Which place is cheaper, Colonia del Sacramento or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Punta del Este or Colonia del Sacramento?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este or Colonia del Sacramento, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Punta del Este or Colonia del Sacramento?
Punta del Este
Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, and The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $98Colonia del Sacramento $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, while the average daily cost in Colonia del Sacramento is $68. 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 Punta del Este and Colonia del Sacramento in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $55Colonia del Sacramento $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $110Colonia del Sacramento $68
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Colonia del Sacramento
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este 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.
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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Colonia del Sacramento Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $22Colonia del Sacramento $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $29
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $54
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
- Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
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 Punta del Este or Colonia del Sacramento?
Prices for flights to both Colonia del Sacramento and Punta del Este 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
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Food Meals for one dayPunta del Este $31Colonia del Sacramento $19
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta del Este $11Colonia del Sacramento $24
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- City Tour Punta del Este: $95
- Colonia Wine Experience for Food & Wine Lovers: $180
- Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
- East Coast of Uruguay – Private Multi Day Tour: $2,600
- From Cabo Polonio - Full Day Private Tour: $1,000
- Full Day Private Shore Tour Montevideo from Punta Del Este Port: $289
- Full Experience Tasting Menu Viña Edén: $157
- Gourmet Food & Wine Experience from Punta del Este: $205
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
- Half Day Tour in Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio: $170
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
- Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
- City Tour Colonia del Sacramento - Uruguay: $90
- Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $58
- Adventure Sightseeing Bike Tour: $53
- Historical Walking Tour with Snack: $58
- Colonia: Private City Tour on Foot (Historic District): $89
- Experience an typical Uruguayan dish: Chivito & Tannat Wine: $78
- From Best Private Wine Experience: $185
- From Horse Ride Experience: $72
- From Montevideo: Colonia Day Trip & Sightseeing: $150
- Full Day Birdwatching and Nature Tour: $200
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.70Colonia del Sacramento $5.85
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:
- Wine Tasting: $42
- Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $157
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Colonia del Sacramento, we can see that Punta del Este is more expensive. And not only is Colonia del Sacramento much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Colonia del Sacramento would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Colonia del Sacramento 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 Punta del Este would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta del Este than you might in Colonia del Sacramento.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Colonia del Sacramento Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Colonia del Sacramento?
Colonia del Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Colonia del Sacramento in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Colonia del Sacramento.
In the summer, Punta del Este is around the same temperature as Colonia del Sacramento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Punta del Este in January average around 23°C (73°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 Punta del Este, it's very sunny this time of the year. Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Colonia del Sacramento during summer. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Colonia del Sacramento. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Colonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Colonia del Sacramento in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Colonia del Sacramento.
In April, Punta del Este is generally around the same temperature as Colonia del Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 17°C (63°F), and Colonia del Sacramento fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In the autumn, Punta del Este often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Colonia del Sacramento. Punta del Este 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. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in April than Colonia del Sacramento. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Colonia del Sacramento in the Winter?
Both Colonia del Sacramento and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Punta del Este is cooler than Colonia del Sacramento in the winter. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 10°C (50°F) in July, and Colonia del Sacramento fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Colonia del Sacramento during winter. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Colonia del Sacramento. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Colonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Colonia del Sacramento in the Spring?
Both Colonia del Sacramento and Punta del Este during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Punta del Este is around the same temperature as Colonia del Sacramento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Punta del Este in October average around 16°C (61°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 Punta del Este. In the spring, Punta del Este often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Colonia del Sacramento. Punta del Este 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. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in October than Colonia del Sacramento. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Colonia del Sacramento receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Colonia del Sacramento and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Colonia del Sacramento | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.