Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Cuenca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cuenca or La Paz?
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 La Paz. 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 La Paz?
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.
La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCuenca $42La Paz $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Cuenca is $42, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $118. 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 La Paz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCuenca $13La Paz $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCuenca $26La Paz $104
Compare Hotels in Cuenca and La Paz
Looking for a hotel in Cuenca or La Paz? 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 La Paz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cuenca $11La Paz $22
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:
- La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
- La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
- La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
- Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
- Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Cuenca or La Paz?
Prices for flights to both La Paz 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 $15La Paz $38
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
- Cuenca City Tour & Cooking Class (PRIVATE Tour from Cuenca): $112
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.
- 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cuenca $16La Paz $13
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-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $30
- Private Cuenca City Tour including Turi Viewpoint: $40
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
- El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
- Experience Historical City Tour: $44
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Tour: $46
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cuenca City Tour: $48
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $49
Tours and Activities in La Paz
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:
- Transparent Boat Tour with Mushroom Rock: $64
- Pearls of Pearl Farm Experience: $64
- Half Day Sandboarding and Paddleboarding Experience in La Paz: $81
- Unique Mexican Spirits Tasting & Pairing Experience: $85
- Sunset Sandboarding at La Paz Dunes Tour: $89
- City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
- Supercombo 2-Day City Tour: $105
- Half Day Private Tour of the Beaches of La Paz: $113
- From Los Cabos: City Tour La Paz, Balandra and Todos Santos: $115
- holy spirit island tour: $116
- Los Cabos Tour from La Paz: $119
- Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz: $119
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCuenca $14La Paz $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cuenca and La Paz, we can see that La Paz is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cuenca is in South America and La Paz is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 La Paz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Paz 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 La Paz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cuenca or La Paz?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Cuenca and La Paz, 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 La Paz?
La Paz 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 La Paz in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cuenca and La Paz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
Cuenca is cooler than La Paz in the summer. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and La Paz fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
In July, Cuenca usually receives more rain than La Paz. Cuenca gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCuenca 22°C (72°F)La Paz 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or La Paz in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cuenca as well as La Paz. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to La Paz this time of year.
In the autumn, Cuenca is much colder than La Paz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cuenca in October average around 12°C (54°F), and La Paz averages at about 27°C (80°F).
Cuenca usually gets more rain in October than La Paz. Cuenca gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCuenca 12°C (54°F)La Paz 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or La Paz in the Winter?
Both La Paz and Cuenca are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Cuenca in the winter. In January, Cuenca is generally much colder than La Paz. Daily temperatures in Cuenca average around 4°C (39°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In January, Cuenca usually receives more rain than La Paz. Cuenca gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCuenca 4°C (39°F)La Paz 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or La Paz in the Spring?
Both La Paz and Cuenca during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to La Paz in the spring for the beaches.
Cuenca is much colder than La Paz in the spring. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and La Paz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Cuenca usually gets more rain in April than La Paz. Cuenca gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCuenca 10°C (50°F)La Paz 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for La Paz and Cuenca
| Cuenca | La Paz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.