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

Should you visit Cordoba or Cusco?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cordoba or Cusco, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Cordoba or Cusco?

Cordoba

Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.

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 Adventure Tours to Argentina, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Cusco, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Cusco.


Which place is cheaper, Cusco or Cordoba?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cordoba is $8.53, while the average daily cost in Cusco is $51. 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 Cordoba and Cusco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cordoba $3.10
    Cusco $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cordoba $6.20
    Cusco $46
Compare Hotels in Cordoba and Cusco

Looking for a hotel in Cordoba 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 Cordoba


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: Cordoba Hotel Prices and Cusco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cordoba $2.11
    Cusco $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

Also for Cordoba, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cusco

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cusco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cusco:

  • From 2-Day Guided Trip to Machu Picchu with Transfers: $345
  • Full-Day Trip to Machu Picchu with Hotel Transfers: $290
  • Direct Private Transfer From Cusco to Puno, English Local Speaking Driver: $208
  • Private Transfer from Valle Sagrado to Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ) Airport: $158
  • Private Transfer from Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ) Airport to Ollantaytambo: $143
  • Scenic Journey from Cusco to Puno by Bus Including Hotel Transfers: $128
  • Puno Bus Transfer with Buffet Lunch: $109
  • Comfortable Private Transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo: $100
  • Transfer Cusco - Ollantaytambo train station : $95
  • Private City Tour and Saksaywaman Visit with Transfer: $80
  • Cuzco city or airport to Ollantaytambo train station -Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • From Temple of the Moon Horseback Tour with Transfer: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Cordoba or Cusco?

Prices for flights to both Cusco and Cordoba 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
    Cordoba $3.89
    Cusco $13
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cordoba:


  • Empanadas
    $0.01
  • Sandwich
    $0.00
  • Ice Cream
    $0.00

Typical Food Prices in Cusco

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


  • Sandwich
    $2.18
  • Mango
    $0.54

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
  • Small-Group Virtual Peruvian Cooking Experience: $25
  • CUSCO COOKING CLASS LUNCH - Quick Culinary Dive: $37
  • 3-Hour Peruvian Cooking Class: $49
  • Cusco Cooking Class by ChocoMuseo in Cusco: $50
  • Pete's Peruvian Cooking Class: $52
  • Vegetarian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour in Cusco: $58
  • Peruvian Cooking Class and Local Market in Cusco: $59
  • Peruvian Cooking Experience & Pisco Tasting in Cusco : $59
  • Peruvian Cooking Class and Local Market Tour: $63
  • Peruvian Cooking Class & Market Tour: $65
  • Awamaki Cooking Class: $68

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cordoba $1.91
    Cusco $29

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cordoba.

  • Traditional Córdoba CityTour x 2 Pax: $45
  • Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
  • Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $50
  • Cordoba City Tour: $50
  • Private Cordoba City Tour: $53
  • Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
  • Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
  • Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
  • Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $62
  • Full Day Tour to Punilla Valley from Cordoba: $75
  • La Cumbrecita and Villa General Belgrano Full Day Tour: $75
  • Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cusco

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


  • Salsa Class
    $2.72

Tours and Activities in Cusco

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

  • 1 Day Rainbow Mountain Tour From Cusco: $75
  • ATV Tour to Moray, Maras and Salar in the Sacred Valley of the Incas: $42
  • City Tour Cusco / Tour in the City: $12
  • Colorful mountain adventure with a slightly steep hike: $48
  • Cusco City Tour I Half-Day: $28
  • Half-Day Private Tour to Maras and Moray: $90
  • Official Machupicchu Ticket: $96
  • Official Ticket Football Day tour In Cusco with Tourism Guide: $100
  • Official Ticket- Machu Picchu Lost Citadel: $72
  • Sacred Valley Tour in Cusco : $47
  • Ticket To Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain : $89
  • Tour a la montaña de 7 colores vinicunca 1 dia: $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cordoba $1.51
    Cusco $9.58

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:

  • Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $120
  • Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $121
  • Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $140

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
  • Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
  • Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Access and Drinks: $18


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cordoba and Cusco, we can see that Cusco is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Cordoba.

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


Which is Bigger, Cordoba or Cusco?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cusco. When comparing the sizes of Cordoba 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.