A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montevideo vs. Lima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Montevideo or Lima?

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 Lima 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 Lima?

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.

Lima

Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Lima or Montevideo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $65, while the average daily cost in Lima is $77. 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 Lima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $41
    Lima $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $82
    Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Lima

Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or Lima? 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 Lima


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 Lima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montevideo $7.52
    Lima $5.75

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

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

  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $20
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $21
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo City - Montevideo Airport (MVD): $21
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $26
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $30
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $30
  • Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
  • Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
  • Transfer from Carrasco International Aiport to Montevideo: $45
  • Departure Private Transfer Montevideo to Montevideo Airport MVD in Sedan Car: $46

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $5.45
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.45
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • Premium Peruvian Horse Show with Lunch & Transfers: $150
  • Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $119
  • Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
  • Lima round trip transfers airport - hotel - airport + City Tour: $89
  • Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima city hotels: $88
  • Lima Peru Jorge Chavez Airport Transfer: $66
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Lima City - Lima Airport (LIM): $61
  • Private Transfer from Jorge Chávez (LIM) Airport to Lima: $54
  • Private Transfer from Lima to Jorge Chávez (LIM) Airport: $54
  • The Larco Museum Complete Tour with transfers (Small-group): $52
  • From The Larco Museum Complete Tour with transfers: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Lima?

Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $14
    Lima $18

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

Typical Food Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.36
  • Ice cream
    $3.54
  • Coffee
    $2.99
  • Donut
    $0.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.

  • Lima Market Food Tour - Taste 9 Popular Peruvian Snacks: $35
  • Lima Market Food Tour: $37
  • Peruvian Food Tour Through Local Markets: $40
  • Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
  • Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
  • Dinner at Café del Museo Larco restaurant: $55
  • Food History & Local Markets (Food Tour): $56
  • 3-dish Peruvian Cooking Experience + Pisco Sour Making: $56
  • Lima's Food Tour through Local Markets & Barranco Visit: $59
  • Peruvian Cooking Class: $59
  • Peruvian Cooking Class, Market Tour & Exotic Fruits: $65
  • Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montevideo $21
    Lima $8.69

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

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

  • Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Skip the Line: Museo Andes 1972 Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $10
  • Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo : $25
  • Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $25
  • Old City Walking Tour with Private Photographer: $30
  • Walking Tour of the City of Montevideo (Spanish and/or Portuguese): $30
  • Shared Montevideo Tour for Cruisers: $30
  • City Sightseeing Tour: $32
  • Walking Tour with Photographer and Audioguide: $33
  • Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers: $35
  • The Best Montevideo City Tour: $36

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:


  • Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)
    $16
  • Movie Tickets
    $2.31

Tours and Activities in Lima

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:

  • Lima in 1 Day! - City Tour + Miraflores, Barranco & San Isidro: $85
  •  Cultural Tour of the city of Lima & Gastronomic: $62
  • 1 Day Tour to Huacachina from Lima (Dunebuggy + Vineyards): $225
  • 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $269
  • 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
  • 2d/1n Tour: Flight to the Nazca, Paracas and Huacachina Lines: $289
  • 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
  • 3 Day Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $159
  • 3-Hour Guided Bicycle Tour in Miraflores: $30
  • 3-Hour Private Scooter Tour through Miraflores with Guide: $50
  • 360° Panoramic bus - Sightseeing Tour: $37
  • 4 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    Lima $5.65

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

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

  • Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Juanico Wine Tour Lunch: $132
  • The best wine tour: $140
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.32
  • Beer
    $4.08
  • Cocktail
    $3.27

Sample the Local Flavors in Lima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:

  • Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
  • Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
  • Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
  • Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $18
  • Local Wine Tour: $50
  • Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Lima?

Lima has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Montevideo. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and Lima, 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 Lima?

Montevideo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Montevideo or Lima in the Summer?

Both Lima and Montevideo during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.

In the summer, Montevideo is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montevideo in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Montevideo. In the summer, Montevideo often gets more sunshine than Limain July. Montevideo gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.

Montevideo usually gets more rain in January than Limain July. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Montevideo 24°C (75°F) 
    Lima 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Lima in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and Lima. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Montevideo is generally cooler than Limain October. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 17°C (63°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Montevideo usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Montevideo gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montevideo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Limain October. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    Lima 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Lima in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as Lima. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.

Montevideo is much colder than Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.

In the winter, Montevideo often gets less sunshine than Limain January. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.

Montevideo usually gets more rain in July than Limain January. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Montevideo 11°C (52°F) 
    Lima 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Lima in the Spring?

Both Lima and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Montevideo is cooler than Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montevideo in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually receives more sunshine than Lima during spring. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Montevideo. In October, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Limain April. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    Lima 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Lima and Montevideo

Montevideo Lima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)