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

Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or San Ignacio?

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 San Ignacio can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or San Ignacio?

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.

San Ignacio

So you want a tropical getaway, but also don't want to lay around with nothing to do. You want an adventure! You want relaxation and exploration.

You want to visit the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.

This section of the Cayo region is really more of a jungle than a typical Belize beach getaway. Located close the ancient Mayan ruins on the western and inland side of Belize, this town is most popular for its many outdoor adventures including hiking, climbing, and caving!

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


Which place is cheaper, San Ignacio 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 San Ignacio is $72. 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 San Ignacio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Colonia del Sacramento $34
    San Ignacio $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Colonia del Sacramento $68
    San Ignacio $38
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and San Ignacio

Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento or San Ignacio? 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 San Ignacio


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 San Ignacio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $17
    San Ignacio $3.11

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:

  • San Ignacio Hotel to Belize City Transfer: $20
  • From Van Transfer To Flores Peten in Guatemala: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Colonia del Sacramento or San Ignacio?

Prices for flights to both San Ignacio 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
    San Ignacio $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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Ignacio

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

  • Xunantunich & Food Tour with local chocolate experience: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $24
    San Ignacio $100

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: $15
  • Goup Walking Tour - Spanish Only: $18
  • Shared City Tour at sunset in Historic Neighborhood: $20
  • Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
  • Hike at promenade + entry ticket to bullring (Walk 5.5km): $28
  • Winery tour with shared transport and tasting included: $38
  • Shared Boat Tour Experience - Colonia del Sacramento: $43
  • Adventure Sightseeing Bike Tour: $53
  • Full gastronomic experience: Uruguayan meat,cheese and wine: $55
  • Historical Walking Tour with Snack: $58
  • Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $58
  • From Horse Ride Experience: $72

Tours and Activities in San Ignacio

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

  • ATV Excursions in Cayo with Waterfalls Experience: $174
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic: $125
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour from San Ignacio : $125
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal with Local Tour guide & Belizean Lunch: $120
  • Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $90
  • Caracol Maya Ruins Tour Including Rio On Pools, Rio Frio Cave and a Picnic Lunch: $125
  • Cave Canoeing with Local Tour Guide: $80
  • Cave Tubing Adventure at Nohoch Che'en and Jaguar Paw : $115
  • Cave Tubing and Zip line Adventure from San Ignacio: $144
  • Cave Tubing with local tour Guide and Belizean Lunch: $90
  • Deluxe Cave Tubing combo Adventure: $125
  • Farm Ride plus Xunantunich tour: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Colonia del Sacramento $5.85
    San Ignacio $17


When comparing the travel costs between Colonia del Sacramento and San Ignacio, we can see that San Ignacio 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 San Ignacio is in Central America, 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 San Ignacio Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or San Ignacio?

Colonia del Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of San Ignacio. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and San Ignacio, 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 San Ignacio?

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

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or San Ignacio in the Summer?

Both San Ignacio and Colonia del Sacramento during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Ignacio year-round.

In the summer, Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than San Ignacio. Typically, the summer temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in January average around 25°C (77°F), and San Ignacio averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.

In San Ignacio, 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 San Ignacioin July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Ignacio receives 226 hours of full sun.

San Ignacio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in January than San Ignacioin July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Colonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F) 
    San Ignacio 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or San Ignacio in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and San Ignacio. San Ignacio attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Colonia del Sacramento is generally cooler than San Ignacioin October. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (65°F), and San Ignacio fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Colonia del Sacramento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Ignacio during autumn. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while San Ignacio receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Ignacio 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 San Ignacioin October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F) 
    San Ignacio 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or San Ignacio in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as San Ignacio. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Ignacio throughout the year.

Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than San Ignacio in the winter. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and San Ignacio fluctuates around 24°C (74°F)in January.

In the winter, Colonia del Sacramento often gets less sunshine than San Ignacioin January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Ignacio receives 199 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Ignacio. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in July than San Ignacioin January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Colonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F) 
    San Ignacio 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or San Ignacio in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than San Ignacio. Typically, the spring temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in October average around 18°C (64°F), and San Ignacio averages at about 27°C (80°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in San Ignacio. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less sunshine than San Ignacio during spring. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while San Ignacio receives 256 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Colonia del Sacramento. In October, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than San Ignacioin April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F) 
    San Ignacio 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for San Ignacio and Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento San Ignacio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 243 mm (9.6 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 25°C (76°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)