Should I Visit Bordeaux or Cusco for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Bordeaux or Cusco?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux or Cusco? 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: Bordeaux or Cusco?

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is the place to go for fine wines. It's a very mellow, cultural city where you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a quaint cafe or restaurant without being rushed. The city is the capital of Gironde, and the entire metropolitan area has over one million residents. The city also has a rather large and vibrant university and the population is known to be very tolerant and liberal. There is a very strong artistic vibe in the city and, due to it's history of English rule, there is an English flair to the area. The large student population means that there is no shortage of opportunities to see shows, hear music, or visit a museum.

Cusco

Cusco is most famous as the historic capital of the Inca Empire. It is in the southern Sierras and is one of the most popular travel destinations within Peru. The city is located at 3,400 meters above sea level so it is best to acclimate yourself slowly to avoid altitude sickness.

Cusco is the starting point for many travelers making their way to the famed Machu Picchu or other Inca sites in the surrounding area.

The city is very beautiful and has impressive architecture throughout. The history is obvious as you walk around town and there are impressive ruins nearby, with the most impressive being Sacsayhuaman. The city also has a significant indigenous population that is obvious from their traditional clothing and style.

Cusco has a subtropical highland climate with a pleasant daytime temperature year around. There are two distinct seasons with the dry season being between May and August and the wet season between December and March. During the dry season there is plenty of sun with occasional nighttime freezes. Frost is less common in the wet season.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Cusco, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Cusco.

Which place is cheaper, Cusco or Bordeaux?

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

Bordeaux Prices
France Prices

Cusco Prices
Peru Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Bordeaux €156

Cusco €58

The average daily cost (per person) in Bordeaux is €156, while the average daily cost in Cusco is €58. 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 Bordeaux and Cusco in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Bordeaux €63

Cusco €22
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Bordeaux €126

Cusco €44

Compare Hotels in Bordeaux and Cusco

Looking for a hotel in Bordeaux or Cusco? 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: Bordeaux Hotel Prices and Cusco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Bordeaux €15

Cusco €9.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bordeaux:

Private Transfer Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux City by Sedan: $49
Bordeaux Mérignac Airport (BOD) Private Transfer to Bordeaux: $81
Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $98
Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Business Car: $98
Arrival Private Transfers : Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $98
Bordeaux : Private transfer to/from Mérignac Airport: $100
Private Transfer Service: $103
Departure Private Transfers : Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $104
Airport Transfer: Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux by Luxury Van: $104
Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $104
Arrival Private Transfers : Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Luxury Van: $104
Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Business Sedan: $104

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cusco

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cusco:

Taxi Ride

€1.03

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cusco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cusco:

Airport Cusco Transfers: $69
Arrival Transfer & Cusco City Tour (Private Service): $80
Cusco Airport Arrival Transfer: $25
Cusco Airport Arrival Transfer: $9.67
Cusco Airport Arrival or Departure Transfer : $14
Cusco Airport Departure Transfer: $15
Cusco Private Transfer/ Airport Transfer: $10
Cusco to Ollantaytambo: One-Way Private Transfer: $55
Abode of the Gods ATV Tour with Transfer: $30
Alpaca and Llama Farm Tour w/ Transfer & Weaving Demo: $45
Alpaca and Llama Farm Tour w/ Transfer & Weaving Demo: $34
Alpaca and Llama Farm Tour with Transfer & Weaving Demo: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Bordeaux or Cusco?

Prices for flights to both Cusco and Bordeaux 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

Bordeaux €79

Cusco €22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bordeaux

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

Bordeaux food tour: sweet specialities & highlights: $23
Best Boulangeries Food Tour: $32
Bordeaux : Afternoon Food Tour with local delicacies: $56
Bordeaux Best Boulangeries Exclusive Food Tour - Semi Private: $58
No Diet Club : Bordeaux Food Tour in Les Chartrons !: $61
2-Hour River Dinner Cruise: $71
Bordeaux Complete Morning Food Tour: $72
1.5h Exclusive Best Bakeries Food Tour - Max 8 ppl: $77
Bordeaux : Food Tour with local delicacies: $91
Bordeaux Food Tour : Local Delicacies: $93
4h Night Food Tour of Bordeaux: $93
Organic : Bordeaux Food Tour: $102

Typical Food Prices in Cusco

Some typical examples of dining costs in Cusco are as follows:

Sandwich

€2.06
Mango

€0.52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cusco

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

Small-Group Virtual Ceviche Cooking Experience: $25
Folkloric Andean Show & 3-Course Dinner at Tunupa: $37
Pachapapa Restaurant Lunch or Dinner: $41
Cusco Tunupa Restaurant Folk Show with Dinner : $49
Andean Bread Baby Cooking Class with Hotel Pickup: $49
3-Hour Peruvian Cooking Class: $49
Andean Folk Show with Dinner at Tunupa Plaza de Armas: $50
CUSCO COOKING CLASS DINNER - Short & Immersive 4:30pm: $50
Pete's Peruvian Cooking Class: $52
Cusco Cooking Class by ChocoMuseo in Cusco: $54
Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market in Cusco: $55
Market Tour & Traditional Peruvian Cooking Class in Cusco: $55

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Bordeaux €22

Cusco €28

Tours and Activities in Bordeaux

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

Secrets of Bordeaux Self Guided Tour: $3.13
Bordeaux Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $8.36
Bordeaux Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $10
City Highlights - 2 Hour Walking Tour: $13
Guided Walking Tour: $15
Street Art Guided Tour: $15
Guided River Cruise: $15
Small group - Guided Walking Tour: $16
Scenic River Cruise with Commentary and Canelés: $17
Mystery and Myths Walking Tour: $17
Guided Wine and Canelé Discovery Cruise: $20
Museum of Illusions Entry Ticket: $20

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cusco

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cusco are as follows:

Salsa Class

€2.58

Tours and Activities in Cusco

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cusco are as follows:

Free Walking tour in Cusco : $5.00
cultural walking tour with drinks: $10
City Tour - Cusco: $10
CITY TOUR CUSCO - HALF DAY TOUR: $10
extreme adventure in cusco warachicuy adventure park: $11
Cusco City Half-Day Tour: $12
Peruvian Andes Tour in Cusco: $12
Open Bus Tour of the City’s Wonder’s: $12
open-top bus city tour: $12
Mirabus Cusco City Tour: $12
Sightseeing Tour of the City on an Open-Top Bus: $12
Open-Top Bus City Tour: $12

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Bordeaux €26

Cusco €9.08

Sample the Local Flavors in Bordeaux

Also in Bordeaux, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

Wine and Trade Museum Entry Ticket & Wine Tasting: $10
Château Olivier: One Hour Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting: $15
Distillery Tour in Bordeaux with Spirits Tasting: $16
Wine Tasting Cruise: $22
Cité du Vin Direct Ticket and Wine Tasting: $23
Taillan-Médoc: Château Visit and Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: $26
Wine Tour and Tasting: $28
Discover Bordeaux vineyard : special wine tasting with two cellar men brothers: $30
Guided Bordeaux Wine Tasting Class with 6 Wines: $39
Chateau du Taillan and Park including Wine Tasting Tour: $42
Bordeaux Morning Wine Tasting Class: $46
Bordeaux Small-Group Wine Tasting class morning with appetizer plate : $47

Sample the Local Flavors in Cusco

Also in Cusco, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Access and Drinks: $17
Exclusive Pub Crawl with more than 10 Benefits: $25
Pisco and wine tour in the Majes Valley: $50

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Cusco?

Cusco has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux and Cusco, 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.

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bordeaux vs. Cusco for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bordeaux or Cusco?

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

Where Should I go: Bordeaux or Cusco?

Bordeaux

Cusco

Which place is cheaper, Cusco or Bordeaux?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Bordeaux and Cusco

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cusco

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cusco

Is it cheaper to fly into Bordeaux or Cusco?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bordeaux

Typical Food Prices in Cusco

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cusco

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Bordeaux

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cusco

Tours and Activities in Cusco

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Bordeaux

Sample the Local Flavors in Cusco

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Cusco?

Related Articles for Bordeaux

Related Articles for Cusco

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bordeaux vs. Cusco for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bordeaux or Cusco?

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

Where Should I go: Bordeaux or Cusco?

Bordeaux

Cusco

Which place is cheaper, Cusco or Bordeaux?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Bordeaux and Cusco

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cusco

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cusco

Is it cheaper to fly into Bordeaux or Cusco?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bordeaux

Typical Food Prices in Cusco

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cusco

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Bordeaux

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cusco

Tours and Activities in Cusco

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Bordeaux

Sample the Local Flavors in Cusco

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Cusco?

Related Articles for Bordeaux

Related Articles for Cusco

Subscribe to our Newsletter