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

Should you visit Salto or La Serena?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salto or La Serena, 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 La Serena?

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.

La Serena

La Serena is a charming town in Northern Chile. It is Chile's second-oldest city and the thriving capital of Region IV. With its beautiful architecture, its long golden shoreline, dignified stone churches, tree-shaded avenues and pretty plazas, La Serena has everything you could ask for!

Chileans on holidays flood in the city in January and February, though it is fairly peaceful outside the summer rush. Some of the city's architecture is from the colonial era, but most is actually neocolonial thanks to president Gabriel Gonzalez Videla, born in La Serena, and her 'Plan Serena' of the late 1940s.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Chile, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salto and La Serena, we can see that La Serena is more expensive. And not only is Salto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 La Serena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Serena 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 La Serena Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Salto or La Serena?

La Serena has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Salto. When comparing the sizes of Salto and La Serena, 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 Salto or La Serena?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Salto or La Serena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Salto as well as La Serena.

In the summer, Salto is a little warmer than La Serena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salto in January average around 25°C (77°F), and La Serena averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Serena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salto this time of the year. In the summer, Salto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Serena. Salto gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Serena receives 247 hours of full sun.

Salto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Salto usually gets more rain in January than La Serena. Salto gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salto or La Serena in the Autumn?

Both La Serena and Salto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In April, Salto is generally a little warmer than La Serena. Daily temperatures in Salto average around 19°C (65°F), and La Serena fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Salto usually receives more sunshine than La Serena during autumn. Salto gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while La Serena receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Salto. In April, Salto usually receives more rain than La Serena. Salto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Salto or La Serena in the Winter?

Both La Serena and Salto during the winter are popular places to visit.

Salto is around the same temperature as La Serena in the winter. The daily temperature in Salto averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and La Serena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the winter, Salto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Serena. Salto gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Serena receives 160 hours of full sun.

Salto usually gets more rain in July than La Serena. Salto gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salto or La Serena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Salto and La Serena.

In the spring, Salto is a little warmer than La Serena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salto in October average around 18°C (64°F), and La Serena averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In Salto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salto usually receives more sunshine than La Serena during spring. Salto gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while La Serena receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

Salto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Salto usually receives more rain than La Serena. Salto gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for La Serena and Salto