Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Cuenca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cuenca or Vieques Island?
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 Vieques Island. 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 Vieques Island?
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.
Vieques Island
Amidst the melodious chorus of coqui frogs and gentle whispers of palm trees blowing in an evening breeze, you will find that the waters around you glow just as brightly as the stars above. This tropical paradise is none other than Vieques, Puerto Rico. Tropical forests, bioluminescent bays, coral reefs--this island attracts visitors from all around the world who seek to see the wonders and beauties of the tropics. This island suits those from all walks of life, from history buffs seeking to learn about its unique past to nature-lovers wanting to admire its untouched wilderness. Vieques is the place for a perfect vacation!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCuenca $42Vieques Island $170
The average daily cost (per person) in Cuenca is $42, while the average daily cost in Vieques Island is $170. 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 Vieques Island in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCuenca $13Vieques Island $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCuenca $26Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Cuenca and Vieques Island
Looking for a hotel in Cuenca or Vieques Island? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cuenca $11Vieques Island $30
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
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Cuenca: $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vieques Island
Also for Vieques Island, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Fajardo or Ceiba to San Juan Airport: $150
- Taxi Transfer From San Juan Airport to El Conquistador Hotel: $115
Is it cheaper to fly into Cuenca or Vieques Island?
Prices for flights to both Vieques Island 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 $15Vieques Island $54
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
- Cuenca City Tour & Cooking Class (PRIVATE Tour from Cuenca): $112
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cuenca $16Vieques Island $34
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 Vieques Island
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vieques Island.
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $45
- El Yunque Waterfalls and Waterslide River Tour: $50
- Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island: $56
- Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $65
- Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayaking Tour in Laguna Grande Fajardo: $65
- Isla de Vieques Beach Sightseeing Day Tour: $70
- Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $72
- Private Tour to the East Side of Puerto Rico: $95
- Snorkeling Tour to Vieques Island: $100
- Fajardo Afternoon Snorkeling Boat Tour: $110
- Mosquito Bay Kayak Experience in Vieques: $115
- Icacos Island All-Inclusive Snorkel and Boat Tour : $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCuenca $14Vieques Island $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cuenca and Vieques Island, we can see that Vieques Island is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cuenca is in South America and Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Vieques Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cuenca or Vieques Island?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Cuenca and Vieques Island, 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 Vieques Island?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Cuenca or Vieques Island in the Summer?
Both Vieques Island 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.
Cuenca usually gets less rain in July than Vieques Island. Cuenca gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Cuenca is cooler than Vieques Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCuenca 22°C (72°F)Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Vieques Island in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cuenca and Vieques Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Vieques Island receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Vieques Island. Cuenca gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Cuenca is much colder than Vieques Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cuenca in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCuenca 12°C (54°F)Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Vieques Island in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cuenca as well as Vieques Island. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.
Cuenca usually gets less rain in January than Vieques Island. Cuenca gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite cold in Cuenca in the winter. In January, Cuenca is generally much colder than Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Cuenca average around 4°C (39°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCuenca 4°C (39°F)Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Vieques Island in the Spring?
Both Vieques Island and Cuenca are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Vieques Island. Cuenca gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Cuenca is much colder than Vieques Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCuenca 10°C (50°F)Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Cuenca
| Cuenca | Vieques Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.