Which place is cheaper, Tilcara or Montevideo?
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 Montevideo or Tilcara?
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 Tilcara 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 Tilcara?
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.
Tilcara
Tilcara signifies shooting star in Quechua. At 2465m of altitude, the little town of Tilcara is one of the most animated place of the area of the quebrada de humahuaca. Many South American backpackers and tourists from all around the world come to visit Tilcara and its pucara, the forteresse built by the Incas at the top of the hill, providing a stunning walk around the town. Tilcara hosts many festivals for different occasions such as the celebration of the Pachamama in August, the semana santa (Holy Week) in April, and the Enero Tilcareno, held in January as its name indicates, which is probably the busiest month of the year for the little town. If you enjoy concerts, parades and folklorique parties then definitely try to visit Tilcara during a festival month and avoid them if you prefer a calm and more relaxed holiday. There are many available activities around Tilcara including horseback riding, VTT, and you could also even try a ride in a caravan pulled by llamas.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, and The Best Camping Tours in Argentina.
-
Montevideo Prices
Uruguay PricesTilcara Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontevideo $70Tilcara $78
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $70, while the average daily cost in Tilcara is $78. 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 Tilcara in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontevideo $38Tilcara $63
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $76Tilcara $126
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Tilcara
Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or Tilcara? 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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and Tilcara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montevideo $7.06Tilcara $3.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento: $438
- Transfer from Montevideo to Punta del Este: $328
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $275
- Roundtrip Transfer Montevideo Airport (MVD) - Punta del Este: $210
- Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
- Transfer to Punta del Este from Montevideo / Punta to Montevideo: $112
- TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $90
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $86
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $86
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $81
- Transfer from the Hotel in Montevideo to Montevideo airport: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tilcara
Also for Tilcara, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Solar Train of the Quebrada de Humahuaca: Ticket and Transfer: $170
Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Tilcara?
Prices for flights to both Tilcara 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 dayMontevideo $22Tilcara $7.41
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montevideo $20Tilcara $22
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $60
- Punta del Este, City Tour from Montevideo: $140
- Afternoon Tea Experience at Sofitel Montevideo Carrasco & Spa: $29
- Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
- Best City Shared Tour for Cruisers: $65
- Best Private Tour of Montevideo for cruise-ship passengers: $450
- Bodega Santa Rosa: Famiglia Passadore Tour Tasting with Lunch: $86
- Bouza Winery Full Experience (Tasting and Lunch): $180
- City Tour of Montevideo: $40
- City Tour, the best option for small groups: $120
- City tour Montevideo: $27
- Colonia & Montevideo from Buenos Aires - Private 2 Day Tour: $1,560
Tours and Activities in Tilcara
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tilcara.
- From Salta: Tour to Humahuaca + Hornocal "Route of Colors and Heights": $128
- 2 hours cycling tour trough the rural area: $20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontevideo -Tilcara $4.87
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 comparing the travel costs between Montevideo and Tilcara, we can see that Tilcara is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is Tilcara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Tilcara?
Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Tilcara. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and Tilcara, 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.