A Travel Price Comparison for Uruguay Montevideo vs. Colonia del Sacramento for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Montevideo 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 Montevideo 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: Montevideo or Colonia del Sacramento?

Montevideo

As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Colonia del Sacramento or Montevideo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $63, while the average daily cost in Colonia del Sacramento is $67. 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 Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $39
    Colonia del Sacramento $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $78
    Colonia del Sacramento $68
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Montevideo 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 Montevideo


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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and Colonia del Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montevideo $7.23
    Colonia del Sacramento $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

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

  • Transfer in private vehicle from Punta del Este to Montevideo Carrasco Airport: $192
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo City - Montevideo Airport (MVD): $21
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Carrasco Airport to Punta del Este: $192
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $21
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $20
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
  • Transfer from Carrasco International Aiport to Montevideo: $45
  • TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
  • Roundtrip transfer private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo: $43
  • Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $73
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $27

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 Montevideo or Colonia del Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo 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
    Montevideo $13
    Colonia del Sacramento $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
  • El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango & Folklore in Montevideo: $98
  • Montevideo private city tour with dinner included and tango show: $200

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.
    Montevideo $20
    Colonia del Sacramento $24

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

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

  • Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
  • Punta del Este, City Tour from Montevideo: $140
  • Afternoon/Night Tour In Montevideo Personalized Boys Groups!!: $75
  • Best City Tour for Cruisers: $160
  • Best City Tour, convenience, security and value in a personalized tour: $160
  • Best Private & Personalized Tour of Montevideo: $185
  • Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
  • Best Private Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $225
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $100
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers : $100
  • Castillo Viejo Winery Tour, Tasting of High-end Wine CataMayor: $50
  • City Tour de Montevideo con ingreso al Palacio Legislativo: $65

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
  • City Tour Colonia del Sacramento - Uruguay: $90
  • Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $58
  • Adventure Sightseeing Bike Tour: $59
  • Historical Walking Tour with Snack: $63
  • Colonia: Private City Tour on Foot (Historic District): $100
  • Experience an typical Uruguayan dish: Chivito & Tannat Wine: $78
  • Fripp Winery Experience Day Trip-Colonia del Sacramento: $200
  • From Horse Ride Experience: $80
  • From Montevideo: Colonia Day Trip & Sightseeing: $150
  • Full Day Birdwatching and Nature Tour: $200
  • Full gastronomic experience: Uruguayan meat,cheese and wine: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    Colonia del Sacramento $5.79

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:

  • Guided tour of Castillo Viejo Winery and Wine tasting and Lunch: $30
  • Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Juanico Wine Tour Lunch: $132
  • The best wine tour: $140
  • Montevideo Wine Tour with Tasting and Lunch: $178
  • Exclusive Cruise Wine Tour curated for a small group: $180
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Private Wine Tours by Wine Explorers Uruguay: $205
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210


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


Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Colonia del Sacramento?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo 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 Montevideo 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 Montevideo or Colonia del Sacramento in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Montevideo is around the same temperature as Colonia del Sacramento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montevideo in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Colonia del Sacramento averages at about 25°C (77°F).

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

In January, Montevideo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Colonia del Sacramento. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Montevideo 24°C (75°F) 
    Colonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F)

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

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

In April, Montevideo is generally around the same temperature as Colonia del Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 17°C (63°F), and Colonia del Sacramento fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Montevideo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Colonia del Sacramento. Montevideo gets 171 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. Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montevideo usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Colonia del Sacramento. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F)

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

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

Montevideo is around the same temperature as Colonia del Sacramento in the winter. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Colonia del Sacramento fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Montevideo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Colonia del Sacramento during winter. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Montevideo usually receives less rain than Colonia del Sacramento. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Montevideo 11°C (52°F) 
    Colonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F)

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

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

In the spring, Montevideo is around the same temperature as Colonia del Sacramento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montevideo in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Colonia del Sacramento averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Colonia del Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montevideo. In the spring, Montevideo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Colonia del Sacramento. Montevideo gets 248 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually gets less rain in October than Colonia del Sacramento. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo

Montevideo Colonia del Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)