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

Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Lima?

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

Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Lima?

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.

Lima

Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Lima 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 Lima is $77. 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 Lima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Colonia del Sacramento $34
    Lima $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Colonia del Sacramento $68
    Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Lima

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


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 Lima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $17
    Lima $5.73

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $5.43
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.43
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.07

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Lima HTL-APT (LIM): $34
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Lima APT-HTL (LIM) : $34
  • Transfers from / to Lima airport: $43
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Lima Jorge Chávez Airport to Lima City: $40
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Lima City - Lima Airport (LIM): $61
  • Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel or Hotel-Airport!!: $25
  • Transfer from Lima city to the airport: $18
  • The Larco Museum Complete Tour with transfers: $53
  • QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.00
  • QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.00
  • QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores: $5.00
  • Private transfers from Lima Airport or to Lima Airport: $17

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

Prices for flights to both Lima 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
    Lima $18

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 Lima

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.34
  • Ice cream
    $3.53
  • Coffee
    $2.99
  • Donut
    $0.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.

  • Lima Market Food Tour: $33
  • Lima Market Food Tour: $34
  • Lima Market Food Tour - Taste 9 Popular Peruvian Snacks: $35
  • Lima Street Food Tour: $40
  • Lima Street Food Tour: $45
  • Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
  • Lima Food Tour: $45
  • Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
  • Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
  • Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
  • Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
  • Lima Night Food Tour: $48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $24
    Lima $8.66

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
  • Shared City Tour at sunset in Historic Neighborhood: $20
  • Regular City Tour in Portuguese: $25
  • Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
  • Hike at promenade + entry ticket to bullring (Walk 5.5km): $28
  • Shared Boat Tour Experience - Colonia del Sacramento: $43
  • Full gastronomic experience: Uruguayan meat,cheese and wine: $55
  • Historical Walking Tour with Snack: $58
  • Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $58
  • Adventure Sightseeing Bike Tour: $59
  • Experience an typical Uruguayan dish: Chivito & Tannat Wine: $78
  • From Horse Ride Experience: $80

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima

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


  • Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)
    $16
  • Movie Tickets
    $2.31

Tours and Activities in Lima

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

  • Lima in 1 Day! - City Tour + Miraflores, Barranco & San Isidro: $85
  •  Cultural Tour of the city of Lima & Gastronomic: $62
  • 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
  • 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
  • 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $20
  • 2d/1n Tour: Flight to the Nazca, Paracas and Huacachina Lines: $289
  • 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
  • 3-Hour Guided Bicycle Tour in Miraflores: $30
  • 3-Hour Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Lima: $51
  • 360° Panoramic bus - Sightseeing Tour: $27
  • 6-day Tour of Northern Peru: $1,010
  • 6DTour+Hotel Cusco,Sacred Valley,Machupicchu,RainbowMountain: $865

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Colonia del Sacramento $5.85
    Lima $5.63

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.30
  • Beer
    $4.07
  • Cocktail
    $3.26

Sample the Local Flavors in Lima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:

  • Pub Crawl in Lima: $17
  • Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
  • Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
  • Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
  • Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
  • Local Wine Tour: $50
  • Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226


When comparing the travel costs between Colonia del Sacramento and Lima, we can see that Lima 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 Lima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Lima?

Lima has a larger population, and is about 360 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and Lima, 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 Lima?

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

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

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

Colonia del Sacramento is a little warmer than Lima in the summer. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in July.

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 Limain July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.

Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in January than Limain July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Colonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F) 
    Lima 18°C (64°F)

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

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

In the autumn, Colonia del Sacramento is around the same temperature as Lima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Lima averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Colonia del Sacramento. In April, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Limain October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F) 
    Lima 19°C (66°F)

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

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

In July, Colonia del Sacramento is generally much colder than Limain January. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 12°C (53°F), and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In the winter, Colonia del Sacramento often gets less sunshine than Limain January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.

Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in July than Limain January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lima 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) 
    Lima 23°C (73°F)

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

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

Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Lima in the spring. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

In Colonia del Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Lima during spring. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 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 Limain April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F) 
    Lima 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Lima and Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento Lima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)