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

Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Granada?

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

Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Granada?

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.

Granada

Granada is Nicaragua's oldest colonial city, and arguably, the most beautiful city in the country. It sits on the northern edge of Lake Nicaragua (Lago Cocibolca) and has many beautifully colored buildings and nice churches. The city's beauty and colonial architecture, along with its relative safety and accessibility, make it one of Nicaragua's top tourist destinations. The city has long been a center for commerce, but today its economy depends heavily on tourism. The city is the sixth largest in Nicaragua and a real estate boom in the early 2000's brought a large number of expats to the town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Granada 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 Granada is $40. 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 Granada in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Colonia del Sacramento $34
    Granada $17
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Colonia del Sacramento $68
    Granada $34
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Granada

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


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 Granada Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $17
    Granada $8.57

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 Granada

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Granada:

  • One-Way Private Transfer From/To Airport or Hotels in Granada: $80

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

Prices for flights to both Granada 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
    Granada $14

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 Granada

Some typical examples of dining costs in Granada are as follows:


  • Pizza
    $2.29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $24
    Granada $10

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
  • 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
  • From Horse Ride Experience: $72

Typical Entertainment Prices in Granada

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Granada are as follows:


  • Lago de Nicaragua Boat Tour
    $8.17

Tours and Activities in Granada

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

  • Bird Watching Tour: $90
  • Boat Tour and Granada City Tour: $120
  • Charming Granada Outdoor "Private Tour" : $92
  • Experience Granadas Best Sights Carriage ride + Local Guide: $65
  • Fabulous Night Tour in Masaya Volcano from Granada: $158
  • From Full-Day Tour to 6 Attractions with Lunch incl: $125
  • Full Day Tour Isletas + Pueblos Blancos + Laguna from Granada: $120
  • Full Day Tour in Granada with Volcano Visit: $224
  • Full-Day Tour: Masaya Volcano, Art Market and White Villages: $60
  • Granada City Tour: $40
  • Granada Colonial City Tour and Masaya Volcano: $130
  • Granada Kayak Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Colonia del Sacramento $5.85
    Granada $7.50

Typical Alcohol Prices in Granada

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Granada:


  • Tequila
    $1.36


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Granada, we can see that Colonia del Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Granada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Colonia del Sacramento is in South America and Granada is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Granada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Granada 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 Granada.

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 Granada Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Granada?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and Granada, 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 Granada?

Colonia del Sacramento has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Granada experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

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

The summer brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Granada. The warm climate attracts visitors to Granada throughout the year.

In January, Colonia del Sacramento is generally around the same temperature as Granadain July. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 25°C (77°F), and Granada fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Colonia del Sacramento this time of the year. In the summer, Colonia del Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Granadain July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 175 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Granada. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in January than Granadain July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Granada receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Colonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F) 
    Granada 27°C (81°F)

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

Both Granada and Colonia del Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Granada because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Granada in the autumn. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Granada fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

Colonia del Sacramento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Granada during autumn. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Granada. It's quite rainy in Colonia del Sacramento. In April, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less rain than Granadain October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Granada receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F) 
    Granada 27°C (81°F)

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

Both Granada and Colonia del Sacramento during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Granada year-round.

In the winter, Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Granada. Typically, the winter temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Granada averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Colonia del Sacramento often gets less sunshine than Granadain January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 244 hours of full sun.

Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in July than Granadain January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Granada receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Colonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F) 
    Granada 26°C (79°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Granada. Granada attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Colonia del Sacramento is generally much colder than Granadain April. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (64°F), and Granada fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In Colonia del Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Granada during spring. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.

Colonia del Sacramento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Granadain April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Granada receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F) 
    Granada 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Granada and Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento Granada
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)