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

Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Salvador?

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

Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Salvador?

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.

Salvador

Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of Brazil, founded by the Portuguese in 1549. Also known as "Brazil's capital of happiness," Salvador is famous for its plentiful and spirited street festivals. The third most populous city in Brazil, Salvador is also well-known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and Portuguese colonial architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Salvador 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 Salvador is $45. 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 Salvador in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Colonia del Sacramento $34
    Salvador $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Colonia del Sacramento $68
    Salvador $50
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Salvador

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


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 Salvador Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $17
    Salvador $6.21

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 Salvador

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Salvador:


  • Bus from Airport
    $1.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Salvador HTL-APT(SSA): $66
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Salvador APT-HTL(SSA): $66
  • Transfers: Airport, Hotels, Maritime Terminals, Bus Station.: $24
  • Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $291
  • Transfer: Salvador to/from Praia do Forte/Guarajuba: $62
  • Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $131
  • Transfer to Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte or Bahia: $44
  • Transfer roundtrip in Salvador with Historical City Tour: $66
  • Transfer in Salvador: $144
  • Transfer from Salvador Airport to North Coast of Bahia: $103
  • Transfer between Salvador Airport and Costa do Sauipe: $96
  • Transfer Vila Galé Mares (Guarajuba) - Executive Van - Private: $123

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

Prices for flights to both Salvador 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
    Salvador $13

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 Salvador

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:


  • Dinner for 2
    $1.41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador

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

  • Bahia Noite - Folkloric Show and Dinner, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $68
  • 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
  • Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $104
  • Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $110
  • Private Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience!: $113
  • Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $130
  • Private Cooking Experience with local in Salvador: $130
  • Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $156
  • Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $24
    Salvador $5.86

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 Salvador

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

  • Afro-Brazilian Roots city Tour in Salvador with lunch at Favela: $150
  • Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador": $104
  • Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Bike Rentals and Bike Tours: $144
  • Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $160
  • Candomblé Ceremony Tour from Salvador: $80
  • Candomblé Cerimony Tour: $62
  • Candomble Religion Mysteries Private Tour in Salvador: $80
  • City Tour in Salvador Discover the first capital of Brazil: $144
  • Costa de Camaçari Beach and Praia Tour: $132
  • Cruise Ship Special Private Tour Salvador da Bahia Historic Old Town Bonfim and Barra: $154
  • Culinary Traditions Tour: $180

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Colonia del Sacramento $5.79
    Salvador $5.56

Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:


  • Beers for 2
    $1.41
  • Drinks
    $2.83

Sample the Local Flavors in Salvador

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salvador:

  • Tropical Night Samba Drinks Pub crawl in Salvador: $72


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Salvador, we can see that Colonia del Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Salvador would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salvador 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 Salvador.

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 Salvador Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Salvador?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and Salvador, 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 Salvador?

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 Salvador in the Summer?

Both Salvador and Colonia del Sacramento during the summer are popular places to visit.

In January, Colonia del Sacramento is generally around the same temperature as Salvador. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 25°C (77°F), and Salvador fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Salvador, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Colonia del Sacramento. In the summer, Colonia del Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Salvador. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salvador receives 246 hours of full sun.

Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in January than Salvador. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Colonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F) 
    Salvador 27°C (81°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Salvador.

Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Salvador in the autumn. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Salvador fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Colonia del Sacramento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Salvador during autumn. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Salvador receives 190 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Salvador 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 Salvador. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F) 
    Salvador 26°C (80°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Salvador.

In the winter, Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Salvador. Typically, the winter temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Salvador averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In the winter, Colonia del Sacramento often gets less sunshine than Salvador. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salvador receives 181 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Salvador. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in July than Salvador. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Colonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F) 
    Salvador 24°C (75°F)

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

Both Salvador 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 Salvador. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (64°F), and Salvador fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Salvador. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Salvador during spring. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Salvador receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. It's quite rainy in Colonia del Sacramento. In October, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives around the same amount of rain as Salvador. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Salvador receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F) 
    Salvador 26°C (78°F)

Typical Weather for Salvador and Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento Salvador
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (80°F) 310 mm (12.2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 26°C (78°F) 360 mm (14.2 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 75 mm (3 in) 25°C (76°F) 244 mm (9.6 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (80°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)