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

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Should you visit Cuenca or Punta Arenas?

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 Punta Arenas. 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 Punta Arenas?

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.

Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.

Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Cuenca?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cuenca is $42, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $69. 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 Punta Arenas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cuenca $13
    Punta Arenas $35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cuenca $26
    Punta Arenas $70
Compare Hotels in Cuenca and Punta Arenas

Looking for a hotel in Cuenca or Punta Arenas? 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 Punta Arenas


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 Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cuenca $11
    Punta Arenas $1.97
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:

  • Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $104
  • Departure Private Transfer: Cuenca City to Cuenca Airport CUE by Minivan: $74
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Cuenca Airport CUE to Cuenca City by Minivan: $74
  • Shared transfer from Cuenca Airport to Hotel: $45
  • Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Cuenca: $45
  • Cuenca Arrival Transfer: $34
  • Cuenca Departure Transfer: $34
  • Cuenca to Guayaquil Transfer in Fantasy Bus: $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas

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

  • Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33
  • Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $65
  • Private Transfer from Punta Arenas hotels to Punta Arenas Port: $65
  • Punta Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Punta Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Round-Trip Transfer: $67
  • Punta Arenas Airport to Puerto Natales Private Transfer: $80
  • Punta Arenas Airport to Punta Arenas - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) - Departure Transfer: $49
  • Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) - Departure Transfer: $55
  • Regular Transfer Punta Arenas- Villa Serrano (Minimum 2 pax): $135

Is it cheaper to fly into Cuenca or Punta Arenas?

Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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 $15
    Punta Arenas $23
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.

  • 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

Typical Food prices in Punta Arenas

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:


  • Donut
    $1.15
  • Dinner
    $28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cuenca $16
    Punta Arenas $7.04

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
  • Inca Trail Cajas National Park tour from Cuenca: $110
  • 4 or 5-Day Tour Cuenca,Alausi,Baños,Quilotoa,Cotopaxi and Quito: $670
  • Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $49
  • Archaeological Tour: Pumapungo - Cojitambo - Ingapirca: $60
  • Azuay: San Bartolomé, Gualaceo, and Chordeleg Artisanal Tour: $63
  • Baños & Amazon 4-day tour from Cuenca or Quito: $799
  • Biking Cuenca City Tour: $45
  • Birdwatching Tour Cajas Park and Tamarindo Tropical Forest area from Cuenca: $130
  • 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: $150

Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.

  • Punta Arenas Sightseeing Tour: $64
  • Regular city cruise tour: $65
  • Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
  • Punta Arenas Private City Tour Shore Excursion: $78
  • Half day Punta Arenas City Tour: $100
  • City Tour of Punta Arenas: $110
  • Punta Arenas and Nao Victoria City Tour: $118
  • Magallanes Forest and Club Andino Tour from Punta Arenas: $130
  • King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $138
  • Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $145
  • Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
  • King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $157

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cuenca $14
    Punta Arenas $5.32

Typical Alcohol prices in Punta Arenas

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:


  • Alcohol
    $8.02

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Cuenca or Punta Arenas?

Cuenca is bigger, and its population is about 2.4 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the population of Cuenca vs. Punta Arenas, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Cuenca or Punta Arenas?

Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas in the Summer?

Both Punta Arenas and Cuenca during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Cuenca is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cuenca in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 11°C (52°F)in January.

Cuenca usually gets less rain in July than Punta Arenasin January. Cuenca gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Cuenca 22°C (72°F) 
    Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Cuenca or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cuenca and Punta Arenas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.

In October, Cuenca is generally much warmer than Punta Arenasin April. Daily temperatures in Cuenca average around 12°C (54°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In October, Cuenca usually receives more rain than Punta Arenasin April. Cuenca gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Cuenca 12°C (54°F) 
    Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Cuenca or Punta Arenas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cuenca as well as Punta Arenas. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Punta Arenas can be very cold during winter. Cuenca can get quite cold in the winter. Cuenca is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the winter. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 1°C (35°F)in July.

Cuenca usually gets less rain in January than Punta Arenasin July. Cuenca gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Cuenca 4°C (39°F) 
    Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Cuenca or Punta Arenas in the Spring?

Both Punta Arenas and Cuenca are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.

In the spring, Cuenca is a little warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cuenca in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 7°C (44°F)in October.

In April, Cuenca usually receives more rain than Punta Arenasin October. Cuenca gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Cuenca 10°C (50°F) 
    Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Cuenca

Cuenca Punta Arenas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 6°C (43°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 1°C (35°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 29 mm (1.1 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.
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