Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Cesis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Cesis or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cesis and Cuenca 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: Cesis or Cuenca?
Cesis
Cesis is the quintessential old world town in Latvia. It is nestled among rolling hills, giving it a beautiful, fantasy world like setting. The small town is sprinkled with old castles, fortresses, and parks that you can leisurely wander through to pass the time. There's a lovely town square that is the perfect place to grab a seat on a bench and people watch. Because of the square's central location, many residents pass through it on their way to and from the market. The town is intertwined with lovely cobblestone streets that are lined with old homes, in various stages of disrepair. Cesis manages to perfectly balance a level of authentic wear and tear with a fairytale ambiance. Outside of town you'll find great hiking trails that you can use to explore the rolling hills and picturesque countryside. The small town is also conveniently located less than 100 kilometers from Riga, making it an easy trip on a bus.
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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Cesis Prices
Latvia PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCesis $162Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Cesis is $162, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $53. 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 Cesis and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCesis $56Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCesis $112Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Cesis and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Cesis 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: Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cesis $35Cuenca $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:
- Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
- Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Cesis or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Cesis 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 dayCesis $84Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Cesis
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cesis:
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Lunch in town for two$7.83
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
- Experience Ecuador: Join an Andean Cooking Class in Cuenca: $85
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cesis $19Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca-Ec- Highlights City Tour : $16
- Half-Day Biking and Walking Tour in Cuenca: $30
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Tour of the best of Cuenca walking through its Historic Center: $35
- Half-Day City Tour including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
- Cuenca Your Way Exclusive Private City Tour: $45
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $47
- Wonderful Cajas National Park tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCesis $20Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cesis and Cuenca, we can see that Cesis is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cesis is in Europe 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 Cesis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cesis 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 Cesis Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cesis or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis 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 Cesis or Cuenca?
Cesis has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cuenca experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Cesis or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Cesis is cooler than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In July, Cesis usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCesis 17°C (63°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Cesis or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Cesis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cesis for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
In the autumn, Cesis is much colder than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cesis in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F).
Cesis usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCesis 7°C (45°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Cesis or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Cuenca. Many visitors come to Cesis in the winter for the cuisine. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Cuenca can be very cold during winter. Cesis can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cesis is generally much colder than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around -5°C (23°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In January, Cesis usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCesis -5°C (23°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Cesis or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Cuenca. Most visitors come to Cesis for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Cesis is much colder than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Cesis usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCesis 5°C (42°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Cesis
| Cesis | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.