Which place is cheaper, Manaus or Cuenca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, and The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCuenca $42Manaus $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Cuenca is $42, while the average daily cost in Manaus is $59. 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 Manaus in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCuenca $13Manaus $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCuenca $26Manaus $84
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cuenca $11Manaus $7.94
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus
Also for Manaus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) -Departure Private Transfer: $21
- 24-hour hotel transfer - airport in Manaus: $17
- 24-hour private group transfer service airport -> hotel: $95
- Manaus Airport (MAO) to Manaus hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Manaus Airport(MAO) to Manaus hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Manaus hotels to Manaus Airport(MAO) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Manaus private Airport transfer: $30
- Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
- Private 24-hour transfer from the Hotel to the Airport in Manaus: $16
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
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Food Meals for one dayCuenca $15Manaus $12
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 Manaus
For Manaus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Folklore Amazonian Dinner Show: $42
- Food Tour: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cuenca $16Manaus -
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
- Cañari Bike Tour: $96
- 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
Tours and Activities in Manaus
For Manaus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Like a Local Customized Guided Welcome Tour: $30
- Manaus City Tour e Musa: $50
- MUSA and INPA Museums with Observation Tower Tour: $50
- City Tour in Manaus at Teatro Amazonas and Praça da Matriz: $50
- Half-Day City Tour: $54
- Full-Day Tour on the Amazon River: $55
- Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
- Manaus Sightseeing Tour: $64
- Solimoes River Piranha Fishing and Alligator Watching Tour: $66
- Tour to Presidente Figueiredo Waterfalls: $70
- Full-Day Package Tour in Presidente Figueiredo : $70
- Meeting of the Waters & Pink Dolphin Tour with Lunch: $71
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCuenca $14Manaus $2.84
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cuenca Expensive? and Is Manaus Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cuenca or Manaus?
Manaus has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Cuenca and Manaus, 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 Manaus?
Manaus 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 Manaus in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cuenca as well as Manaus. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Cuenca is cooler than Manaus in the summer. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Manaus fluctuates 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCuenca 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. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In the autumn, Cuenca is much colder than Manaus. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cuenca in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Manaus averages at 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCuenca 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. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Cuenca can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cuenca is generally much colder than Manausin July. Daily temperatures in Cuenca average around 4°C (39°F), and Manaus fluctuates 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCuenca 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Cuenca is much colder than Manaus in the spring. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Manaus fluctuates 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCuenca 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) |
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.