A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cuenca vs. Bogota for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Cuenca or Bogota?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cuenca and Bogota. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Cuenca or Bogota?

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.

Bogota

Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.

Which place is cheaper, Bogota or Cuenca?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cuenca is $42, while the average daily cost in Bogota 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 Cuenca and Bogota in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cuenca $13
    Bogota $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cuenca $26
    Bogota $50
Compare Hotels in Cuenca and Bogota

Looking for a hotel in Cuenca or Bogota? 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 Cuenca


Hotels in Bogota


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 and Bogota Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cuenca $11
    Bogota $8.24
Typical Local Transportation prices in Cuenca

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


  • 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: $45
  • Shared transfer from Cuenca Airport to Hotel: $45
  • Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $104
  • Departure Private Transfer: Cuenca City to Cuenca Airport CUE by Minivan: $74
  • Cuenca to Guayaquil Transfer in Fantasy Bus: $25
  • Cuenca Departure Transfer: $34
  • Cuenca Arrival Transfer: $34
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Cuenca Airport CUE to Cuenca City by Minivan: $74

Typical Local Transportation prices in Bogota

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


  • Taxi from Airport
    $7.10
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.37
  • 2 Bus Passes
    $0.84

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota

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

  • Airport transfers: $14
  • Andres Carne de Res Chia • Premium Private Transfer: $39
  • Andres Carne de Res Restaurant ( Chia ) Round-Trip Transfer Private Tour: $120
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Business Car: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City in a Luxury Van: $130
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by 2x4 Vehicle: $74
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Minibus: $140
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Minivan: $100
  • Bogotá Graffiti Bike Tour - No Transfers: $80
  • Bogotá Private Luxury Transfer - Airport Pick Up or Drop Off - SUV Mercedes Benz: $97
  • Bogotá to or from Barichara or San Gil Private Transfer: $141
  • Bogotá to or from Villa de Leyva Private Transfer: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Cuenca or Bogota?

Prices for flights to both Bogota and Cuenca 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
    Cuenca $15
    Bogota $13
Typical Food prices in Cuenca

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:


  • Lunch
    $10
  • Snacks
    $5.00
  • Empanada
    $1.50
  • 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
  • Cuenca City Tour & Cooking Class (PRIVATE Tour from Cuenca): $112
  • Private Cooking Class: $125

Typical Food prices in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $1.48
  • Hot Dog
    $0.86

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Bogota Local Food Tour in the City Center: $13
  • Peruvian cooking workshop: $26
  • Bogotá's Street Food Tour: $34
  • Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $45
  • PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $52
  • Food Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $57
  • Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
  • Carimañola Cooking Class in Bogota: $60
  • Bogotá Food Tour - La Candelaria: $61
  • Flavors of Colombia: Chapinero Street Food Tour: $85
  • Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $90
  • Bogota Food Tour: $92

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cuenca $16
    Bogota $12

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
  • Inca Trail Cajas National Park tour from Cuenca: $110
  • 4 or 5-Day Tour Cuenca,Alausi,Baños,Quilotoa,Cotopaxi and Quito: $670
  • Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $49
  • Archaeological Tour: Pumapungo - Cojitambo - Ingapirca: $60
  • Azuay: San Bartolomé, Gualaceo, and Chordeleg Artisanal Tour: $63
  • Baños & Amazon 4-day tour from Cuenca or Quito: $799
  • Biking Cuenca City Tour: $45
  • Birdwatching Tour Cajas Park and Tamarindo Tropical Forest area from Cuenca: $130
  • Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
  • Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
  • Birdwatching Tour in Giron and Yunguilla Jocotoco Reserve from Cuenca: $150

Typical Entertainment prices in Bogota

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Beer
    $1.23

Tours and Activities in Bogota

For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Colonial Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of La Candelaria: $5.99
  • Traditional Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Bogotá: La Macarena to Parque Nacional Walking Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part I : $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part II: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Paranormal Candelaria: $10
  • Walking Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $13
  • Graffiti Tour: a fascinating walk through a street art City: $13
  • Tour of the Colombian Armed Conflict: war, drug trafficking and peace: $13
  • Bike Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $13
  • Graffiti Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $13
  • Tour of Colombian Emeralds and panoramic view of Bogotá.: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cuenca $14
    Bogota $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:

  • Saturday Beer and Bar Crawl Tour in Bogotá: $25
  • Tuesday Bogotá Bar Crawl in Zona T: $25
  • Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá: $26
  • Monday Beer Tour and Bar Crawl in Bogotá: $28
  • Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá: $28
  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá : $29
  • Pub Crawl in Bogotá: $45
  • Brewery and Craft Beer Tour in Bogotá: $50
  • Pub Crawl in Bogota - Ancient Brews : $103

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cuenca and Bogota, we can see that Bogota 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 Bogota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bogota than you might in Cuenca.

Which is Bigger, Cuenca or Bogota?

Bogota is bigger, and its population is about 25.6 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the population of Cuenca vs. Bogota, 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.


When is the best time to visit Cuenca or Bogota?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Cuenca or Bogota in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cuenca as well as Bogota. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year.

Cuenca usually gets less rain in July than Bogota. Cuenca gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In July, Cuenca is generally much warmer than Bogota. Daily temperatures in Cuenca average around 22°C (72°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cuenca 22°C (72°F) 
    Bogota 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Cuenca or Bogota in the Autumn?

Both Bogota and Cuenca are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bogota. In October, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Bogota. Cuenca gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Cuenca is cooler than Bogota in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cuenca 12°C (54°F) 
    Bogota 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Cuenca or Bogota in the Winter?

Both Bogota and Cuenca during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota year-round.

Cuenca usually gets less rain in January than Bogota. Cuenca gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The weather in Cuenca can be very cold. In the winter, Cuenca is much colder than Bogota. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cuenca in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Bogota averages at about 14°C (57°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cuenca 4°C (39°F) 
    Bogota 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Cuenca or Bogota in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cuenca and Bogota. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Bogota. Cuenca gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Cuenca is generally cooler than Bogota. Daily temperatures in Cuenca average around 10°C (50°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cuenca 10°C (50°F) 
    Bogota 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Bogota and Cuenca

Cuenca Bogota
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 6°C (43°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 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.
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