A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Buzios vs. Salento for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Buzios or Salento?

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

Should I visit Buzios or Salento? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Buzios or Salento?

Buzios

Initially a fishing village, Armação dos Buzios is a small beach resort town about three hours from Rio de Janeiro by bus. Buzios is a common weekend getaway destination for Cariocas. With 23 beaches, visitors from all over come to swim, snorkel, surf and enjoy sun and sand.

Salento

Founded in 1850, Salento is one of the oldest towns in Quindio. This colonial Colombian town has retained much of its old world charm, with its colorful buildings, large square and, of course, the obligatory church. Because the main route between Cali and Bogota which used to pass through Salento was diverted, the town didn't develop as quickly as others in the Quindio region. This gave Salento the opportunity to evolve into a thriving community of craftsmen and artisans as well as remaining one of the region's most prolific coffee producers. Salento is located 24 km northeast of the departmental capital Armenia. However, unlike its colorful neighbor, Armenia itself has very little to offer tourists. Salento attracts those wishing to learn about the coffee regions and for those who simply admire breathtaking scenery, and especially the stunning Cocora Valley.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best 3-Day Tours from Foz Do Iguacu, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Salento or Buzios?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Buzios is $79, while the average daily cost in Salento is $32. 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 Buzios and Salento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buzios $38
    Salento $11
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buzios $76
    Salento $22
Compare Hotels in Buzios and Salento

Looking for a hotel in Buzios or Salento? 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 Buzios


Hotels in Salento


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: Salento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buzios $19
    Salento $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buzios

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

  • Beach Resorts to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) - Private Transfer: $25
  • Private Transfer from Buzios Cruise Port to Rio de Janeiro hotels: $29
  • Beach Resorts to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) - Departure Transfer : $29
  • Private Transfer from Buzios Cruise Port to Rio de Janeiro hotels: $32
  • Private Transfer from Buzios Port to Santos Dumont Airport (SDU): $32
  • Private Transfer from Buzios Cruise Port to Cabo Frio city hotels: $36
  • Private Transfer from Buzios Cruise Port to Cabo Frio hotels: $41
  • Private Transfer from Buzios Port to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB): $43
  • Private Transfer from Buzios Port to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB): $47
  • Arraial do Cabo Shared Transfer to Rio de Janeiro: $52
  • Tour in Buzios City Tour, Lunch and Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfer Buzios to Rio de Janeiro: $91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salento

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salento:

  • Pereira Airport Private Transfer Service: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Buzios or Salento?

Prices for flights to both Salento and Buzios 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
    Buzios $24
    Salento $9.38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salento

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salento.

  • Cooking Stories - Cocinando Historias: $46

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buzios $27
    Salento $12

Tours and Activities in Buzios

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

  • Tour of the most beautiful beaches and islands of Buzios by Buziana Tour: $12
  • Buggy Ride in Buzios by Buziana Tour: $16
  • Tour of Bugre in Arraial (Buggy): $21
  • Catamaran Boat Tour in Búzios: $24
  • Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo: $24
  • Half-Day Schooner Sightseeing Trip in Buzios Peninsula Beaches: $29
  •  Trolley Tour Through the City Buzios: $29
  • 3-hour Small Group Buzios Peninsula Open Air Trolley Tour: $33
  • Tour in Boat Tour in Buzios: $37
  • From Buzios To Arraial With Photos On A Private Tour!: $51
  • Schooner Tour in Buzios - Departure from Buzios: $51
  • Hiking Adventures in Buzios: $51

Tours and Activities in Salento

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Salento are as follows:

  • Cocora Valley and Salento Guided Hiking Tour: $91
  • Cocora Valley and Salento Hike Tour: $79
  • Cocora Valley and Salento Horseback Riding Day Tour: $137
  • Cocora Valley, Salento and Coffee Farm Day Tour : $124
  • Cocora Valley, Salento and Coffee Farm Tour: $143
  • Cocora, Salento and Filandia Tour: $100
  • Coffe Experience: Daily departure from Salento: $91
  • Coffee Farm and Salento Walking Tour with Lunch: $87
  • Coffee Tour and Salento Walking Tour with lunch: $96
  • Coffee tour in the heart of the coffee region: $28
  • Filandia and Salento Coffee Towns Tour: $63
  • Filandia and Salento Coffee Towns Tour: $105

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buzios $18
    Salento $11


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buzios Expensive? and Is Salento Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Buzios or Salento?

Buzios has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Salento. When comparing the sizes of Buzios and Salento, 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.