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

Should you visit Mar del Plata or Colonia del Sacramento?

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 Mar del Plata and Colonia del Sacramento can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Colonia del Sacramento?

Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata is found only 404 km southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, on the Atlantic coast. Today Mar Del Plata is Argentina‘s most well known beach resort. It has successfully married the two worlds of beach and city into a fun, cosmopolitan urban center with the presence of highly developed tourist infrastructure. Founded in 1874, Mar del Plata was at first mainly an industrial and commercial center before becoming a vacation destination for Argentinians. For a peaceful trip and intimate oceanfront promenades, avoid visiting Mar del Plata during summer time, as the gorgeous arced coastline will be crawling with visitors. But the city is more than just beaches. It also offers some culture, lively nightlife, and great food.

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 Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Argentina, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mar del Plata and Colonia del Sacramento, we can see that Colonia del Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Mar del Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mar del Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mar del Plata 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 Colonia del Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Colonia del Sacramento than you might in Mar del Plata.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mar del Plata Expensive? and Is Colonia del Sacramento Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Colonia del Sacramento?

Mar del Plata has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata or Colonia del Sacramento in the Summer?

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

Mar del Plata is cooler than Colonia del Sacramento in the summer. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 20°C (69°F) in January, 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 Mar del Plata, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mar del Plata usually receives less sunshine than Colonia del Sacramento during summer. Mar del Plata gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than Colonia del Sacramento. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Colonia del Sacramento in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Mar del Plata is cooler than Colonia del Sacramento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mar del Plata in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Colonia del Sacramento averages at about 18°C (65°F).

It's quite rainy in Colonia del Sacramento. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in April than Colonia del Sacramento. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Colonia del Sacramento in the Winter?

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

In July, Mar del Plata is generally cooler than Colonia del Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 9°C (47°F), and Colonia del Sacramento fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In July, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Colonia del Sacramento. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Colonia del Sacramento in the Spring?

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

Mar del Plata is cooler than Colonia del Sacramento in the spring. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Colonia del Sacramento fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Colonia del Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Mar del Plata often gets less sunshine than Colonia del Sacramento. Mar del Plata gets 175 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. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in October than Colonia del Sacramento. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Colonia del Sacramento and Mar del Plata