A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montevideo vs. San Ignacio for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Montevideo or San Ignacio?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montevideo and San Ignacio can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Montevideo or San Ignacio?

Montevideo

As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.

San Ignacio

So you want a tropical getaway, but also don't want to lay around with nothing to do. You want an adventure! You want relaxation and exploration.

You want to visit the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.

This section of the Cayo region is really more of a jungle than a typical Belize beach getaway. Located close the ancient Mayan ruins on the western and inland side of Belize, this town is most popular for its many outdoor adventures including hiking, climbing, and caving!

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


Which place is cheaper, San Ignacio or Montevideo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Montevideo Prices
    Uruguay Prices
    San Ignacio Prices
    Belize Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montevideo $70
    San Ignacio $86

The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $70, while the average daily cost in San Ignacio is $86. 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 Montevideo and San Ignacio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $38
    San Ignacio $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $76
    San Ignacio $38
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and San Ignacio

Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or San Ignacio? 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 Montevideo


Hotels in San Ignacio


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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and San Ignacio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montevideo $7.06
    San Ignacio $3.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
  • Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
  • Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Montevideo Airport Transfers: $33
  • MVD Airport to Downtown|Hotels Private Transfer: $24
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
  • Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $85
  • Private Transfer Montevideo Airport to Hotel Y Hotel - Aero: $22
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $86
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Airport (MVD): $21
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $81
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:

  • Transfer from Belize Airport to San Ignacio: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or San Ignacio?

Prices for flights to both San Ignacio and Montevideo 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
    Montevideo $22
    San Ignacio $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Show + Dinner - El Milongon (No Transport): $93
  • The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $98
  • Montevideo Private Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $107
  • El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $108

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Ignacio

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

  • Maya Fish Cooking Experience: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montevideo $20
    San Ignacio $100

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.

  • Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
  • Complete Half-Day Tour with Guide and 6 Stops: $20
  • Tourist Bus Discover Montevideo: $25
  • Half-Day City Tour with Live Guide: $25
  • Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
  • Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo : $25
  • Tour and tasting at Bodega Santa Rosa: $26
  • Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers - AudioGuided: $26
  • Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
  • City tour Montevideo: $27
  • Afternoon Tea Experience at Sofitel Montevideo Carrasco & Spa: $29

Tours and Activities in San Ignacio

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

  • 2-Hour The Best of Belmopan Private Walking Tour: $192
  • 3 in 1 Adventure Combo in San Ignacio: $275
  • 5 Waterfall Adventure at Dreaming Giant Falls Belize: $145
  • 7:30am Jungle Farm trail Ride plus Xunantunich adventure: $100
  • ATM Cave Tour from San Ignacio Actun Tunichil Muknal: $124
  • ATV Excursions in Cayo with Waterfalls Experience: $174
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic: $131
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour from San Ignacio : $140
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal with Local Tour guide & Belizean Lunch: $131
  • Barton Creek Tour: $146
  • Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $95
  • Caracol Maya Ruins Tour Including Rio On Pools, Rio Frio Cave and a Picnic Lunch: $122

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    San Ignacio $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:

  • Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $116
  • The best wine tour: $140
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $225
  • Montevideo Wine Tour with Tasting and Lunch: $226
  • Wine Tasting Tour for Cruise Passengers: $450


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

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


Which is Bigger, Montevideo or San Ignacio?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of San Ignacio. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and San Ignacio, 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 Montevideo or San Ignacio?

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

Should I visit Montevideo or San Ignacio in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as San Ignacio. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Ignacio throughout the year.

In January, Montevideo is generally cooler than San Ignacioin July. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 24°C (75°F), and San Ignacio fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montevideo this time of the year. In the summer, Montevideo often gets more sunshine than San Ignacioin July. Montevideo gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Ignacio receives 226 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Ignacio. Montevideo usually gets less rain in January than San Ignacioin July. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Montevideo 24°C (75°F) 
    San Ignacio 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or San Ignacio in the Autumn?

Both San Ignacio and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Ignacio because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Montevideo is much colder than San Ignacio in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and San Ignacio fluctuates around 26°C (80°F)in October.

Montevideo usually receives less sunshine than San Ignacio during autumn. Montevideo gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while San Ignacio receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. It's quite rainy in Montevideo. In April, Montevideo usually receives less rain than San Ignacioin October. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    San Ignacio 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or San Ignacio in the Winter?

Both San Ignacio and Montevideo during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Ignacio year-round.

In the winter, Montevideo is much colder than San Ignacio. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montevideo in July average around 11°C (52°F), and San Ignacio averages at about 24°C (74°F)in January.

In the winter, Montevideo often gets less sunshine than San Ignacioin January. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Ignacio receives 199 hours of full sun.

San Ignacio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montevideo usually gets less rain in July than San Ignacioin January. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Montevideo 11°C (52°F) 
    San Ignacio 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or San Ignacio in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and San Ignacio. San Ignacio attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Montevideo is generally much colder than San Ignacioin April. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 17°C (63°F), and San Ignacio fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Ignacio this time of the year. In Montevideo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montevideo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Ignacio during spring. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while San Ignacio receives 256 hours of full sun in the spring.

Montevideo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montevideo usually receives more rain than San Ignacioin April. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    San Ignacio 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for San Ignacio and Montevideo

Montevideo San Ignacio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 243 mm (9.6 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (76°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)