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

Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Valdivia?

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

Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Valdivia?

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.

Valdivia

Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.

When comparing the travel costs between Colonia del Sacramento and Valdivia, we can see that Valdivia 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 Valdivia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Valdivia?

Valdivia has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?

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 Valdivia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Valdivia.

Colonia del Sacramento is much warmer than Valdivia in the summer. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Valdivia fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valdivia this time of the year. In Colonia del Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valdivia during summer. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Valdivia. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Valdivia.

In the autumn, Colonia del Sacramento is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Valdivia averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Colonia del Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Valdivia. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 132 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Valdivia. Colonia del Sacramento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in April than Valdivia. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

In July, Colonia del Sacramento is generally much warmer than Valdivia. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 12°C (53°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during winter. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 66 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. In July, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less rain than Valdivia. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Valdivia and Colonia del Sacramento during the spring are popular places to visit.

Colonia del Sacramento is much warmer than Valdivia in the spring. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Colonia del Sacramento. In the spring, Colonia del Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Valdivia. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in October than Valdivia. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Valdivia and Colonia del Sacramento