Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Colonia del Sacramento?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Colonia del Sacramento and Cuenca can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Cuenca?
Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is in the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. It is filled with old colonial buildings and cobbled streets, and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, sandwiched in between the Portuguese colony of Brazil and the Spanish Viceroyalty of the River Plate, later Argentina, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. Its strategic position and use as a smuggling port meant that its sovereignty was constantly contested and the city changed hands several times between Spain and Portugal. The irresistibly picturesque town's charm and its proximity to Buenos Aires draw thousands of Argentine and other visitors on weekends and in summer. Prices rise in these periods and it can be difficult to find a room so make sure to book your trip well in advance.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColonia del Sacramento $68Cuenca $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Colonia del Sacramento is $68, 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 Colonia del Sacramento and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColonia del Sacramento $34Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColonia del Sacramento $68Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento 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: Colonia del Sacramento Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $17Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colonia del Sacramento
Also for Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Colonia Bus Terminal Private Transfer : $15
- Colonia Port Terminal Private Transfer : $15
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 Colonia del Sacramento or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Colonia del Sacramento 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 dayColonia del Sacramento $19Cuenca $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colonia del Sacramento
For Colonia del Sacramento, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sensory Experience - Blind dinner in Colonia Del Sacramento: $95
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
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $24Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Colonia del Sacramento
For Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Walking tour around Colonia del Sacramento Old Town: $15
- Shared City Tour at sunset in Historic Neighborhood: $20
- Regular City Tour in Portuguese: $25
- Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
- Hike at promenade + entry ticket to bullring (Walk 5.5km): $28
- Shared Boat Tour Experience - Colonia del Sacramento: $43
- Full gastronomic experience: Uruguayan meat,cheese and wine: $55
- Historical Walking Tour with Snack: $58
- Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $58
- Adventure Sightseeing Bike Tour: $59
- Experience an typical Uruguayan dish: Chivito & Tannat Wine: $78
- From Horse Ride Experience: $80
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $48
- Azuay: San Bartolomé, Gualaceo, and Chordeleg Artisanal Tour: $63
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $50
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
- Birdwatching Tour in Giron and Yunguilla Jocotoco Reserve from Cuenca: $150
- Birdwatching Tour, Via Gualaceo to the Eastern slope from Cuenca: $130
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $49
- Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $49
- Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour: $115
- Cuenca City Half Day Tour: $52
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayColonia del Sacramento $5.85Cuenca $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Colonia del Sacramento
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Colonia del Sacramento:
- Shuttle to Traditional Vineyard with Wine Tasting included: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Cuenca, we can see that Colonia del Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Colonia del Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento or Cuenca?
Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Colonia del Sacramento during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
In the summer, Colonia del Sacramento is a little warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Cuenca averages at about 22°C (72°F)in July.
Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in January than Cuencain July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyColonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Cuenca. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Colonia del Sacramento is generally much warmer than Cuencain October. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (65°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Colonia del Sacramento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Cuencain October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberColonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Cuenca. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Cuenca in the winter. Colonia del Sacramento is much warmer than Cuenca in the winter. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F)in January.
Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in July than Cuencain January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryColonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca and Colonia del Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Colonia del Sacramento is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Cuenca averages at about 10°C (50°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Colonia del Sacramento. In October, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Cuencain April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilColonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Colonia del Sacramento
| Colonia del Sacramento | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 89 mm (3.5 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.