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

Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Ocho Rios?

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 Ocho Rios can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Ocho Rios?

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.

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios, or "Ochi" is a town located on the northeastern shore of Jamaica and is a popular hub for cruise ships. It is a great destination for tourists as it has many resorts and beautiful beaches.

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


Which place is cheaper, Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Colonia del Sacramento $34
    Ocho Rios $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Colonia del Sacramento $68
    Ocho Rios $104
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Ocho Rios

Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento or Ocho Rios? 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 Ocho Rios


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 Ocho Rios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $17
    Ocho Rios $7.60

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 Ocho Rios

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

  • Shuttle Transfer From Montego Bay Airport - Runaway Bay: $24
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $125
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $228
  • Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $50
  • Riu Ocho Rios Private Airport Transfer: $80
  • Relaxing Montego Bay To Ducanon and Juwel Runaway Bay Transfer: $27
  • Private Transfer to Yaaman Adventure Park from Ocho Rios: $60
  • Private Transfer to White River Tubing Ocho Rios: $40
  • Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
  • Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $27
  • Private Transfer to Beach Horse Back Ride and Swim: $40
  • Private Transfer from Ocho Rios to Sangster Airport MBJ: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Colonia del Sacramento or Ocho Rios?

Prices for flights to both Ocho Rios 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
    Ocho Rios $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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ocho Rios

For Ocho Rios, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • From Flavors of Jamaica Guided Food Tour: $89
  • Taste of Jamaica Farm & Food Tour: $98
  • Private Hillside Cooking Class Jamaican Style with Pickup : $104
  • Ocho Ros: Hillside Cooking Class, Jamaican Style: $130
  • Taste of Jamaica Food Tour: $140
  • The Jamaica School of Cooking and Ocho Rios Highlights Tour: $141
  • Ocho Rios Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $24
    Ocho Rios $15

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios

For Ocho Rios, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate
    $11
  • Admission to Coyaba Gardens
    $5.47
  • Tour of Prospect Plantation
    $18

Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios

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

  • Authentic Jamaican Bamboo Rafting Tour from Runaway Bay: $194
  • Black River Safari & YS Falls Tour from Runaway Bay: $285
  • Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour from Ocho Rios: $77
  • Full-Day Tour to Blue Hole Falls with Horseback Ride from Montego Bay: $220
  • Private Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios : $30
  • Shopping Tour From Runaway Bay Hotels : $65
  • ATV AdVENTURE FROM OCHO RIOS : $190
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting and Horseback Riding Experience in Ocho Rios: $275
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting, Horseback Ride Guided Tour from Montego Bay: $135
  • All day Tour of Ocho Rios : $200
  • Bamboo Rafting in Ocho Rios Private Experience: $207
  • Bamboo Rafting on the Lethe great/river(:),tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Colonia del Sacramento $5.85
    Ocho Rios $7.71


When comparing the travel costs between Colonia del Sacramento and Ocho Rios, we can see that Ocho Rios 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. Even though Colonia del Sacramento is in South America and Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Ocho Rios Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Ocho Rios?

Colonia del Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and Ocho Rios, 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 Ocho Rios?

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

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Ocho Rios in the Summer?

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

In January, Colonia del Sacramento is generally cooler than Ocho Riosin July. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 25°C (77°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In Colonia del Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Ocho Rios during summer. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Ocho Riosin July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Colonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F) 
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Ocho Rios in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Ocho Rios. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year.

Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Ocho Rios in the autumn. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Colonia del Sacramento often gets less sunshine than Ocho Riosin October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 229 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ocho Rios. Colonia del Sacramento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in April than Ocho Riosin October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F) 
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Ocho Rios in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Ocho Rios. Typically, the winter temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Ocho Rios averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less sunshine than Ocho Rios during winter. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Ocho Rios receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Ocho Riosin January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Colonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Ocho Rios in the Spring?

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

In October, Colonia del Sacramento is generally cooler than Ocho Riosin April. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (64°F), and Ocho Rios fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Ocho Rios, 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 Ocho Riosin April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ocho Rios receives 251 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 Ocho Riosin April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Ocho Rios receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F) 
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Ocho Rios and Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento Ocho Rios
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)