Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Cuenca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cuenca or Cartagena?
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 Cartagena. 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 Cartagena?
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.
Cartagena
The capital of the Bolivar Department of Colombia, Cartagena is one of the most visited cities in the country. It sits on Colombia's northern coast by the Caribbean Sea. It's a port city with a population of almost 900,000, making it the fifth largest city in Colombia. The city has a rich history and was the first Spanish colony on the American continent. It was also one of the first sanctuaries for freed African slaves in the Americas.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
-
Cuenca Prices
Ecuador PricesCartagena Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCuenca $53Cartagena $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Cuenca is $53, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $55. 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 Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCuenca $13Cartagena $27
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCuenca $26Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Cuenca and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Cuenca or Cartagena? 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 and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cuenca $11Cartagena $7.46
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:
- Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
- Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- 18.Transfer (Rafael N-Hotel Decameron Baru Airport) or vice versa: $156
- 2. Transfer from the Airport to the Cartagena Hotel (or vice versa): $40
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $167
- 6.Transfer (Airport-Manzanillo KARIBANA-ESTELAR) Or Vice Versa: $56
- Airport Private Transfer to Hotel in the urban City : $12
- Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $29
- Airport Transfer Hotel: $35
- Airport Transfers Cartagena: $38
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $91
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $63
- Baru: Rafael Nunez International Airport Private Transfer: $94
- TRANSFER CARTAGENA TO SANTA MARTA OR VICEVERSA IN SHARED CAR: $64
Is it cheaper to fly into Cuenca or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena 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 dayCuenca $26Cartagena $17
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
- Experience Ecuador: Join an Andean Cooking Class in Cuenca: $85
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Cartagena Fritters Cooking Class – by Lunático Experience: $23
- Street food tour Cartagena: $40
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $42
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $44
- Traditional cooking class in a restaurant in the historic center: $45
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $47
- Flavors of Colombia: Cooking Class with Chef Andrés: $52
- Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $52
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Food Tour of the Old City Flavors and Culture: $59
- Dinner Cruise Along Cartagena's Bay: $60
- Cartagena Island Dinner (Island of Tierra Bomba): $60
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cuenca $16Cartagena $21
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
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Ghost of Downtown: Fear in the streets. : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10
- Republican Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour in Cartagena: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Legends of the Streets of Downtown : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Pirate Tales in Cartagena: $10
- Self Guided Audio Tour The Great Battle Fort of San Felipe: $11
- Shared Walking Tour of the Colonial Old Town: $11
- CITY TOUR OVERVIEW of the city Boots castle chiva: $11
- CITYTOUR of Cartagena Monuments, Walls and Castles : $11
- Historic Center & Getsemaní Shared Tour in Cartagena : $12
- Cartagena Sunset Walking Tour: $12
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCuenca $14Cartagena $9.17
Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena
Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Open Bar Sunset Cruise with Bar Crawl After Party: $16
- Group Night Experience: Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $21
- Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $21
- Getsemaní Pub Crawl with Shots and Dance Class: $22
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $24
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Centro Histórico Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $29
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
- Pub Crawl-Last Call For Alcohol-Cartagena Night Tour (Bar/Club) : $50
- Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena : $60
When comparing the travel costs between Cuenca and Cartagena, we can see that Cartagena is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cuenca Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cuenca or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Cuenca and Cartagena, 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 Cuenca or Cartagena?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Cuenca or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Cuenca are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Cuenca gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Cuenca is cooler than Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyCuenca 22°C (72°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Cuenca during the autumn 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 Cartagena year-round.
Cartagena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cuenca usually gets less rain in October than Cartagena. Cuenca gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Cuenca is much colder than Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cuenca in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCuenca 12°C (54°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cuenca and Cartagena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Cuenca usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Cuenca gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Cuenca can be very cold during winter. In January, Cuenca is generally much colder than Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Cuenca average around 4°C (39°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCuenca 4°C (39°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cuenca as well as Cartagena. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Cuenca usually gets more rain in April than Cartagena. Cuenca gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Cuenca is much colder than Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilCuenca 10°C (50°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Cuenca
| Cuenca | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.