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

Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Santiago?

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

Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Santiago?

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.

Santiago

Santiago is the capital city of Chile. It is centrally located in the long and narrow country, making it a good jumping off point to explore everywhere else. It's convenient location means that you can go skiing in the Andes one day, and hang out at the beach the next.

Santiago has a cool semi-arid climate that is similar to Mediterranean climates. The summers, which are between November and March, are warm and dry. The temperatures climb to around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The winters, between June and August, are humid with cold mornings. The daily highs are around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows stay a few degrees above freezing. Rain is more common in the winter months and the dry season is between December and March.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago 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 Santiago is $141. 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 Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Colonia del Sacramento $34
    Santiago $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Colonia del Sacramento $68
    Santiago $220
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Santiago

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


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 Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $17
    Santiago $5.39

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:


  • Metro Ride
    $1.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • from Santiago airport private arrival transfer to the Valparaiso pier: $251
  • Visit Montes Winery (7th World Best Wine) & Transfer to Hotel: $300
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Santiago APT-HTL (SCL): $51
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Santiago de Chile City - Santiago Airport (SCL): $33
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle Santiago Airport (SCL) - Santiago de Chile City: $33
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Santiago de Chile City - Santiago Airport (SCL): $50
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Santiago Airport (SCL) - Santiago de Chile City: $49
  • Transfer from or to the airport or hotel in Santiago de Chile: $35
  • Transfer from or to the airport in Santiago, Chile: $60
  • Transfer from Valparaiso or San Antonio Port + Condor Watching Tour: $230
  • Transfer from Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski to Santiago: $83
  • Transfer from Santiago to Portillo Ski Center: $160

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

Prices for flights to both Santiago 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
    Santiago $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 Santiago

Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:


  • Empanada
    $1.88
  • Hamburger
    $2.49
  • Dinner
    $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago

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

  • Sunset Winery Tour with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $50
  • Sunset at Alyan Family Wines Winery with Dinner: $97
  • Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
  • Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
  • Santiago City Sightseeing Small-Group Tour by Night Including Dinner: $109
  • Bali Hai Dinner & Show Including Transport: $115
  • Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $117
  • Sunset Alyan + 6 wines + savory board + rustic dinner + dessert: $119
  • Small-Group Night City Tour: San Cristobal Hill and Dinner Show: $120
  • San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
  • Private Tour: Santiago at Night with Dinner and Show: $131

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $24
    Santiago $47

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 Santiago

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:

  • Colchagua Valley Tour & Tasting: $230
  • Experience Wildlife Encounter in Provincia Mountain of Chile.: $235
  • Private Half-Day Guided Tour of the City of Santiago.: $200
  • "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $23
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour of Yungay The Coolest Neighborhood in Chile: $35
  • 4 Hour Santa Rita Winery All inclusive Tour for Wine Lover: $269
  • 4-hour city tour of Santiago in small groups: $80
  • A Private Tour of Valparaiso with an experienced local guide.: $195
  • Adventure and Viewpoints in Cajón del Maipo: $255
  • Andean Horse Ride Yerba Loca Sanctuary - Private tour from Santiago: $240
  • Andean Tour: $158
  • Andes Day Lagoon in Cajón del Maipo & Embalse el Yeso Private Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Colonia del Sacramento $5.79
    Santiago $8.37

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago

Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Premium Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Spanish official: $37
  • Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $44
  • Concha y Toro Ticket and Tour with Wine Tasting: $44
  • Undurraga Wine tour: $63
  • Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $65
  • Half Day Trip to Concha y Toro Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $65
  • Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $68
  • Private Tour: Santa Rita Vineyard with Wine Tastings: $72
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Santiago de Chile: $77
  • From Concha y Toro Marqués Half-Day Wine Tasting: $89
  • Private Tour: Undurraga Vineyard Experience with Premium Wine Tasting: $92
  • half day wine tour to concha y toro from Santiago seasonal offer: $95


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Santiago, we can see that Santiago 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 Santiago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santiago 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 Santiago Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Santiago?

Santiago has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and Santiago, 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 Santiago?

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 Santiago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Santiago.

In the summer, Colonia del Sacramento is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Santiago averages at about 21°C (70°F).

Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in January than Santiago. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Colonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

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

Both Santiago and Colonia del Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In April, Colonia del Sacramento is generally a little warmer than Santiago. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (65°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite rainy in Colonia del Sacramento. In April, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Santiago. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

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

Both Santiago and Colonia del Sacramento during the winter are popular places to visit.

Colonia del Sacramento is a little warmer than Santiago in the winter. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Colonia del Sacramento usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Santiago. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Colonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Santiago.

In the spring, Colonia del Sacramento is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Colonia del Sacramento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Santiago. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 75 mm (3 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)