Which place is cheaper, Easter Island or Cuenca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cuenca or Easter Island?
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 Easter Island. 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 Easter Island?
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.
Easter Island
Although Easter Island is considered a territory of Chile, it is actually located far out in the Pacific, almost halfway to Tahiti. Easter Island is well known, despite being one of the most isolated islands on Earth, because of the mysterious giant stone busts which date back centuries. There are 887 monumental statues, called moai, that were built by the Rapa Nui people. There remains much mystery around the historic Polynesian culture which created the stones, as well as the specific meaning for them.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Chile, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCuenca $42Easter Island $80
The average daily cost (per person) in Cuenca is $42, while the average daily cost in Easter Island is $80. 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 Easter Island in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCuenca $13Easter Island $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCuenca $26Easter Island $88
Compare Hotels in Cuenca and Easter Island
Looking for a hotel in Cuenca or Easter Island? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cuenca $11Easter Island $2.59
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 Cuenca or Easter Island?
Prices for flights to both Easter Island 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
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Food Meals for one dayCuenca $15Easter Island $25
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Easter Island
For Easter Island, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner, Show and Traditional Curanto Te Ra'ai Cultural Experience: $120
- Rapa Nui Dinner Show on Easter Island: $153
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cuenca $16Easter Island $40
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Easter Island
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Easter Island's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Bike Rental$8.38
Tours and Activities in Easter Island
For Easter Island, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Full Day Hotu Matua Tour from Vaihu to Anakena: $70
- Full Day Tour in Rapa Nui: $70
- Easter Island Moai Dining Experience: $90
- Orongo, Ahu Vinapu and Rano Kau Half Day Tour: $91
- Easter Island Moai Archaeology Tour: Ahu Akivi, Ahu Tahai and Puna Pauâ Quarry.: $91
- Full Day Tour in Rapa Nui National Park, Easter Island: $97
- Private Sunrise Tour at 15 Moai Tongariki Park: $120
- Full day tour - DREAM: $120
- The Rapa Nui Stargazing Experience : $125
- Private Tour: Tongariki Sunrise Experience: $125
- Tour to the Motus: Boat trip and snorkeling in Rapa Nui: $149
- Terevaka Private Tour to the highest point of Rapa Nui: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCuenca $14Easter Island $5.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cuenca and Easter Island, we can see that Easter Island 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 Easter Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Easter Island 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 Cuenca Expensive? and Is Easter Island Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cuenca or Easter Island?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Easter Island. When comparing the sizes of Cuenca and Easter Island, 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 Easter Island?
Easter Island 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 Cuenca or Easter Island in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cuenca as well as Easter Island. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Cuenca is generally around the same temperature as Easter Islandin January. Daily temperatures in Cuenca average around 22°C (72°F), and Easter Island fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
Cuenca usually gets less rain in July than Easter Islandin January. Cuenca gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCuenca 22°C (72°F)Easter Island 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Easter Island in the Autumn?
Both Easter Island and Cuenca are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Cuenca is much colder than Easter Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Easter Island fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Easter Island. In October, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Easter Islandin April. Cuenca gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCuenca 12°C (54°F)Easter Island 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Easter Island in the Winter?
Both Easter Island 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.
Cuenca can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Cuenca is much colder than Easter Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cuenca in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Easter Island averages at about 18°C (65°F)in July.
Easter Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cuenca usually gets less rain in January than Easter Islandin July. Cuenca gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCuenca 4°C (39°F)Easter Island 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Easter Island in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cuenca and Easter Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
In April, Cuenca is generally much colder than Easter Islandin October. Daily temperatures in Cuenca average around 10°C (50°F), and Easter Island fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
In April, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Easter Islandin October. Cuenca gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Easter Island receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCuenca 10°C (50°F)Easter Island 20°C (67°F)
Typical Weather for Easter Island and Cuenca
| Cuenca | Easter Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 86 mm (3.4 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.