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

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.


Which place is cheaper, Cartagena 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 Cartagena is $48. 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 person
    Cuenca $13
    Cartagena $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cuenca $26
    Cartagena $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.

Hotels in Cuenca


Hotels in Cartagena


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 $11
    Cartagena $7.49
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: $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:

  • Private Transfer from Bocagrande to Port of Cartagena: $25
  • 15. Transfer to SANTA MARTA from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $290
  • 18.Transfer (Rafael N-Hotel Decameron Baru Airport) or vice versa: $90
  • 2. Transfer from the Airport to the Cartagena Hotel (or vice versa): $26
  • 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $142
  • 6.Transfer (Airport-Manzanillo KARIBANA-ESTELAR) Or Vice Versa: $40
  • 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $160
  • Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $21
  • Airport Transfers Cartagena: $38
  • Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $93
  • Arrival Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena by MiniSuv: $106
  • Baru: Rafael Nunez International Airport Private Transfer: $86

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 day
    Cuenca $15
    Cartagena $9.82
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
  • 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.

  • Street Food Tour with Lunch at Quaint Restaurant: $20
  • Featured in NYTimes > Arepas and Dancing: Danceable Cooking Class in Cartagena: $32
  • Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $42
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $44
  • Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $50
  • Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
  • Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $58
  • Dinner Cruise Along Cartagena's Bay: $60
  • Cartagena Island Dinner (Island of Tierra Bomba): $60
  • Flavors of Colombia - Cartagena Street Food Tour: $60
  • Street food tour: $61
  • Cartagena Gourmet: Cooking Class with a View, Elegance & Flavor: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cuenca $16
    Cartagena $21

Tours and Activities in Cuenca

Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cuenca Excursion Panoramic City Tour SightSeeingTour in double-decker bus: $8.34
  • Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Shared Tour: $25
  • Cuenca-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
  • Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $30
  • Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
  • Private Cuenca City Tour including Turi Viewpoint: $40
  • El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
  • Biking Cuenca City Tour: $45
  • Historical City Tour: $45
  • City Sightseeing Tour: $45
  • Cuenca Heritage Complex: Chocolate Tasting, Tour and Museums: $45
  • Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Tour: $46

Tours and Activities in Cartagena

Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Emeralds Tour: $0.03
  • Into the Walls of The City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Great Battle: Fort of San Felipe: $6.99
  • Shared walking tour in the historic center: $9.80
  • Republican Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour in Cartagena: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: Ghost of Downtown: Fear in the streets. : $10
  • Emerald Museum and Factory Tour: $10
  • Historic Free Tour Slavery and Gethsemane Heritage: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Getsemaní Neighborhood: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part I: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cuenca $14
    Cartagena $9.21

Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena

Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl with Dancing and Complimentary Drinks: $18
  • Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $20
  • Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $20
  • Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
  • Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $67
  • Pub Crawl: $70


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 July
    Cuenca 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 October
    Cuenca 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 January
    Cuenca 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 April
    Cuenca 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)