Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Cuenca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCuenca $42Punta Arenas $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Cuenca is $42, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $63. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCuenca $13Punta Arenas $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCuenca $26Punta Arenas $64
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cuenca $11Punta Arenas $1.80
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 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: $64
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
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
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Food Meals for one dayCuenca $15Punta Arenas $21
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 Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cuenca $16Punta Arenas $6.44
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 Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- City Sightseeing and Monuments Guided Tour: $52
- Regular city cruise tour: $65
- Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Punta Arenas Sightseeing Tour: $72
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $138
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
- Punta Arenas Private City Tour Shore Excursion: $155
- Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
- Mountain Bike Adventure in Punta Arenas: $192
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCuenca $14Punta Arenas $4.86
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.34
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cuenca Expensive? and Is Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cuenca or Punta Arenas?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Cuenca and 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 along with the activities and attractions 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCuenca 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCuenca 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCuenca 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCuenca 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.