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

Should you visit Montevideo or Tilcara?

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 Tilcara 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 Tilcara?

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.

Tilcara

Tilcara signifies shooting star in Quechua. At 2465m of altitude, the little town of Tilcara is one of the most animated place of the area of the quebrada de humahuaca. Many South American backpackers and tourists from all around the world come to visit Tilcara and its pucara, the forteresse built by the Incas at the top of the hill, providing a stunning walk around the town. Tilcara hosts many festivals for different occasions such as the celebration of the Pachamama in August, the semana santa (Holy Week) in April, and the Enero Tilcareno, held in January as its name indicates, which is probably the busiest month of the year for the little town. If you enjoy concerts, parades and folklorique parties then definitely try to visit Tilcara during a festival month and avoid them if you prefer a calm and more relaxed holiday. There are many available activities around Tilcara including horseback riding, VTT, and you could also even try a ride in a caravan pulled by llamas.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Tilcara 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 Tilcara is $8.37. 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 Tilcara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $41
    Tilcara $3.30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $82
    Tilcara $6.60
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Tilcara

Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or Tilcara? 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 Tilcara


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 Tilcara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montevideo $7.52
    Tilcara $2.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

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

  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Carrasco Airport to Punta del Este: $192
  • Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
  • Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $99
  • Carrasco Airport MVD to Montevideo Hotels Round Trip Transfer: $99
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $73
  • Departure Private Transfer Montevideo to Montevideo Airport MVD in Business Car: $69
  • Arrival Private Transfer Montevideo Airport to Montevideo City in Business Car: $69
  • Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $50
  • Departure Private Transfer Montevideo to Montevideo Airport MVD in Sedan Car: $46
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
  • Transfer from Carrasco International Aiport to Montevideo: $45
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tilcara

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Tilcara:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.01

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Tilcara?

Prices for flights to both Tilcara 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
    Tilcara $3.46

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 Tilcara

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tilcara:


  • Sandwich
    $0.01
  • Burger
    $0.01
  • Fruit
    $0.01
  • Sandwich
    $0.01

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tilcara

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

  • Northern Argentine cooking experience: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montevideo $21
    Tilcara $1.98

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

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

  • Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
  • Best Private & Personalized Tour of Montevideo: $200
  • Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
  • Best Private Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $250
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $110
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers : $100
  • Castillo Viejo Winery Tour "Sommelier's Selection" Tasting: $50
  • City Tour de Montevideo con ingreso al Palacio Legislativo: $65
  • City Tour de Montevideo para cruceristas: $60
  • City Tour por Montevideo: $40
  • Culinary Experience Making Alfajores in Montevideo: $70
  • Discover Mix of Sightseeing & City Attractions!: $140

Tours and Activities in Tilcara

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

  • Bike Adventure through Juella with lunch: $35
  • Full-Day Tour to Laguna de los Pozuelos from Tilcara: $162
  • Private Full Day Tour to Salinas de Grandes and Barrancas: $130
  • Purmamarca Night Experience: $18
  • Serranías del Hornocal + Citytour Humahuaca: $30
  • 2 hours cycling tour trough the rural area: $20
  • Half day mountain bike tour with lunch: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    Tilcara $1.08

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montevideo and Tilcara, we can see that Montevideo is more expensive. And not only is Tilcara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tilcara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tilcara 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 Tilcara.

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


Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Tilcara?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Tilcara. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and Tilcara, 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.