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

Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Grand Cayman?

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 Grand Cayman can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Grand Cayman?

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.

Grand Cayman

When people think of the Cayman Islands, they typically think of offshore bank accounts and sunny, cruise ship ports. Grand Cayman has more to offer travelers than a playground for the wealthy or a short stopover for cruise passengers. This tropical island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, it is a shopper's heaven, a center for global finance and an ideal vacation spot.

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


Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman is $214. 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 Grand Cayman in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Colonia del Sacramento $34
    Grand Cayman $150
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Colonia del Sacramento $68
    Grand Cayman $300
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Grand Cayman

Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento or Grand Cayman? 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 Grand Cayman


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 Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $17
    Grand Cayman $31

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 Grand Cayman

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

  • Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53
  • Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
  • Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
  • Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
  • George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
  • George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
  • Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Colonia del Sacramento or Grand Cayman?

Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman 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
    Grand Cayman $39

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 $24
    Grand Cayman $41

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

Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman

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

  • Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
  • Cayman Adventure: Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Gardens: $99
  • Cayman Crystal Caves & Pedro St James Castle Tour in Grand Cayman: $179
  • Cayman Crystal Caves Tour in Grand Cayman Island: $126
  • Cayman's Classic Food Tasting & Cultural Experience: $179
  • East End Activities and Tour in Grand Cayman: $158
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $275
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $262
  • Grand Cayman - Bioluminescent Bay Tour: $95
  • Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
  • Grand Cayman Reef & Stingray City Snorkeling Adventure: $159
  • West Island Guided Tour with Entry Tickets: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Colonia del Sacramento $5.85
    Grand Cayman $13

Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman

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


  • Beer
    $4.97

Sample the Local Flavors in Grand Cayman

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Grand Cayman:

  • Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass Ticket Only: $24


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Grand Cayman, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Colonia del Sacramento much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Colonia del Sacramento is in South America and Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands, 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 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 Grand Cayman would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Grand Cayman?

Grand Cayman has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and Grand Cayman, 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 Grand Cayman?

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

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Grand Cayman in the Summer?

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

In January, Colonia del Sacramento is generally cooler than Grand Caymanin July. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 25°C (77°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. In January, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less rain than Grand Caymanin July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Colonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F) 
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?

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

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

Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in April than Grand Caymanin October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Grand Cayman in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Grand Cayman. Typically, the winter temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 24°C (76°F)in January.

In July, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Grand Caymanin January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Colonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F) 
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Grand Cayman in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Grand Cayman. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.

In October, Colonia del Sacramento is generally cooler than Grand Caymanin April. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (64°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Colonia del Sacramento receives a lot of rain in the spring. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in October than Grand Caymanin April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F) 
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento Grand Cayman
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)