Which place is cheaper, Managua or Colonia del Sacramento?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Managua?
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 Managua can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Managua?
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.
Managua
Managua is the capital, and largest city in Nicaragua. The economy is generally centered around the trade of coffee, cotton, and other types of agriculture. It also is a textile capital for the area. Managua is also a very reasonably priced destination in Central America. Restaurants and hotels are quite affordable and you'll find all kinds of international cuisine around the city. Transportation is also incredibly affordable and you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised at the cost of intercity bus rides.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColonia del Sacramento $68Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Colonia del Sacramento is $68, while the average daily cost in Managua is $55. 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 Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColonia del Sacramento $34Managua $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColonia del Sacramento $68Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento or Managua? 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 and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $17Managua $20
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 Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Colonia del Sacramento or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua 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 $19Managua $17
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $24Managua $16
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 Managua
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Managua.
- 3 full days PRIVATE tour at Granada, Masaya and Leon area from Managua: $210
- Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $88
- Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.: $155
- Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
- Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
- Leon City and Rum Tasting Tour from Managua: $215
- Managua City Tour: $88
- Managua City Tour: $84
- Managua Love Stories: A Romantic Tour: $189
- Managua Love Stories: A Walking Tour: $97
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $164
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $321
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayColonia del Sacramento $5.85Managua $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Managua, we can see that Colonia del Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Colonia del Sacramento is in South America and Managua 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 Managua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Managua 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 Managua.
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 Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and Managua, 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 Managua?
Colonia del Sacramento has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Managua experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Managua in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Managua. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Colonia del Sacramento is around the same temperature as Managua in the summer. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in July.
In Colonia del Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Managua during summer. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
Managua receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less rain than Managuain July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyColonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Managua in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Managua. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
In the autumn, Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Managua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
In the autumn, Colonia del Sacramento often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managuain October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Managua. Colonia del Sacramento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in April than Managuain October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberColonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Managua in the Winter?
Both Managua and Colonia del Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Colonia del Sacramento is generally much colder than Managuain January. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 12°C (53°F), and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Managua. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less sunshine than Managua during winter. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Managuain January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryColonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Managua in the Spring?
Both Managua and Colonia del Sacramento during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Managua in the spring. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.
In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Colonia del Sacramento. In the spring, Colonia del Sacramento often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managuain April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in October than Managuain April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilColonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Colonia del Sacramento
| Colonia del Sacramento | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.