Which place is cheaper, Salento or Buzios?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Buzios or Salento?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Buzios or Salento? 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: Buzios or Salento?
Buzios
Initially a fishing village, Armação dos Buzios is a small beach resort town about three hours from Rio de Janeiro by bus. Buzios is a common weekend getaway destination for Cariocas. With 23 beaches, visitors from all over come to swim, snorkel, surf and enjoy sun and sand.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia.
-
Buzios Prices
Brazil PricesSalento Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuzios $91Salento $39
The average daily cost (per person) in Buzios is $91, while the average daily cost in Salento is $39. 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 Buzios and Salento in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuzios $36Salento $11
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuzios $72Salento $22
Compare Hotels in Buzios and Salento
Looking for a hotel in Buzios or Salento? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buzios $18Salento $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buzios
Also for Buzios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Beach Resorts to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) - Private Transfer: $45
- Beach Resorts to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) - Departure Transfer : $45
- Tour in Buzios City Tour, Lunch and Transfer: $60
- Rio de Janeiro Transfer from Buzios to Airport (GIG)(SDU): $73
- Private Transfer from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro: $91
- Private Transfer Buzios to Rio de Janeiro: $91
- Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $91
- Executive private transfer from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 4 pax to Buzios: $115
- Executive private transfer from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 3 pax to Buzios: $115
- Private Transfer from Buzios Port to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB): $118
- Private Transfer from Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) to Buzios Port: $118
- Private transfer Minivan from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 6 pax to Buzios: $134
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 Buzios or Salento?
Prices for flights to both Salento and Buzios 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 dayBuzios $40Salento $16
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.Buzios $25Salento $12
Tours and Activities in Buzios
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Buzios.
- Tour of the most beautiful beaches and islands of Buzios by Buziana Tour: $11
- Boat Tour Open Bar A Floor Arraial do Cabo : $13
- Buggy Ride in Buzios by Buziana Tour: $19
- Tour of Bugre in Arraial (Buggy): $21
- Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo: $23
- Catamaran Boat Tour in Búzios: $26
- Half-Day Schooner Sightseeing Trip in Buzios Peninsula Beaches: $27
- 3-hour Small Group Buzios Peninsula Open Air Trolley Tour: $31
- Buzios Trolley City Tour: $31
- Tour in Boat Tour in Buzios: $38
- Underwater Adventure in Diving and Snorkeling: $46
- Schooner Tour in Buzios - Departure from Buzios: $51
Tours and Activities in Salento
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Salento are as follows:
- Armenia, Quindio: Coffee Tour, Transportation, and Quimbaya Gold Museum: $64
- Book a Private Tourist Guide through the Coffee Region: $141
- Cocoa and Coffee Farm Tours from Pereira or Armenia: $188
- Cocora, Salento and Filandia Tour: $115
- Coffee Farm Tour at Finca El Ocaso from Salento: $90
- Coffee Farm and Salento Walking Tour: $88
- Coffee Tour Salento-Ocaso Farm- English Tour: $15
- Coffee Tour at Finca El Ocaso Finca Tradicional-Español: $15
- Coffee tour in the heart of the coffee region: $30
- Filandia and Salento Coffee Towns Tour: $87
- Filandia, Salento and Cocora Valley Private Tour: $144
- Filandia, Salento and Cocora Valley Tour: $214
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuzios $17Salento $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buzios and Salento, we can see that Buzios 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 Buzios would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Buzios 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 Buzios Expensive? and Is Salento Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buzios or Salento?
Buzios has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Salento. When comparing the sizes of Buzios and Salento, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.