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

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Should you visit Cuenca or Manaus?

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 Manaus. 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 Manaus?

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.

Manaus

Manaus is a Brazilian city, capital of the state of Amazonas, and is located on the Rio Negro a few miles before it meets the Rio Solimões to form the Amazon River. The city is a major departure point for those visiting the Amazon Rainforest, though there are a few sights worth seeing within the city itself as well.

Which city is cheaper, Manaus or Cuenca?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cuenca is $34, while the average daily cost in Manaus is $46. 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 Manaus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cuenca $9.97
    Manaus $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cuenca $20
    Manaus $66
Compare Hotels in Cuenca and Manaus

Looking for a hotel in Cuenca or Manaus? 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 Manaus


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 Manaus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cuenca $8.60
    Manaus $6.22
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:

  • Transfer In Cuenca Airport - Hotel: $25
  • Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $83
  • Private Transfer from Cuenca City Center to Madrid City Center: $147
  • Departure Private Transfer: Cuenca City to Cuenca Airport CUE by Minivan: $74
  • Cuenca to Guayaquil Transfer in Fantasy Bus: $25
  • Cuenca to Alausi Transfer in Fantasy Bus: $25
  • Cuenca Departure Transfer: $15
  • Cuenca Arrival Transfer: $15
  • Cuenca Airport Shuttle Transfer: $19
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Cuenca Airport CUE to Cuenca City by Minivan: $74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus

Also for Manaus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Manaus Transfer/Sightseeing with an English Speaking Tour Guide: $25
  • Manaus Transfers: $16
  • Private Transfers in Manaus Amazon: $30
  • Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Eduardo Gomes International Airport: $115
  • Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Manaus: $26
  • Shared Transfer from hotels to Manaus airport: $26
  • Transfers from the airport to any place in Manaus City: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Cuenca or Manaus?

Prices for flights to both Manaus 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 $12
    Manaus $9.72
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.

  • Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
  • Cuenca City Tour & Cooking Class (PRIVATE Tour): $95
  • Private Cooking Class: $125

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manaus

For Manaus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Folklore Themed Dinner - Jantar Folclórico Temático: $42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cuenca $13
    Manaus -

Tours and Activities in Cuenca

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

  • 4-Day Magic Tour Cuenca, Alausi town, Baños, Quilotoa, Cotopaxi and Quito: $675
  • 5-Day Rock Climbing Tour in Cojitambo, Paute, Girón, Cajas and Sayausi: $400
  • 5-Day Trekking Rock, Climbing, Canyoning and Paragliding Tour: $474
  • BIKE TOUR "Descent of The Andes": $59
  • Baños Private Guided 4-day tour from Cuenca: $691
  • Biking Cuenca City Tour: $45
  • Biking and Walking City Tour Cuenca: $30
  • Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
  • Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
  • Birdwatching Tour in Giron and Yunguilla Jocotoco Reserve from Cuenca: $129
  • Birdwatching Tour in Tamarindo Tropical Forest area from Cuenca: $130
  • Birdwatching Tour in Via Sigsig,Chiguinda from Cuenca: $130

Tours and Activities in Manaus

For Manaus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Manaus walking tour: $15
  • Like a Local Customized Guided Welcome Tour: $31
  • Amazon River Stand Up Paddling Tour: $34
  • Historical City Tour: $40
  • Manaus City Tour: $40
  • From Manuas: Full-Day River Tour: $48
  • Botanical City Tour: $50
  • City Tour - The Best of Manaus: $50
  • MUSA and INPA Museums with Observation Tower Tour: $50
  • Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
  • Eco City Tour with MUSA & INPA: $58
  • City Tour Plus Amazon River Tour: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cuenca $11
    Manaus $2.22

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cuenca and Manaus, we can see that Manaus 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 Manaus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manaus than you might in Cuenca.


When is the best time to visit Cuenca or Manaus?

Manaus 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 Manaus in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cuenca as well as Manaus. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.

Cuenca is cooler than Manaus in the summer. The temperature in Cuenca is usually 22°C (72°F) in July, and Manaus stays around 27°C (81°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Manaus. Cuenca usually gets less rain in July than Manausin January. Cuenca gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Cuenca 22°C (72°F) 
    Manaus 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Cuenca or Manaus in the Autumn?

Both Manaus and Cuenca are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Cuenca is much colder than Manaus. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cuenca in October are around 12°C (54°F), and Manaus is about 28°C (82°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Manaus. In October, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Manausin April. Cuenca gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Cuenca 12°C (54°F) 
    Manaus 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Cuenca or Manaus in the Winter?

Both Manaus and Cuenca during the winter are popular places to visit. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate.

Cuenca can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cuenca is generally much colder than Manausin July. Temperatures in Cuenca average around 4°C (39°F), and Manaus stays around 28°C (82°F).

Cuenca usually gets less rain in January than Manausin July. Cuenca gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Cuenca 4°C (39°F) 
    Manaus 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Cuenca or Manaus in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cuenca and Manaus. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.

Cuenca is much colder than Manaus in the spring. The temperature in Cuenca is usually 10°C (50°F) in April, and Manaus stays around 29°C (84°F)in October.

Manaus receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Manausin October. Cuenca gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Cuenca 10°C (50°F) 
    Manaus 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Manaus and Cuenca

Cuenca Manaus
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 264 mm (10.4 in)
Feb 6°C (43°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 335 mm (13.2 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 311 mm (12.3 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.8 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.6 in)


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Cuenca vs. Manaus Travel Comparison

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