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

South America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cusco?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Cusco 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cusco?

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Cusco or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $25, while the average daily cost in Cusco is $49. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Cusco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $10
    Cusco $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $20
    Cusco $44
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Cusco

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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.

Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina


Hotels in Cusco


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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Cusco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.87
    Cusco $9.63
Typical Local Transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $0.33
  • Local Bus
    $0.01
  • Metro Ride
    $0.01
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.09
  • Taxi
    $0.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • One Way Private AEP Airport Transfer to Buenos Aires: $6.00
  • Private transfer Vehicle from Buenos Aires city to Ezeiza Airport: $12
  • Private transfer Buenos Aires Center - Jorge Newbery Airport(AEP): $14
  • Private transfer Jorge Newbery Airport to Buenos Aires CityCenter: $14
  • Private Transfer: Ezeiza Airport(EZE) to Buenos Aires City Center: $15
  • Private Transfer: Buenos Aires City Center to Ezeiza Airport(EZE): $15
  • ONE WAY: Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Transfer to/from Buenos Aires City: $18
  • Buenos Aires Local Airport One-way Private Transfer from 20 USD: $20
  • Local Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $20
  • Private transfer Vehicle from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City: $20
  • Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $20
  • Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $20

Typical Local Transportation prices in Cusco

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.04

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cusco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cusco:

  • 4-Day Inca Trail with Transfers from Cusco: $892
  • Airport Cusco Transfers: $69
  • Airport Transfer, City Tour, Sacred Valley & Machupicchu (All Included): $580
  • Arrival Transfer & Cusco City Tour (Private Service): $80
  • CUSCO MAGICAL 4D Transfer, Hotel, City Tour, Sacred Valley and Machu picchu: $641
  • Convenient Transfer Service in Cusco: $41
  • Cusco – Puno Direct Transfers: $24
  • Cusco Airport Arrival Transfer: $15
  • Cusco Airport Arrival Transfer: $9.67
  • Cusco Airport Departure Transfer: $15
  • Cusco Airport Departure Transfer: $9.67
  • Cusco Airport Pickup and Private Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cusco?

Prices for flights to both Cusco and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.97
    Cusco $13
Typical Food prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Lunch
    $0.06
  • Cup of Coffee
    $0.04
  • Empandas
    $0.05
  • Espresso
    $0.02
  • Dinner (Pizza)
    $0.04
  • Ice Cream
    $0.03
  • Breakfast at Airport
    $0.09
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    $0.03
  • Sweets
    $0.02
  • Hot Dog
    $0.02
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    $0.03
  • Lunch for 2
    $0.40
  • Cake and Coffee
    $1.30
  • Dinner
    $4.62
  • Powerade
    $0.28
  • Lunch
    $2.05
  • Dinner
    $2.98
  • Chocolate
    $7.65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • Argentinean Empanadas cooking (Virtual Live experience): $12
  • 2hrs Private Argentine Cooking Class: $20
  • 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $28
  • Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $34
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $35
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
  • Private Walking Tour & Argentinian pizzas Tasting: $35
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $37
  • Tango Porteño Show With Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $38
  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $39
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Argentine Empanadas Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40

Typical Food prices in Cusco

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


  • Sandwich
    $2.08
  • 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 Peruvian Cooking Experience: $25
  • Small-Group Virtual Ceviche Cooking Experience: $25
  • Short Peruvian Cooking Class - by Pete: $30
  • CUSCO COOKING CLASS LUNCH 12:00PM TO 1:30PM (Available only in English): $37
  • Pete's Peruvian Cooking Class: $49
  • 3-Hour Peruvian Cooking Class: $49
  • Cusco Tunupa Restaurant Folk Show with Dinner : $49
  • Cusco Cooking Class by ChocoMuseo in Cusco: $50
  • Market Tour & Traditional Peruvian Cooking Class in Cusco: $53
  • CUSCO COOKING CLASS DINNER 4:30PM TO 7:00PM (Available only in English): $53
  • Fully hands-on High End Peruvian Cooking Class & San Pedro Market Guided Visit: $55
  • Peruvian Cooking Classes: $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.20
    Cusco $28
Typical Entertainment prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)
    $0.09
  • Movie Ticket
    $0.04
  • Tango Class
    $0.07
  • Bar entrance
    $1.42

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Introduction to Argentina (Virtual Live Experience): $6.67
  • A day with an Argentinean Football Fan (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
  • History of Tango (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
  • The Life of Pope Francis in Argentina (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
  • 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $10
  • Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
  • La Boca Walking Tour: $10

Typical Entertainment prices in Cusco

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


  • Salsa Class
    $2.60

Tours and Activities in Cusco

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

  • Cusco : Half Day City Tour: $9.00
  • City Tour Cusco: $10
  • Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary Admission Ticket: $10
  • Combined city tour cusco: $10
  • extreme adventure in cusco warachicuy adventure park: $11
  • City Tour Cusco / Tour in the City: $12
  • Open-Top Bus City Tour: $12
  • Cusco Open Tour: Open Bus City Sightseeing Operator: $12
  • Archeological Sites Tour and Forest Photo Experience: $12
  • Half-Day City and Archaeological Sites Guided Tour: $13
  • City Tour in Cusco: $13
  • City Tour in Cusco: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.44
    Cusco $9.15
Typical Alcohol prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.03
  • Beer (0.66L)
    $0.05
  • Cocktail
    $0.07
  • Alcohol
    $1.63

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
  • Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires with Tapas: $45
  • Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
  • Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $48
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $49
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $57
  • Wine Tasting Sessions: $60
  • Asado and Wine Tasting by Gaston: $65
  • Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $65
  • Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $66
  • Private Walking Tour & Argentine wine Tasting: $74
  • Half-Day Nightlife Experience in Buenos Aires: Palermo Bar Crawl: $74

Sample the Local Flavors in Cusco

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

  • Cusco Pub Crawl - Bar Tour Cusco : $18
  • Cusco Pub Crawl: Cusco Bar Hopping Experience : $18
  • Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Access and Drinks: $19

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cusco?

Buenos Aires, Argentina is bigger, and its population is about 41.9 times larger than the population of Cusco. When comparing the population of Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. 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 and the activities 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.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
More City Comparisons
Recife vs. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Recife vs. Cusco
Fortaleza vs. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Fortaleza vs. Cusco
Puerto Iguazu vs. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Puerto Iguazu vs. Cusco
Mar del Plata vs. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Mar del Plata vs. Cusco
La Plata vs. Buenos Aires, Argentina
La Plata vs. Cusco
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Asuncion
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Salto
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Punta del Este
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Piriapolis
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Montevideo
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Colonia del Sacramento
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Sao Paulo
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Salvador
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Rio de Janeiro
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Ilha Grande
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Foz do Iguacu
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Florianopolis
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Curitiba
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Brasilia
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Buzios
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Ocho Rios
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Negril
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Montego Bay
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Cusco Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.