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

Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Rio de Janeiro?

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 Rio de Janeiro can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Rio de Janeiro?

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.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro 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 $67, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $109. 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 Rio de Janeiro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Colonia del Sacramento $34
    Rio de Janeiro $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Colonia del Sacramento $68
    Rio de Janeiro $136
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Rio de Janeiro

Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento or Rio de Janeiro? 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 Rio de Janeiro


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 Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $17
    Rio de Janeiro $8.23

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.03

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Visit to Madureira Park in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $66
  • Two Brothers Trail- one of the best views of Rio (transfer is included): $57
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (SDU): $25
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (GIG): $52
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Rio de Janeiro HTL-APT (SDU): $25
  • Transfer service to / from Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) and Zona Sul: $18
  • Transfer service from/to Rio de Janeiro-Embarkation for Ilha Grande: $90
  • Transfer service from / to Rio de Janeiro / Paraty: $101
  • Transfer service from / to Rio - Barra da Tijuca Airports: $26
  • Transfer service from / to Porto Maravilha - Zona Sul: $19
  • Transfer service from / to International Airport (GIG) - Zona Sul: $22
  • Transfer service from / to Buzios / Arraial do Cabo / Cabo Frio: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Colonia del Sacramento or Rio de Janeiro?

Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro 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
    Rio de Janeiro $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

Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:


  • Popcorn
    $0.61
  • Corn on the Cob
    $0.81
  • Hamburger
    $1.01

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.

  • Waterfront Dinner and Live Music in Rio de Janeiro: $41
  • Waterfront Dinner & Live Music Experience: $47
  • Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $74
  • Feijoada Food Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Hotel pick-up and drop-off: $80
  • 9-Recipes Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class with Market Tour: $85
  • Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
  • Copacabana Local Street Bars Food Tour: $92
  • Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local - All Included: $99
  • Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $108
  • Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $114
  • Rio Scenarium: Fast Track Entrance, Dinner & Open Bar: $115
  • Brazilian Cooking Class: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $24
    Rio de Janeiro $22

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: $13
  • Goup Walking Tour - Spanish Only: $20
  • Shared City Tour at sunset in Historic Neighborhood: $20
  • Regular City Tour in Portuguese: $25
  • 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
  • Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $58
  • Adventure Sightseeing Bike Tour: $59
  • Historical Walking Tour with Snack: $63
  • Experience an typical Uruguayan dish: Chivito & Tannat Wine: $78
  • From Horse Ride Experience: $80

Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro

Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $51
  • Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
  • (Copy of) Maracanã Stadium Football Ticket & Guide: $291
  • 03 - Guided Tour to the Grande Rio Academics Barracão: $120
  • 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $103
  • 10-hour Private Tour Rio In One Day: Christ, Sugarloaf, Selarón, Downtown: $260
  • 14 - Guided Tour to Quadra Do Salgueiro with Samba Show: $75
  • 15 - Guided Tour to Santa Marta Favela: $150
  • 16 - Guided Tour to Favela da Rocinha: $75
  • 19 - Guided Tour to the Museum of Tomorrow and Olympic Boulevard: $90
  • 2 Days in Rio: Tijuca Forest & Two Brothers Hiking Tours: $287
  • 2 Hours Paradisiac Sailboat Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $287

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Colonia del Sacramento $5.79
    Rio de Janeiro $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $33
  • Pub Crawl in Lapa: $35
  • Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $35
  • Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
  • Walking tour + Pub crawl in Lapa: $42
  • Petropolis Bohemia: Historic tour and visit to the Bohemian Brewery: $57
  • Petropolis City Tour + Bohemia Brewery + Lunch: $77
  • Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
  • Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $110
  • Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $125
  • Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $134


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Colonia del Sacramento much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Colonia del Sacramento would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Colonia del Sacramento 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 Rio de Janeiro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rio de Janeiro than you might in Colonia del Sacramento.

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 Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Colonia del Sacramento during the summer are popular places to visit.

In January, Colonia del Sacramento is generally around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 25°C (77°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in January than Rio de Janeiro. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Colonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Rio de Janeiro.

Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Rio de Janeiro.

In the winter, Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F).

Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in July than Rio de Janeiro. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Colonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Colonia del Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In October, Colonia del Sacramento is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (64°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Colonia del Sacramento. In October, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiro. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento Rio de Janeiro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 75 mm (3 in) 22°C (72°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)