Should I Visit Salento or Rosario Islands for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Salento or Rosario Islands?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Salento or Rosario Islands? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Salento or Rosario Islands?

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.

Rosario Islands

The Rosario Islands, also referred to as Coral Islands of Rosario, is an archipelago located off the coast of Colombia, approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles) from Cartagena. The Rosario Islands are integrated by 28 islands and all of them form one of the 46 Natural National Parks of Colombia, created to protect one of the most important coral reefs in the Colombian Caribbean Coast. Only three of these islands are property of the Colombian state. Before establishing the national park in 1977, wealthy families used this natural paradise to build their summer houses, but then the government allowed them to keep their properties, only if they paid annual rent and taxes to be there, and complied with certain rules to preserve the ecosystem of the islands. People can visit the national park area of the islands, and tours are available. Isla Rosario has an aquarium and open-sea oceanarium that people can visit. Activities on the Rosario Islands include swimming, snorkeling and fishing, among others. The best time to visit Colombia in general, and especially the Rosario Islands is the dry-season months from December to March. These uninterrupted sunny days are just perfect for a Caribbean coastal experience and to enjoy all the activities it has to offer.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Eco Tours in Colombia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Colombia.

Which place is cheaper, Rosario Islands or Salento?

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

Salento Prices
Colombia Prices

Rosario Islands Prices
Colombia Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Salento $35

Rosario Islands $97

The average daily cost (per person) in Salento is $35, while the average daily cost in Rosario Islands is $97. 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 Salento and Rosario Islands in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Salento $10

Rosario Islands $30
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Salento $20

Rosario Islands $60

Compare Hotels in Salento and Rosario Islands

Looking for a hotel in Salento or Rosario Islands? 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: Salento Hotel Prices and Rosario Islands Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Salento $13

Rosario Islands $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salento

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salento:

Private Pereira Airport Transfer: To/From Salento: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Salento or Rosario Islands?

Prices for flights to both Rosario Islands and Salento 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

Salento $15

Rosario Islands $43

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

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Salento $10

Rosario Islands $12

Tours and Activities in Salento

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

Coffee Tour Salento-Ocaso Farm- English Tour: $14
Coffee Tour at Finca El Ocaso Finca Tradicional-Español: $14
Coffee tour in the heart of the coffee region: $30
Traditional Coffee Tour with Jeep Willys Ride: $40
Coffee Master Roasting, Brewing and Tasting Tour: $44
Guided Walking Tour with Photography Museum Visit: $46
Santa Rita Waterfall and Salento Private Tour: $52
From Cocora Valley Shared Tour: $56
Filandia and Salento Coffee Towns Tour: $56
Salento & Cocora Valley Tour: $75
Private Colombian Coffee Farm Tour with Tastings in Armenia: $78
Coffee Farm and Salento Walking Tour: $83

Tours and Activities in Rosario Islands

Here are a few actual costs in Rosario Islands for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

One-day tour to Playa Blanca by land Popular sector: $50
Tour to Chichen Itza Cenote and Valladolid Plus: $59
30 Minutes Cartagena Efoil FliteScooter Experience in Baru: $80
Cartagena Efoil FliteBoard Experience in Baru 1H: $150
1 Hour Cartagena Efoil Flitescooter Experience in Baru : $150

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Salento $10

Rosario Islands $5.37

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salento and Rosario Islands, we can see that Rosario Islands 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 Rosario Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rosario Islands 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 Salento Expensive? and Is Rosario Islands Expensive?.

A Travel Price Comparison for Colombia Salento vs. Rosario Islands for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Salento or Rosario Islands?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Salento or Rosario Islands?

Salento

Rosario Islands

Which place is cheaper, Rosario Islands or Salento?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Salento and Rosario Islands

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salento

Is it cheaper to fly into Salento or Rosario Islands?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salento

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Salento

Tours and Activities in Rosario Islands

Alcohol

Related Articles for Salento

Related Articles for Rosario Islands

A Travel Price Comparison for Colombia Salento vs. Rosario Islands for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Salento or Rosario Islands?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Salento or Rosario Islands?

Salento

Rosario Islands

Which place is cheaper, Rosario Islands or Salento?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Salento and Rosario Islands

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salento

Is it cheaper to fly into Salento or Rosario Islands?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salento

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Salento

Tours and Activities in Rosario Islands

Alcohol

Related Articles for Salento

Related Articles for Rosario Islands

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