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

Should you visit Salto or Tena?

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

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

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.

Tena

Tena is the capital of the Napo Province, an attractive and quiet city in the Amazon rainforest, and is known as the "cinnamon capital" of Ecuador. Tena has a friendly population, lots of backpacker infrastructure, a gorgeous setting surrounded by jungle-covered hills and a high concentration of surrounding rivers where white-water lovers from around the world come to paddle and kayak. The town provides a gateway to exploration into Ecuador's most accessible part of the great Amazon rainforest, which does not leave visitors disappointed. Beyond being a base for discovering the jungle and its wildlife, Tena is also a hub for adventure sports which are abundant in the area. Tena is a charming place where many travelers find themselves hanging around quite happily before or after a trip into the rainforest.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best G Adventures Tours to Colombia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bogota.


Which place is cheaper, Tena or Salto?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Salto is $73, while the average daily cost in Tena is $50. 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 Tena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salto $31
    Tena $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salto $62
    Tena $46
Compare Hotels in Salto and Tena

Looking for a hotel in Salto or Tena? 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 Tena


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
    Tena $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tena:

  • Private Transfer from Villavieja to San Agustín: $150
  • Popayan to Cali Private Transfer: $272
  • Round trip transfer in Private Car from-to Palonegro Airport(BGA) to Bucaramanga: $29
  • Roundtrip transfer Private Car Medellin airport (MDE)- Guatape: $68
  • San Andres hotels to San Andres Airport (ADZ) Departure Transfer: $36
  • Transfer in Private Car from Bucaramanga Palonegro Airport (BGA) to Bucaramanga: $15
  • Transfer in Private Car from Medellin ariport (MDE)- Guatape: $34
  • Transfer in private minivan Medellin airport (MDE)- Guatape: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Salto or Tena?

Prices for flights to both Tena 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
    Tena $15

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salto $18
    Tena $14

Tours and Activities in Tena

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

  • Full Day Adventure to the Páramo de Ocetá from Mongui: $20
  • Colonial Guaduas Tour: $43
  • Unique experience flying paragliding: $50
  • Gastronomic Private Walking Tour in Popayán: $50
  • Popayan Gastronomic Wonders and City Tour: $63
  • Private Guided Tour to Piedra Colgada and Indian Face and Lagoon: $75
  • Coffee Tour Daytrip at Finca La Manchuria - Exclusive Experience.: $80
  • Tour to Puracé National Natural Park: $93
  • ATV Tour Bogotá : $120
  • Full Day Tour to Rock Paintings in Cerro Azul Guaviare: $130
  • Scuba Diving Private Tour in San Andres: $132
  • Enjoy a Coffee Tour & Santa Fe de Antioquia Colonial Town!!: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salto $14
    Tena $10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salto and Tena, we can see that Salto is more expensive. And not only is Tena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tena 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 Salto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salto than you might in Tena.

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


Which is Bigger, Salto or Tena?

Salto has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Tena. When comparing the sizes of Salto and Tena, 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.