Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Basse-Terre?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Basse-Terre or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Cuenca? 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: Basse-Terre or Cuenca?
Basse-Terre
In Guadeloupe there is Basse Terre the city and Basse-Terre the island - the city is the capital of Guadeloupe, and the island is Guadeloupe's western half of the main island. As a whole, the place is very green, featuring lush vegetation and a mountainous landscape with a sulfuric volcano.
Cuenca
Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador, the third largest in the country, and the capital of Azuay Province. Cuenca is considered as Ecuador's most important and beautiful colonial city after Quito. Dating from the 16th century, Cuenca's historic center, a Unesco World Heritage Site with its trademark skyline of massive rotundas and soaring steeples, is a magical sight in which you will feel like you are moving back in time. Cuenca is the center of many craft traditions, including ceramics, metalwork and the internationally famous panama hat. The nearby villages also offer many other handicrafts. Tourists enjoy wandering the ancient streets discovering picturesque alleys and hidden corners, where nuns march along cobblestone streets and kids in Catholic-school uniforms skip past historic churches. Fascinating historic monuments and fabulous views are found at every turn. Cuenca also has outstanding art museums and festivals. For a rewarding cultural experience, visit during Easter to attend the Festival of Religious Music.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBasse-Terre $164Cuenca $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Basse-Terre is $164, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $42. 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 Basse-Terre and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBasse-Terre $97Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBasse-Terre $194Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Basse-Terre and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Basse-Terre or Cuenca? 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: Basse-Terre Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Basse-Terre $8.67Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
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Taxi Ride$2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cuenca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cuenca:
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Cuenca: $47
- Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $104
Is it cheaper to fly into Basse-Terre or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Basse-Terre 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
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Food Meals for one dayBasse-Terre $50Cuenca $15
Typical Food Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
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Lunch$10
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Snacks$5.00
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Empanada$1.50
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Hot Dog$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cuenca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cuenca.
- Street food Tour in Cuenca,Ecuador: $33
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Cuenca City Tour & Cooking Class (PRIVATE Tour from Cuenca): $112
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Basse-Terre $50Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Basse-Terre
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basse-Terre are as follows:
- Full day tour: the best of the island w/photos drone sunset: $214
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Shared Tour: $25
- Cuenca-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $30
- Private Cuenca City Tour including Turi Viewpoint: $40
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
- El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
- Experience Historical City Tour: $44
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Tour: $46
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cuenca City Tour: $48
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBasse-Terre $14Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basse-Terre and Cuenca, we can see that Basse-Terre is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Basse-Terre is in Caribbean Islands and Cuenca is in South 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 Cuenca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cuenca 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 Basse-Terre would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basse-Terre than you might in Cuenca.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Basse-Terre Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Basse-Terre or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Basse-Terre. When comparing the sizes of Basse-Terre and Cuenca, 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 Basse-Terre or Cuenca?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Basse-Terre and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Basse-Terre year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Basse-Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Basse-Terre usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Basse-Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Basse-Terre is a little warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basse-Terre in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Cuenca averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBasse-Terre 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Basse-Terre as well as Cuenca. Basse-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Basse-Terre receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Basse-Terre usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Basse-Terre gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Basse-Terre is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Basse-Terre average around 27°C (80°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBasse-Terre 27°C (80°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Basse-Terre are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Basse-Terre throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Basse-Terre usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Basse-Terre gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cuenca. Basse-Terre is much warmer than Cuenca in the winter. The daily temperature in Basse-Terre averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBasse-Terre 24°C (76°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca and Basse-Terre during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Basse-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. Basse-Terre usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Basse-Terre gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Basse-Terre is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basse-Terre in April average around 26°C (78°F), and Cuenca averages at about 10°C (50°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBasse-Terre 26°C (78°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Basse-Terre
| Basse-Terre | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
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.