Which place is cheaper, Temuco or Cuenca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Cuenca or Temuco?
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 Temuco. 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 Temuco?
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.
Temuco
Temuco is a large and modern city found 680 km south of Santiago. While the city is dynamic, it does not have any particular charm with the exception of being a great point of departure for many excursions around the lake region and the many national parks found in the surrounding area. Temuco is also well known for its Mapuche culture, a proud and rebellious community of around 20 000 in the area today, who has fought continuously against every invaders in the past.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador, The Best Luxury Tours to Chile, and The Best Budget Tours to Chile.
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Cuenca Prices
Ecuador PricesTemuco Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCuenca $53Temuco $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Cuenca is $53, while the average daily cost in Temuco is $96. 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 Temuco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCuenca $13Temuco $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCuenca $26Temuco $88
Compare Hotels in Cuenca and Temuco
Looking for a hotel in Cuenca or Temuco? 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 Temuco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cuenca $11Temuco $23
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:
- Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
- Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Temuco
Also for Temuco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Temuco Airport (ZCO) to Pucon Resorts - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
- Temuco Airport (ZCO) to Pucon Thermal Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $167
- Transfer from Temuco Airport to Pucon: $140
- Transfers from or to Temuco - Araucanía Airport: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Cuenca or Temuco?
Prices for flights to both Temuco 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 $26Temuco $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
- Experience Ecuador: Join an Andean Cooking Class in Cuenca: $85
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cuenca $16Temuco $7.85
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca-Ec- Highlights City Tour : $16
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $47
- Azuay Cuenca Ecuador Tour: $1,300
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $50
- Birdwatching Tour Cajas Park and Tamarindo Tropical Forest area from Cuenca: $130
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
- Birdwatching Tour, Via Gualaceo to the Eastern slope from Cuenca: $130
- Cajas National Park FULL-DAY Tour from Cuenca: $55
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour: $110
- Complete excursion Ingapirca & Gualaceo Chordeleg Tour Archaeological Artisanal: $60
Tours and Activities in Temuco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Temuco.
- Tour Mapuche Community Araucanía: $592
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCuenca $14Temuco $5.13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cuenca and Temuco, we can see that Temuco 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 Temuco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Temuco 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 Temuco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cuenca or Temuco?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Temuco. When comparing the sizes of Cuenca and Temuco, 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 Temuco?
Temuco 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 Temuco in the Summer?
Both Temuco 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 a little warmer than Temuco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cuenca in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Temuco averages at about 17°C (62°F)in January.
Cuenca usually gets less rain in July than Temucoin January. Cuenca gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCuenca 22°C (72°F)Temuco 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Temuco in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cuenca and Temuco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
In October, Cuenca is generally around the same temperature as Temucoin April. Daily temperatures in Cuenca average around 12°C (54°F), and Temuco fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In October, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Temucoin April. Cuenca gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCuenca 12°C (54°F)Temuco 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Temuco in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cuenca as well as Temuco. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cuenca. Cuenca is much colder than Temuco in the winter. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Temuco fluctuates around 8°C (46°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Temuco. Cuenca usually gets less rain in January than Temucoin July. Cuenca gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCuenca 4°C (39°F)Temuco 8°C (46°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Temuco in the Spring?
Both Temuco 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 cooler than Temuco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cuenca in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Temuco averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.
In April, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Temucoin October. Cuenca gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCuenca 10°C (50°F)Temuco 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Temuco and Cuenca
| Cuenca | Temuco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 177 mm (7 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.