Which city is cheaper, El Chalten or Cuenca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cuenca vs. El Chalten for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Cuenca or El Chalten?
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 El Chalten. 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 El Chalten?
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.
El Chalten
El Chalten is probably one of the most beautiful areas of Patagonia, especially at the slightest ray of sunshine and one of your cheapest destination while you are travelling in Patagonia. Indeed, you will spend your days hiking and there are no park fees. There are restaurants, souvenir shops, and outdoor stores but most of them will not accept credit cards so before heading out, get cash in El Calafate or your previous stop. For the beginners, it will be long hikes in a magical setting and for the experts perhaps a week long expedition to the greatest glaciers of the world. To discover the way people live in the pampa, you may also decide to stay at an Estancia. In the stunning Estancia Santa Thelma, about 300km away from El Chalten, you will be able to explore the surroundings by horse, live a unique experience in the middle of the nature and its vast plains occupied by thousands of merino sheep and horses and of course eat a typical meal of the region.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCuenca $34El Chalten $38
The average daily cost (per person) in Cuenca is $34, while the average daily cost in El Chalten is $38. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cuenca and El Chalten in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCuenca $9.97El Chalten $17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCuenca $20El Chalten $34
Compare Hotels in Cuenca and El Chalten
Looking for a hotel in Cuenca or El Chalten? 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 El Chalten Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cuenca $8.60El Chalten $9.13
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:
- Cuenca Arrival Transfer: $15
- Cuenca Departure Transfer: $15
- Cuenca Airport Shuttle Transfer: $19
- Cuenca to Guayaquil Transfer in Fantasy Bus: $25
- Cuenca to Alausi Transfer in Fantasy Bus: $25
- Transfer In Cuenca Airport - Hotel: $25
- Arrival Private Transfer: Cuenca Airport CUE to Cuenca City by Minivan: $74
- Departure Private Transfer: Cuenca City to Cuenca Airport CUE by Minivan: $74
- Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $83
- Private Transfer from Cuenca City Center to Madrid City Center: $147
Is it cheaper to fly into Cuenca or El Chalten?
Prices for flights to both El Chalten 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 $12El Chalten $14
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.
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Cuenca City Tour & Cooking Class (PRIVATE Tour): $95
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cuenca $13El Chalten $10
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided tour to Cuenca City: $9.95
- Cuenca City Tour: $20
- Cuenca City Tour: $20
- Cuenca City tour: $25
- Half-Day Tour of Cuenca Including Panama Hat Factory: $30
- Walking Cuenca City Tour with Pumapungo Complex Half Day: $30
- Biking and Walking City Tour Cuenca: $30
- Half-Day Biking and Walking Tour of Cuenca, Ecuador: $30
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour: $40
- Private Half-Day City Tour Including Turi Viewpoint: $41
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $45
- Full Day Tour to National Park of Cajas: $45
Tours and Activities in El Chalten
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for El Chalten are as follows:
- El Chalten Rafting Experience: $149
- El Chalten Rafting Experience: $225
- Module Fitz Roy Adventure: $305
- 2-Day Chalten Adventure tour: Laguna de los Tres, Mount Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre: $333
- 2-Day Hiking Tour of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre from El Chalten: $553
- 3-Day Eco-Lodge Trekking Tour at Los Glaciares National Park from El Chalten: $789
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCuenca $11El Chalten $4.70
When comparing the travel costs between Cuenca and El Chalten, we can see that El Chalten 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.
When is the best time to visit Cuenca or El Chalten?
El Chalten has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cuenca experiences a tropical climate with fairly warm weather most of the year.
Should I visit Cuenca or El Chalten in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cuenca and El Chalten. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate.
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In July, Cuenca is generally cooler than El Chaltenin January. Temperatures in Cuenca average around 22°C (72°F), and El Chalten stays around 27°C (81°F).
El Chalten receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Cuenca usually receives less rain than El Chaltenin January. Cuenca gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCuenca 22°C (72°F)El Chalten 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or El Chalten in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cuenca as well as El Chalten. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
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Cuenca is much colder than El Chalten in the autumn. The temperature in Cuenca is usually 12°C (54°F) in October, and El Chalten stays around 21°C (70°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in El Chalten. Cuenca usually gets less rain in October than El Chaltenin April. Cuenca gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCuenca 12°C (54°F)El Chalten 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or El Chalten in the Winter?
Both El Chalten and Cuenca are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year.
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It's quite cold in Cuenca in the winter. In the winter, Cuenca is much colder than El Chalten. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cuenca in January are around 4°C (39°F), and El Chalten is about 16°C (61°F)in July.
In January, Cuenca usually receives less rain than El Chaltenin July. Cuenca gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCuenca 4°C (39°F)El Chalten 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or El Chalten in the Spring?
Both El Chalten and Cuenca during the spring are popular places to visit. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate.
In April, Cuenca is generally much colder than El Chaltenin October. Temperatures in Cuenca average around 10°C (50°F), and El Chalten stays around 22°C (72°F).
El Chalten gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cuenca usually gets less rain in April than El Chaltenin October. Cuenca gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCuenca 10°C (50°F)El Chalten 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for El Chalten and Cuenca
| Cuenca | El Chalten | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
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