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

Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Vieques Island?

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 Vieques Island can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Vieques Island?

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.

Vieques Island

Amidst the melodious chorus of coqui frogs and gentle whispers of palm trees blowing in an evening breeze, you will find that the waters around you glow just as brightly as the stars above. This tropical paradise is none other than Vieques, Puerto Rico. Tropical forests, bioluminescent bays, coral reefs--this island attracts visitors from all around the world who seek to see the wonders and beauties of the tropics. This island suits those from all walks of life, from history buffs seeking to learn about its unique past to nature-lovers wanting to admire its untouched wilderness. Vieques is the place for a perfect vacation!

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Vieques Island, we can see that Vieques Island is more expensive. And not only is Colonia del Sacramento much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Colonia del Sacramento is in South America and Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Vieques Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Vieques Island?

Colonia del Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento and Vieques Island, 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 Vieques Island?

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

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Vieques Island in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Vieques Island. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Vieques Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 29°C (83°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island during summer. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Vieques Islandin July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Vieques Island. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

In April, Colonia del Sacramento is generally much colder than Vieques Islandin October. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (65°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. In the autumn, Colonia del Sacramento often gets less sunshine than Vieques Islandin October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vieques Island. Colonia del Sacramento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in April than Vieques Islandin October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Vieques Island in the Winter?

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

Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Vieques Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during winter. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Vieques Islandin January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Vieques Island in the Spring?

Both Vieques Island and Colonia del Sacramento during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.

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

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Colonia del Sacramento. In the spring, Colonia del Sacramento often gets less sunshine than Vieques Islandin April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in October than Vieques Islandin April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Colonia del Sacramento