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

Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Humahuaca?

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

Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Humahuaca?

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.

Humahuaca

Located in the northwest region of Argentina, Humahuaca is a town nearly 3000m high in elevation, found on the border of the rio Grande. It is the largest settlement with the biggest population along the famous quebrada de Humahuaca gorge, but it has managed to keep its authenticity with its cobblestoned streets, adobe houses, quaint plazas filled with inhabitants of Andean traits and handicraft shops. If you have the chance to visit Humahuaca in February, during the carnival, you will appreciate how traditions are kept alive in this part of Argentina. Humahuaca has become a popular tourist destination in Argentina because of its beautiful setting next to the spectacular SerranĂ­a de Hornocal (colored mountains). While most visitors rapidly make their way through Humahuaca before continuing to the other two main Quebrada towns, Pumamarca and Tilcara, some enjoy spending a night or two there. Indeed, the town offers a perfect starting point to visit the region and has a few interesting landmarks not to miss, such as the historic church and Soto Avendano's Independence Monument. If you decide to stay in Humahuaca, remember that nights get chilly and ask the tourist office for any information (in the Cabildo, on the main square, opened Monday to Friday from 7h to 21h and Saturday from 9h to 12h and 13h to 16h and only Sunday mornings).

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Humahuaca 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 Humahuaca is $6.72. 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 Humahuaca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Colonia del Sacramento $34
    Humahuaca $2.41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Colonia del Sacramento $68
    Humahuaca $4.82
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Humahuaca

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


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
    Humahuaca $2.07

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 Humahuaca

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

  • From Salta: 2-Day Cachi and Humahuaca Tour with Transfer: $66

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

Prices for flights to both Humahuaca 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
    Humahuaca $2.63

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
    Humahuaca $2.56

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: $59
  • Historical Walking Tour with Snack: $58
  • Colonia: Private City Tour on Foot (Historic District): $105
  • Experience an typical Uruguayan dish: Chivito & Tannat Wine: $78
  • From Best Private Wine Experience: $185
  • From Horse Ride Experience: $80
  • From Montevideo: Colonia Day Trip & Sightseeing: $150
  • Full Day Birdwatching and Nature Tour: $200

Tours and Activities in Humahuaca

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Humahuaca.

  • Hornocal: Full-Day Tour to the Hill of Seven Colors: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Colonia del Sacramento $5.85
    Humahuaca $1.16

Sample the Local Flavors in Colonia del Sacramento

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

  • Shuttle to Traditional Vineyard with Wine Tasting included: $30


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Humahuaca, we can see that Colonia del Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Humahuaca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Humahuaca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Humahuaca 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 Humahuaca.

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 Humahuaca Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Humahuaca?

Colonia del Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Humahuaca. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and Humahuaca, 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.