Which place is cheaper, Leon or Colonia del Sacramento?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Leon?
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 Leon can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Leon?
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.
Leon
Leon is one of the oldest city's in Nicaragua and you can see hints of its colonial past in the architecture around town. Tourism is not a major part of the economy in Leon, but the city is gaining popularity with budget travelers and backpackers and more recently tour groups are including Leon in their itinerary.
With a population of just over 200,000, Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua, after Managua. During the university season the population grows dramatically as there is a heavy presence of students in Leon. It is a popular university town, and this young population gives the city plenty of energy and entertainment.
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.
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Colonia del Sacramento Prices
Uruguay PricesLeon Prices
Nicaragua Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColonia del Sacramento $79Leon $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Colonia del Sacramento is $79, while the average daily cost in Leon is $68. 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 Leon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColonia del Sacramento $33Leon $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColonia del Sacramento $66Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Leon
Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento or Leon? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $17Leon $1.50
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
- Private Transfer Colonia to Carmelo (or vice - versa): $290
- Wine Tour to Cerros de San Juan Winery + Lunch & Transfer: $225
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leon:
- San Juan del Sur: One way shared transfer to Leon: $57
- One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
- From San Jorge: One way shared transfer to Leon: $57
- From Granada: One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Colonia del Sacramento or Leon?
Prices for flights to both Leon 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 $31Leon $21
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 Leon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.
- Tlakualli Food Tour: $25
- Cooking Workshop in Nicaragua: $25
- Nicaraguan Food Cooking Workshop & Market Tour: $40
- Cooking Class Private Tour: $55
- Nicaraguan Cooking Class with a Local Family at Leon City: $60
- Leon City: Cooking Class: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $23Leon $5.80
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:
- Promo Walking Tour from April to September: $12
- Walking tour around Colonia del Sacramento Old Town: $17
- Walking Tour to Colonia del Sacramento, english, portuguese german: $20
- Walking Tour in Group in Colonia del Sacramento: $22
- Top-Rated Shared Walking Tour: $22
- Gastronomic Experience: Artisan Wines & Flavors of Uruguay: $24
- Colonia : Tour Barrio Sur UNESCO World Heritage Site with a local guide: $25
- Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
- Historical Walking Tour: $27
- Barrio Sur Tour: Explore Colonia del Sacramento at Sunset: $35
- Guided tour with mate and Martín Fierro dessert, the best of Uruguay: $45
- City Tour Walking and Van Tour: $50
Tours and Activities in Leon
Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $448
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $227
- A Stroll Through León’s Enchanting Streets: Romantic Walking Tour: $246
- Half Day Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $49
- Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- Horseback Riding Private Tour : $120
- Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Leon Colonial City Tour: $39
- Leon Nicaragua City Tour: $122
- Leon city: Walking tour by our landmarks.: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayColonia del Sacramento $5.64Leon $3.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Colonia del Sacramento
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Colonia del Sacramento:
- Cheese and Wine Tasting - Roots of Colonia del Sacramento: $28
- Colonia del Sacramento Private Walking Tour with Cheese and Wine Tasting: $97
- Private Guided Colonia Wine Tour: $190
- Indulge in a Scenic Wine Tour from Colonia to Carmelo : $250
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Leon, we can see that Colonia del Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Leon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Colonia del Sacramento is in South America and Leon 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 Leon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leon 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 Leon.
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 Leon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Leon?
Leon has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and Leon, 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 Leon?
Colonia del Sacramento has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Leon experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Leon in the Summer?
Both Leon and Colonia del Sacramento during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.
Colonia del Sacramento is around the same temperature as Leon in the summer. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Colonia del Sacramento. In the summer, Colonia del Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Leonin July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 175 hours of full sun.
Leon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in January than Leonin July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Leon receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyColonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Leon in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Leon. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Leon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Leon averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
Colonia del Sacramento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leon during autumn. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Leon 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 Leonin October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Leon receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberColonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Leon in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Leon. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.
In July, Colonia del Sacramento is generally much colder than Leonin January. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 12°C (53°F), and Leon fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leon. In the winter, Colonia del Sacramento often gets less sunshine than Leonin January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 244 hours of full sun.
Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in July than Leonin January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Leon receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryColonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F)Leon 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Leon in the Spring?
Both Leon and Colonia del Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Leon in the spring. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Leon fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Leon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leon during spring. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 242 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 Leonin April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Leon receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilColonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F)Leon 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Leon and Colonia del Sacramento
| Colonia del Sacramento | Leon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.