Which place is cheaper, Huaraz or Cuenca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cuenca or Huaraz?
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 Huaraz. 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 Huaraz?
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.
Huaraz
Huaraz is a large town in the Cordillera Blanca region of Peru's Central Sierra. Huaraz stands tall at 3100m; travellers from Lima might need a day or two to acclimatize to the change in atmosphere. Nearly wiped out by the earthquake of 1970, the town of 100,000 blends a mix of modern and native culture. Huarez is first and foremost a trekking metropolis. During high season the streets buzz with hundreds of backpackers and adventurers freshly returned from arduous hikes or planning their next expedition. The town has many markets, shops, quality restaurants and hopping bars catering to tourist and local needs. Mountain adventures in the off-season can be equally rewarding, but the vibe is calmer and some places go into hibernation once the rains set in.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Peru, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCuenca $42Huaraz $50
The average daily cost (per person) in Cuenca is $42, while the average daily cost in Huaraz is $50. 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 Huaraz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCuenca $13Huaraz $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCuenca $26Huaraz $40
Compare Hotels in Cuenca and Huaraz
Looking for a hotel in Cuenca or Huaraz? 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 Huaraz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cuenca $11Huaraz $10
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:
- Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $104
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huaraz
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Huaraz are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$2.17
Is it cheaper to fly into Cuenca or Huaraz?
Prices for flights to both Huaraz 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 $15Huaraz $18
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
Typical Food Prices in Huaraz
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Huaraz:
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Lunch$5.97
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Chips$1.49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cuenca $16Huaraz $19
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Shared Tour: $25
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $30
- Cuenca-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
- Half-Day Biking and Walking Tour in Cuenca: $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
- Experience Historical City Tour: $44
- Cuenca Heritage Complex: Chocolate Tasting, Tour and Museums: $45
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Tour: $46
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huaraz
Here are a few typical costs in Huaraz for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Climbing Gear$17
Tours and Activities in Huaraz
Here are a few actual costs in Huaraz for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Traditional Picante de Cuy Gastronomy Tour in Huaraz: $15
- 69 Lake Tour of Peru: $26
- Glacier Pastoruri and Puya Raimondi Full Day Tour: $28
- Lake 69 Trek Day Tour - White Mountain Range: $30
- From Huaraz || Full day tour Laguna 69 in -Cordillera Blanca: $36
- From Tour to Llanganuco Lakes (Chinancocha Lake): $37
- From Tour to Archeological Complex of Chavin: $38
- Lake 69 Full-Day Hiking Tour from Huaraz: $40
- Ancash: Nevado pastors and puyas Raymondi Tour | Full Day |: $40
- From Lake 69 Trek Day Tour - White Mountain Range: $46
- From Chavín de Huantar fullday tour: $56
- From Ancash: Tour fantastic in Huaraz |2Days-1Night|: $92
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCuenca $14Huaraz $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cuenca and Huaraz, we can see that Huaraz 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 Huaraz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Huaraz 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 Huaraz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cuenca or Huaraz?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Huaraz. When comparing the sizes of Cuenca and Huaraz, 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 Huaraz?
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 Huaraz in the Summer?
Both Huaraz 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 Huaraz because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Huaraz. Cuenca gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Huaraz can get quite cold in the summer. In July, Cuenca is generally much warmer than Huaraz. Daily temperatures in Cuenca average around 22°C (72°F), and Huaraz fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCuenca 22°C (72°F)Huaraz 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Huaraz in the Autumn?
Both Huaraz 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 Huaraz year-round.
Cuenca usually gets less rain in October than Huaraz. Cuenca gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Huaraz can be very cold during autumn. Cuenca is much warmer than Huaraz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Huaraz fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCuenca 12°C (54°F)Huaraz 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Huaraz in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cuenca and Huaraz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round. Huaraz attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Huaraz receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Huaraz. Cuenca gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Cuenca can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Cuenca is much colder than Huaraz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cuenca in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Huaraz averages at about 7°C (45°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCuenca 4°C (39°F)Huaraz 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Huaraz in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cuenca as well as Huaraz. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Huaraz throughout the year.
Cuenca usually gets less rain in April than Huaraz. Cuenca gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Cuenca is generally much warmer than Huaraz. Daily temperatures in Cuenca average around 10°C (50°F), and Huaraz fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCuenca 10°C (50°F)Huaraz 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Huaraz and Cuenca
| Cuenca | Huaraz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 112 mm (4.4 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.