empanadas Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
  • Argentinian grilled pizza class in boutique hotel in Palermo: $40
  • Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $42
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colonia del Sacramento

For Colonia del Sacramento, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sensory Experience - Blind dinner in Colonia Del Sacramento: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.43
    Colonia del Sacramento $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)
    $0.04
  • Movie Ticket
    $0.02
  • Tango Class
    $0.03
  • Bar entrance
    $0.59

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $59
  • Premium Buenos Aires by Night Small-Group City Tour: $80
  • Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
  • Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
  • 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $244
  • 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
  • 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $10
  • 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
  • 3-Hour Bike Tour Getting to Know the Best of Buenos Aires: $35
  • 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
  • 3-Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisian: $46
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70

Tours and Activities in Colonia del Sacramento

For Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Walking tour around Colonia del Sacramento Old Town: $13
  • Goup Walking Tour - Spanish Only: $20
  • Shared City Tour at sunset in Historic Neighborhood: $20
  • Regular City Tour in Portuguese: $25
  • Hike at promenade + entry ticket to bullring (Walk 5.5km): $28
  • Shared Boat Tour Experience - Colonia del Sacramento: $43
  • Full gastronomic experience: Uruguayan meat,cheese and wine: $55
  • Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $58
  • Adventure Sightseeing Bike Tour: $59
  • Historical Walking Tour with Snack: $63
  • Experience an typical Uruguayan dish: Chivito & Tannat Wine: $78
  • From Horse Ride Experience: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.85
    Colonia del Sacramento $5.79
Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.01
  • Beer (0.66L)
    $0.02
  • Cocktail
    $0.03
  • Alcohol
    $0.68

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $38
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
  • Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
  • Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
  • Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $48
  • Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
  • Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $65
  • Half-Day Nightlife Experience in Buenos Aires: Palermo Bar Crawl: $74


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Colonia del Sacramento, we can see that Colonia del Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Colonia del Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Colonia del Sacramento than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Colonia del Sacramento Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Colonia del Sacramento?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 600 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Colonia del Sacramento, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Colonia del Sacramento?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Colonia del Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Colonia del Sacramento.

In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally around the same temperature as Colonia del Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 25°C (77°F), and Colonia del Sacramento fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Colonia del Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Colonia del Sacramento. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 285 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in January than Colonia del Sacramento. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F) 
    Colonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Colonia del Sacramento in the Autumn?

Both Colonia del Sacramento and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as Colonia del Sacramento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Colonia del Sacramento fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Colonia del Sacramento during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Colonia del Sacramento. It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Colonia del Sacramento. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F) 
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Colonia del Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Colonia del Sacramento and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the winter are popular places to visit.

In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as Colonia del Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Colonia del Sacramento averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Colonia del Sacramento. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 143 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in July than Colonia del Sacramento. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F) 
    Colonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Colonia del Sacramento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Colonia del Sacramento.

In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally around the same temperature as Colonia del Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (64°F), and Colonia del Sacramento fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Colonia del Sacramento this time of the year. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Colonia del Sacramento during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

Colonia del Sacramento receives a lot of rain in the spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Colonia del Sacramento. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F) 
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Colonia del Sacramento and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina Colonia del Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)