Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas?
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 Punta Arenas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Punta Arenas?
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.
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.
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Colonia del Sacramento Prices
Uruguay PricesPunta Arenas Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColonia del Sacramento $79Punta Arenas $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Colonia del Sacramento is $79, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $79. 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 Punta Arenas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColonia del Sacramento $33Punta Arenas $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColonia del Sacramento $66Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Punta Arenas
Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento or Punta Arenas? 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 Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $17Punta Arenas $1.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colonia del Sacramento
Also for Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Colonia to Carmelo (or vice - versa): $290
- Wine Tour to Cerros de San Juan Winery + Lunch & Transfer: $225
- Colonia Port Terminal Private Transfer : $15
- Colonia Bus Terminal Private Transfer : $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales: $267
- Transfer Airport Punta Arenas : $30
- Oneway Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport to Punta Arenas: $37
Is it cheaper to fly into Colonia del Sacramento or Punta Arenas?
Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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 $31Punta Arenas $36
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 Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $23Punta Arenas $6.44
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:
- Barrio Sur Tour: Explore Colonia del Sacramento at Sunset: $35
- Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
- Candombe in Colonia: an immersive experience with the local community: $75
- City Tour Colonia del Sacramento - Uruguay: $90
- City tour by vehicle throughout the city and visit to the Plaza de Toros.: $80
- Colonia : Tour Barrio Sur UNESCO World Heritage Site with a local guide: $25
- Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $68
- City Tour Walking and Van Tour: $50
- Guided City Tour: $59
- Historical Walking Tour: $27
- Small Group City Tour: $60
- Top-Rated Shared Walking Tour: $22
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Cruises Shore Excursions : City tour Cruises Regular: $70
- For Cruise-ship passengers: Magdalena Island (Penguins): $200
- Fuerte Bulnes Shore Tour for Cruisers in Punta Arenas: $80
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
- Guided Tour of Punta Arenas and Fort Bulnes: $300
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $154
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $154
- Magallanes National Reserve and Punta Arenas City Tour: $165
- Magdalena Island Penguin Boat Tour and Marta Island: $165
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $160
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayColonia del Sacramento $5.64Punta Arenas $4.86
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.33
When comparing the travel costs between Colonia del Sacramento and Punta Arenas, we can see that Colonia del Sacramento 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 Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Punta Arenas?
Punta Arenas has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Punta Arenas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Punta Arenas.
In January, Colonia del Sacramento is generally much warmer than Punta Arenas. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 25°C (77°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas during summer. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryColonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F)Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Punta Arenas.
Colonia del Sacramento is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In the autumn, Colonia del Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenas. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun.
Colonia del Sacramento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in April than Punta Arenas. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilColonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Punta Arenas in the Winter?
Both Punta Arenas and Colonia del Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Punta Arenas. In the winter, Colonia del Sacramento is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 1°C (35°F).
Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during winter. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyColonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F)Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Punta Arenas in the Spring?
Both Punta Arenas and Colonia del Sacramento during the spring are popular places to visit.
In October, Colonia del Sacramento is generally much warmer than Punta Arenas. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (64°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
It's quite sunny in Colonia del Sacramento. In the spring, Colonia del Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenas. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 183 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 Punta Arenas. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberColonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Colonia del Sacramento
| Colonia del Sacramento | Punta Arenas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 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.