A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salto vs. Ensenada for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Salto or Ensenada?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salto or Ensenada, 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: Salto or Ensenada?

Salto

Salto is in the citrus growing region of Northern Interior Uruguay, on the east bank of the Rio Uruguay. It is closely connected to the neighboring Argentinian city of Concordia that lies across the river on the western bank. Salto is Uruguay's second-largest city and the most northerly crossing point to Argentina. Salto is a very picturesque city that has a relaxing feel the entire year. However, people mostly come here for the nearby hot springs and the recreation area above the enormous Salto Grande hydroelectric dam.

Ensenada

Ensenada is on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, south of Tijuana. It's the only deep water port in the state of Baja California and as such, it is an important commerical fishing port as well as a cruise ship destination. The city has a population of almost 500,000 and is located just 78 miles south of San Diego. The city sits between the ocean and a small mountain range. The surrounding area is known for its wine production, which produces some of the best wine in Mexico.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Ensenada or Salto?

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 Salto is $86, while the average daily cost in Ensenada is $115. 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 Salto and Ensenada in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salto $29
    Ensenada $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salto $58
    Ensenada $84
Compare Hotels in Salto and Ensenada

Looking for a hotel in Salto or Ensenada? 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 Salto


Hotels in Ensenada


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: Salto Hotel Prices and Ensenada Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salto $21
    Ensenada $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ensenada

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ensenada:

  • Border and Tijuana Airport Transfers to Ensenada or Valle de Guadalupe: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Salto or Ensenada?

Prices for flights to both Ensenada and Salto 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
    Salto $41
    Ensenada $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ensenada

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

  • Mexican Cooking Class at Hacienda Eco-Domes | Valle de Guadalupe: $84
  • Tacos and Margaritas Food Tour in Ensenada Mexico: $85
  • Cooking Class and Margarita Madness at Valle de Guadalupe : $89
  • Surprises, Delights and Joys Ensenada Wine, Mezcal, and Food Tour: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salto $17
    Ensenada $9.79

Tours and Activities in Ensenada

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

  • La Bufadora Punta Banda Tour: $38
  • La Bufadora Tour in Baja California: $42
  • Las Cañadas Campamento Horseback Riding Experience: $44
  • The Bufadora private Tour: $49
  • Tacos, Brews and Views Tour : $50
  • Full Day Private Tour or Guadalupe Valley Weekend: $52
  • Tacos, Tequila, Cerveza - A Private Tour of Ensenada: $53
  • Las Cañadas Canopy Tour in Ensenada: $53
  • Valle de Guadalupe Adults Only Tour: $56
  • Explore Ensenada with Private Car and Walking Tour: $65
  • Private Massage Experience in Ensenada: $65
  • Las Canadas Ecopark and Bufadora private tour : $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salto $13
    Ensenada $9.98

Sample the Local Flavors in Ensenada

Also in Ensenada, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tasting Experience in Maglén: $27
  • Tractor Pull Around Vineyards and Wine Tasting Tour: $56
  • Private Ensenada Tacos and Wine Tour : $109
  • Valle de Guadalupe Wine Experience: Wine Tastings Included: $112
  • Valle de Guadalupe COUPLES wine tasting for 2: $135
  • wine tours and driver service through valle de guadalupe, Ensenada B.C. Mexico: $145
  • Pvt Wine Tastings + Cheese Store + Massage Shore Excursion: $149
  • Wine Tasting Tour ONLY for Cruise Ship Visitors. ALL INCLUSIVE!: $221
  • Private and custom group Wine tour Valle de Guadalupe : $238


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salto and Ensenada, we can see that Ensenada is more expensive. And not only is Salto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salto is in South America and Ensenada is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Salto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salto 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 Ensenada would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ensenada than you might in Salto.

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


Which is Bigger, Salto or Ensenada?

Ensenada has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Salto. When comparing the sizes of Salto and Ensenada, 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.