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

Should you visit Salto or Ponce?

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

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

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.

Ponce

Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, and The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay.


Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Salto?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Salto is $71, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $205. 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 Ponce in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salto $30
    Ponce $151
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salto $60
    Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Salto and Ponce

Looking for a hotel in Salto or Ponce? 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 Ponce


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salto $22
    Ponce $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:

  • Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
  • Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $279
  • Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
  • Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
  • Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
  • Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
  • San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
  • San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Salto or Ponce?

Prices for flights to both Ponce 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 $25
    Ponce $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce

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

  • Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
  • Private Half-Day Food Tour : $130
  • Private San Juan Cooking Class with a Local Expert: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salto $18
    Ponce $56

Tours and Activities in Ponce

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

  • Talking Buildings of Old San Juan: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Footsteps in San Juan Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $17
  • Private Sunset Walking Tour in San Juan: $25
  • Old San Juan Tour (1 Hour) by DUHO: $25
  • Salsa Tours PR Sunset Salsa Beach Class in San Juan, Puerto Rico : $29
  • Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
  • Guided Walking Tour in Ponce: $30
  • Guided City Walking Tour: $32
  • La Perla Cultural Tour: $35
  • Historic Old San Juan Sunset Walking Tour: $39
  • Bio Bay Boat Tour with Swimming from La Parguera, Puerto Rico: $50
  • Turtle spotting snorkeling adventure- no Jets : $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salto $13
    Ponce $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce

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

  • Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
  • Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
  • Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
  • Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Tour: $99


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


Which is Bigger, Salto or Ponce?

Ponce has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Salto. When comparing the sizes of Salto and Ponce, 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 Ponce?

Salto has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ponce experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Salto or Ponce in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Salto and Ponce. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Salto is generally cooler than Poncein July. Daily temperatures in Salto average around 25°C (77°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Salto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salto usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during summer. Salto gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

Salto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Salto usually receives more rain than Poncein July. Salto gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Salto 25°C (77°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Salto or Ponce in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Salto as well as Ponce. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.

Salto is cooler than Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salto averages around 19°C (65°F) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In the autumn, Salto often gets less sunshine than Poncein October. Salto gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ponce. Salto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Salto usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Poncein October. Salto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Salto 19°C (65°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Salto or Ponce in the Winter?

Both Ponce and Salto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Salto is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salto in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Ponce averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Ponce. Salto usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during winter. Salto gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Salto usually receives more rain than Poncein January. Salto gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Salto 12°C (54°F) 
    Ponce 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Salto or Ponce in the Spring?

Both Ponce and Salto during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.

In October, Salto is generally cooler than Poncein April. Daily temperatures in Salto average around 18°C (64°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Salto. In the spring, Salto often gets less sunshine than Poncein April. Salto gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Salto. Salto usually gets more rain in October than Poncein April. Salto gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Salto 18°C (64°F) 
    Ponce 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Ponce and Salto

Salto Ponce
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 19°C (65°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 20°C (69°F) 127 mm (5 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)