Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Colonia del Sacramento?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Cartagena?
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 Cartagena can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Cartagena?
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.
Cartagena
The capital of the Bolivar Department of Colombia, Cartagena is one of the most visited cities in the country. It sits on Colombia's northern coast by the Caribbean Sea. It's a port city with a population of almost 900,000, making it the fifth largest city in Colombia. The city has a rich history and was the first Spanish colony on the American continent. It was also one of the first sanctuaries for freed African slaves in the Americas.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColonia del Sacramento $68Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Colonia del Sacramento is $68, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $48. 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 Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColonia del Sacramento $34Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColonia del Sacramento $68Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento or Cartagena? 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: Colonia del Sacramento Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $17Cartagena $7.64
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Walking Tour with Transfers - Gabriel García Márquez & Cartagena Walled City: $110
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cartagena HTL-APT(CTG): $17
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cartagena APT-HTL(CTG): $17
- Transportation / Transfers: $27
- Transfer service in Cartagena: $53
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Manzanillo del Mar - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $23
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Cartagena Airport (CTG) - Manzanillo del Mar: $23
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Manzanillo del Mar - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $29
- Transfer in Private Minivan from City Center - Cartagena Airport (CTG): $20
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Cartagena Airport (CTG) - City Center: $20
- Transfer in Private Minivan Cartagena Airport (CTG) - Manzanillo del Mar: $18
- Transfer from the airport to hotels in Boquilla: $12
Is it cheaper to fly into Colonia del Sacramento or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena 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
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Food Meals for one dayColonia del Sacramento $19Cartagena $10
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Featured in NYTimes > Arepas and Dancing: Danceable Cooking Class in Cartagena: $32
- Cooking class of typical food at the beach and sunset view: $39
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $42
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $44
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $50
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $58
- Cartagena Gourmet: Cooking Class with a View, Elegance & Flavor: $59
- Street food tour: $61
- Street Food & Local Food Tour: $67
- Dinner on a boat at Cartagena Bay: $68
- Dinner cruise on Cartagena's bay with Sibarita Master: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $24Cartagena $22
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: $15
- Goup Walking Tour - Spanish Only: $18
- Shared City Tour at sunset in Historic Neighborhood: $20
- Regular City Tour in Portuguese: $25
- Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
- Hike at promenade + entry ticket to bullring (Walk 5.5km): $28
- Winery tour with shared transport and tasting included: $38
- Shared Boat Tour Experience - Colonia del Sacramento: $43
- Adventure Sightseeing Bike Tour: $53
- Full gastronomic experience: Uruguayan meat,cheese and wine: $55
- Historical Walking Tour with Snack: $58
- Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $58
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beach Buggy ATV Adventure Tour CARTAGENA: $135
- Eco cultural Historical Tour beyond Old City! + Pool: $98
- Exciting Beach Buggy ATV Tour in Cartagena : $165
- Palenque Native Guide, free entrance tickets, dance show & lunch: $110
- Playa Morena Beach Club Whith Lunch And Walking tour of fort San Fernando: $39
- Private Beach Tour in Barú and Optional Bird Aviary: $120
- Rosario Islands Full Day Tour: $156
- Walking Tour of Cartagena Including a Colombian Cup of Coffee: $95
- "Essential Cartagena" Private Tour. : $70
- 16. Punta Arena Tour (Tierra Bomba Island): $25
- 2 Hour Panoramic tour for cruise ship passengers: $61
- 2 and a half hour Chiva Disco and Rumba Tour: $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayColonia del Sacramento $5.85Cartagena $9.39
Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena
Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl with Dancing and Complimentary Drinks: $18
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena : $45
- Pub Crawl: $70
- Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $72
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Cartagena, we can see that Colonia del Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cartagena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cartagena 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 Cartagena.
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 Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and Cartagena, 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 Colonia del Sacramento or Cartagena?
Colonia del Sacramento has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cartagena experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Colonia del Sacramento during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
In the summer, Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Cartagena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Cartagena averages at about 29°C (84°F)in July.
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Colonia del Sacramento. In the summer, Colonia del Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Cartagenain July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in January than Cartagenain July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyColonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Cartagena in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Cartagena. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Colonia del Sacramento is generally cooler than Cartagenain October. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (65°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Colonia del Sacramento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagena during autumn. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Cartagena receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Colonia del Sacramento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less rain than Cartagenain October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberColonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Cartagena. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Cartagena in the winter. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. In the winter, Colonia del Sacramento often gets less sunshine than Cartagenain January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in July than Cartagenain January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryColonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Cartagena in the Spring?
Both Cartagena and Colonia del Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Cartagena averages at about 28°C (82°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Cartagena. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Colonia del Sacramento. In October, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Cartagenain April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilColonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Colonia del Sacramento
| Colonia del Sacramento | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.