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

Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Florianopolis?

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 Florianopolis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Florianopolis?

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.

Florianopolis

With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.

Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.


Which place is cheaper, Florianopolis or Colonia del Sacramento?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Colonia del Sacramento is $68, while the average daily cost in Florianopolis is $62. 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 Florianopolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Colonia del Sacramento $34
    Florianopolis $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Colonia del Sacramento $68
    Florianopolis $52
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Florianopolis

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


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 Florianopolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $17
    Florianopolis $13

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis

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

  • Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $78
  • Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
  • Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
  • Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
  • Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $84
  • Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
  • Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
  • One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
  • Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14
  • Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $40

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

Prices for flights to both Florianopolis 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 $19
    Florianopolis $22

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

Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis

For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • A Quick Snack
    $0.44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $24
    Florianopolis $26

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:

  • Almacén de la Capilla - Winery Experience at Carmelo: $215
  • Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
  • City Tour Colonia del Sacramento - Uruguay: $90
  • Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $58
  • Adventure Sightseeing Bike Tour: $53
  • Historical Walking Tour with Snack: $58
  • Colonia: Private City Tour on Foot (Historic District): $89
  • Experience an typical Uruguayan dish: Chivito & Tannat Wine: $78
  • From Best Private Wine Experience: $185
  • From Horse Ride Experience: $72
  • From Montevideo: Colonia Day Trip & Sightseeing: $150
  • Full Day Birdwatching and Nature Tour: $200

Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Internet
    $0.59

Tours and Activities in Florianopolis

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

  • Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
  • Bike Tour in Florianopolis - Sunset, Photography and History: $70
  • Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
  • Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
  • Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
  • Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
  • Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $32
  • Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
  • Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $42
  • Mountain biking experiences in Florianópolis: $58
  • Private Day Tour: Florianópolis Island with Professional Pictures: $154
  • Private South Island Beaches and Lagoons Tour: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Colonia del Sacramento $5.85
    Florianopolis $8.68

Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.59


When comparing the travel costs between Colonia del Sacramento and Florianopolis, we can see that Colonia del Sacramento is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Florianopolis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Florianopolis?

Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and Florianopolis, 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 Florianopolis?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Florianopolis in the Summer?

Both Florianopolis and Colonia del Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In the summer, Colonia del Sacramento is around the same temperature as Florianopolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Florianopolis averages at about 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Florianopolis during summer. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Florianopolis receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Florianopolis. In January, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less rain than Florianopolis. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Colonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F) 
    Florianopolis 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Florianopolis in the Autumn?

Both Florianopolis and Colonia del Sacramento during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In April, Colonia del Sacramento is generally cooler than Florianopolis. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (65°F), and Florianopolis fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In the autumn, Colonia del Sacramento often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florianopolis. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florianopolis receives 179 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Florianopolis. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F) 
    Florianopolis 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Florianopolis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Florianopolis.

Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Florianopolis in the winter. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Florianopolis fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less sunshine than Florianopolis during winter. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Florianopolis receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less rain than Florianopolis. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Colonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F) 
    Florianopolis 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Florianopolis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Florianopolis.

In the spring, Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Florianopolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Florianopolis averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Colonia del Sacramento this time of the year. In the spring, Colonia del Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Florianopolis. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florianopolis receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Florianopolis. Colonia del Sacramento receives a lot of rain in the spring. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Florianopolis. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Florianopolis receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F) 
    Florianopolis 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Florianopolis and Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento Florianopolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 25°C (76°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (67°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 75 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 95 mm (3.8 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)