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

Should you visit Montevideo or Salento?

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 Salento 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 Salento?

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.

Salento

Founded in 1850, Salento is one of the oldest towns in Quindio. This colonial Colombian town has retained much of its old world charm, with its colorful buildings, large square and, of course, the obligatory church. Because the main route between Cali and Bogota which used to pass through Salento was diverted, the town didn't develop as quickly as others in the Quindio region. This gave Salento the opportunity to evolve into a thriving community of craftsmen and artisans as well as remaining one of the region's most prolific coffee producers. Salento is located 24 km northeast of the departmental capital Armenia. However, unlike its colorful neighbor, Armenia itself has very little to offer tourists. Salento attracts those wishing to learn about the coffee regions and for those who simply admire breathtaking scenery, and especially the stunning Cocora Valley.

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 Colombia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Salento or Montevideo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $70, while the average daily cost in Salento is $46. 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 Salento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $38
    Salento $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $76
    Salento $26
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Salento

Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or Salento? 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 Salento


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 Salento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montevideo $7.02
    Salento $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

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

  • Private transfer Montevideo Airport to Hotel: $25
  • Montevideo to Carrasco Airport (MVD) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
  • Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
  • Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $40
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport to Montevideo: $40
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $40
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $40
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $40
  • Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $41
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
  • Transfer from Carrasco International Aiport to Montevideo: $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salento

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salento:

  • Private Pereira Airport Transfer: To/From Salento: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Salento?

Prices for flights to both Salento 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 $22
    Salento $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

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

  • Best Montevideo Street Food Tour With 5 tastings: $63
  • Private Uruguayan Cooking Class with Local Chef: $85
  • Uruguayan Wine Pairing Dinner at City Winery Uruguay: $90
  • Show + Dinner - El Milongon (No Transport): $93
  • Dinner and Tango Show at Primuseum Restaurant: $100
  • Dinner and Tango Show at the Historic Bar Fun Fun, Established in 1895: $100
  • Montevideo Dinner and Tango Show since 1895: $105
  • Traditional Dinner & Tango Show at Primuseum: $110
  • Food Tour with Asado, Chivito, and Mate: $221

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salento

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

  • Cooking Stories - Cocinando Historias: $46
  • Cooking Classes Food and Cocktail Tasting: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montevideo $20
    Salento $14

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: $5.29
  • El Juguetero Museum Entry Ticket: $7.00
  • Museo Andes 1972 / Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Guided Tour of the National Hat Factory: $10
  • Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
  • Complete Half-Day Tour with Guide and 6 Stops: $20
  • Experience the Local Magic at a Bohemian Nightclub with a Live Show: $20
  • Montevideo Full Unique Tour Includes Barrio Carrasco: $23
  • Half-Day City Tour with Live Guide: $25
  • Montevideo Jogging Tour: $25
  • Tourist Bus Discover Montevideo: $25
  • Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo: $25

Tours and Activities in Salento

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

  • Book a Private Tourist Guide through the Coffee Region: $158
  • CANNABIS EXPERIENCE: $69
  • Carbonera Valley Salento Local Farm & Hiking Experience: $110
  • Cocoa and Coffee Farm Tours from Pereira or Armenia: $211
  • Cocora Valley Highlights: Horseback Riding, Hiking, & Coffee Farm Experience: $245
  • Cocora Valley and Premium Sightseeing Tour with Transportation and Entrance Fees: $60
  • Cocora Valley, Coffee Farm, and Salento Tour: $335
  • Cocora, Salento and Filandia Tour: $150
  • Coffee Cupping Experience: Taste Coffee Like a Professional in Salento: $52
  • Coffee Farm Experience & Filandia Cultural Tour from Salento: $230
  • Coffee Farm Tour at Finca El Ocaso from Salento: $93
  • Coffee Farm and Salento Walking Tour: $88

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    Salento $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

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

  • Bodega Pizzorno wine tasting in Montevideo: $45
  • Wine tasting of 4 wines from 4 wineries & empanadas in Montevideo: $50
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Private Wine Tours by Wine Explorers Uruguay: $205
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $220
  • Wine Tasting Tour for Cruise Passengers: $450


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

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


Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Salento?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Salento. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and Salento, 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.