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

Should you visit Fortaleza or Colonia del Sacramento?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Colonia del Sacramento can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Fortaleza or Colonia del Sacramento?

Fortaleza

A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.

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.

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


Which place is cheaper, Colonia del Sacramento or Fortaleza?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, while the average daily cost in Colonia del Sacramento is $68. 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 Fortaleza and Colonia del Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fortaleza $30
    Colonia del Sacramento $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fortaleza $60
    Colonia del Sacramento $68
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Colonia del Sacramento

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


Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento


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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Colonia del Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fortaleza $21
    Colonia del Sacramento $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza

Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer to Beach Park: $12
  • Transfer leaving from the Fortaleza waterfront to Beach Park: $8.97
  • Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $29
  • Transfer Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $300
  • Transfer Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $153
  • Transfer 4x4 Regular Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $75
  • Transfer 4 X 4 Fortaleza to Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara to Fortaleza: $240
  • Shared Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $104
  • Shared Transfer from Fortaleza to Cumbuco: $49
  • Shared Transfer from Fortaleza to Aquiraz: $88
  • Shared Airport Transfer to Fortaleza Hotels: $9.58
  • Roundtrip transfer from Pinto Martins Airport to Hotels in Fortaleza: $18

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

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

Prices for flights to both Colonia del Sacramento and Fortaleza 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
    Fortaleza $24
    Colonia del Sacramento $19

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fortaleza $15
    Colonia del Sacramento $24

Tours and Activities in Fortaleza

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.

  • Águas Belas Tour: $15
  • 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
  • Beach Park Full-Day Trip Including Brief Tour of Fortaleza: $35
  • Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $20
  • Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
  • City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $26
  • City-Tour and Fortaleza (central market, cathedral, Fort, Theaters, encetur, P.ferreira: $56
  • Cumbuco Beach Tour: $12
  • Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
  • Fortaleza City Tour : $26
  • Fortaleza Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $31
  • 4-Hour City Car Tour: $266

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:

  • Almacén de la Capilla - Winery Experience at Carmelo: $215
  • Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
  • City Tour Colonia del Sacramento - Uruguay: $90
  • Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $58
  • Adventure Sightseeing Bike Tour: $53
  • Historical Walking Tour with Snack: $58
  • Colonia: Private City Tour on Foot (Historic District): $89
  • Experience an typical Uruguayan dish: Chivito & Tannat Wine: $78
  • From Best Private Wine Experience: $185
  • From Horse Ride Experience: $72
  • From Montevideo: Colonia Day Trip & Sightseeing: $150
  • Full Day Birdwatching and Nature Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fortaleza $9.97
    Colonia del Sacramento $5.85


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


Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Colonia del Sacramento?

Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza and Colonia del Sacramento, 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 Fortaleza or Colonia del Sacramento?

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 Fortaleza or Colonia del Sacramento in the Summer?

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

In January, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Colonia del Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), and Colonia del Sacramento fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Colonia del Sacramento this time of the year. In Fortaleza, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fortaleza usually receives less sunshine than Colonia del Sacramento during summer. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

Fortaleza gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Colonia del Sacramento. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Colonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F)

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

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

Fortaleza is a little warmer than Colonia del Sacramento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Colonia del Sacramento fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Fortaleza often gets less sunshine than Colonia del Sacramento. Fortaleza gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Colonia del Sacramento. Fortaleza receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in April than Colonia del Sacramento. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Fortaleza 27°C (80°F) 
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F)

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

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

In the winter, Fortaleza is much warmer than Colonia del Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fortaleza in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Colonia del Sacramento averages at about 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than Colonia del Sacramento during winter. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Colonia del Sacramento. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Fortaleza 26°C (79°F) 
    Colonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F)

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

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

In October, Fortaleza is generally much warmer than Colonia del Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), and Colonia del Sacramento fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Colonia del Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fortaleza. In the spring, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than Colonia del Sacramento. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 233 hours of full sun.

Colonia del Sacramento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Fortaleza usually gets less rain in October than Colonia del Sacramento. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Colonia del Sacramento and Fortaleza

Fortaleza Colonia del Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 356 mm (14 in) 18°C (65°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 26°C (80°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)