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

Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Cajamarca?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Colonia del Sacramento and Cajamarca can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Cajamarca?

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.

Cajamarca

Located in the northern highlands of Peru, Cajamarca is a town of about 100,000 people. The city's mild weather and fertile soil is ideal for agriculture, which is a major industry in the area. The city is also well known for its cheeses and dairy products. Cajamarca is the site of the Battle of Cajamarca which led to the execution of the Inca emperor Atahualpa and the end of the infamous Inca empire. Today, the area is appealing to visitors in part because of its lovely churches, nice hot springs, and interesting Inca Baths.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Peru, and The Best Cultural Tours in Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Cajamarca or Colonia del Sacramento?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Colonia del Sacramento Prices
    Uruguay Prices
    Cajamarca Prices
    Peru Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Colonia del Sacramento $79
    Cajamarca $95

The average daily cost (per person) in Colonia del Sacramento is $79, while the average daily cost in Cajamarca is $95. 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 Colonia del Sacramento and Cajamarca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Colonia del Sacramento $33
    Cajamarca $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Colonia del Sacramento $66
    Cajamarca $52
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Cajamarca

Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento or Cajamarca? 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 Colonia del Sacramento


Hotels in Cajamarca


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: Colonia del Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $17
    Cajamarca $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colonia del Sacramento

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

  • Colonia Port Terminal Private Transfer : $15
  • Colonia Bus Terminal Private Transfer : $15
  • Wine Tour to Cerros de San Juan Winery + Lunch & Transfer: $225
  • Private Transfer Colonia to Carmelo (or vice - versa): $290

Is it cheaper to fly into Colonia del Sacramento or Cajamarca?

Prices for flights to both Cajamarca and Colonia del Sacramento 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
    Colonia del Sacramento $31
    Cajamarca $52

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.
    Colonia del Sacramento $23
    Cajamarca $28

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:

  • Promo Walking Tour from April to September: $12
  • Walking tour around Colonia del Sacramento Old Town: $17
  • Walking Tour to Colonia del Sacramento, english, portuguese german: $20
  • Walking Tour in Group in Colonia del Sacramento: $22
  • Top-Rated Shared Walking Tour: $22
  • Gastronomic Experience: Artisan Wines & Flavors of Uruguay: $24
  • Colonia : Tour Barrio Sur UNESCO World Heritage Site with a local guide: $25
  • Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
  • Historical Walking Tour: $27
  • Barrio Sur Tour: Explore Colonia del Sacramento at Sunset: $35
  • Guided tour with mate and Martín Fierro dessert, the best of Uruguay: $45
  • City Tour Walking and Van Tour: $50

Tours and Activities in Cajamarca

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

  • Cajamarca : Sulluscocha extreme adventure.: $63
  • Cajamarca Valley Tour – San Nicolas Lagoon: $40
  • Cajamarca in its Splendor: San Nicolas Lagoon Tour: $40
  • City Tour: $67
  • Guided tour of the city + pick-up: $48
  • La Colpa, Llacanora & Baños del Inca Tour: $34
  • Namora Valley Tour + Guitar Workshop & San Nicolas Lagoon: $28
  • Pocon and Otuzco farm tour: $39
  • Sulluscocha Extreme Activities Full-Day Adventure: $65
  • Tour to Hacienda La Colpa and Baños del Inca: $35
  • Tour to the Pre Inca Otuzco Necropolis, Botanical Garden and Hacienda: $28
  • From City Tour Cajamarca: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Colonia del Sacramento $5.64
    Cajamarca $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Colonia del Sacramento

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Colonia del Sacramento:

  • Cheese and Wine Tasting - Roots of Colonia del Sacramento: $28
  • Colonia del Sacramento Private Walking Tour with Cheese and Wine Tasting: $97
  • Private Guided Colonia Wine Tour: $190
  • Indulge in a Scenic Wine Tour from Colonia to Carmelo : $250


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

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


Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Cajamarca?

Cajamarca has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and Cajamarca, 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.