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

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Should you visit Fortaleza or Cuenca?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Cuenca can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Fortaleza or Cuenca?

Fortaleza

A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Cuenca or Fortaleza?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $55, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $34. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Fortaleza and Cuenca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fortaleza $24
    Cuenca $9.97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fortaleza $48
    Cuenca $20
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Cuenca

Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza or Cuenca? 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 Fortaleza


Hotels in Cuenca


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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fortaleza $17
    Cuenca $8.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $51
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Sedan Car: $41
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Jericoacoara by Minivan: $336
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Jericoacoara by Sedan Car: $253
  • Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $20
  • Cumbuco Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $36
  • Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Minivan: $51
  • Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $41
  • Fortaleza Airport Private Transfer: $28
  • Fortaleza Airport Shared Transfer: $19
  • Fortaleza Roundtrip Airport Transfers: $38
  • Jericoacoara Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $240

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 City Center to Madrid City Center: $147
  • Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $83
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Cuenca Airport CUE to Cuenca City by Minivan: $74
  • Departure Private Transfer: Cuenca City to Cuenca Airport CUE by Minivan: $74
  • Cuenca to Guayaquil Transfer in Fantasy Bus: $25
  • Cuenca to Alausi Transfer in Fantasy Bus: $25
  • Transfer In Cuenca Airport - Hotel: $25
  • Cuenca Airport Shuttle Transfer: $19
  • Cuenca Arrival Transfer: $15
  • Cuenca Departure Transfer: $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Cuenca?

Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Fortaleza 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
    Fortaleza $19
    Cuenca $12

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.

  • Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
  • Cuenca City Tour & Cooking Class (PRIVATE Tour): $95
  • Private Cooking Class: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fortaleza $12
    Cuenca $13

Tours and Activities in Fortaleza

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

  • Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $14
  • Tour to Cumbuco Beach: $17
  • Fortaleza City Tour: $18
  • Tour to Morro Branco & Fontes Beach: $21
  • Tour to Lagoinha Beach: $22
  • Tour to Aguas Belas Beach: $24
  • Tour to Canoa Quebrada Beach: $29
  • Fortaleza Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $31
  • Beach Park Full-Day Trip Including Brief Tour of Fortaleza: $35
  • Tour to Mundau Beach: $41
  • Canoa Quebrada Tour from Fortaleza - With Transportation, Guide and Buggy Ride: $100
  • Full-Day Guided Tour in Jericoacoara from Fortaleza: $100

Tours and Activities in Cuenca

Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 4-Day Magic Tour Cuenca, Alausi town, Baños, Quilotoa, Cotopaxi and Quito: $675
  • 5-Day Rock Climbing Tour in Cojitambo, Paute, Girón, Cajas and Sayausi: $400
  • 5-Day Trekking Rock, Climbing, Canyoning and Paragliding Tour: $474
  • BIKE TOUR "Descent of The Andes": $59
  • Baños Private Guided 4-day tour from Cuenca: $691
  • Biking Cuenca City Tour: $45
  • Biking and Walking City Tour Cuenca: $30
  • 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: $129
  • Birdwatching Tour in Tamarindo Tropical Forest area from Cuenca: $130
  • Birdwatching Tour in Via Sigsig,Chiguinda from Cuenca: $130

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fortaleza $7.99
    Cuenca $11

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Fortaleza or Cuenca?

Fortaleza has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cuenca experiences a tropical climate with fairly warm weather most of the year.

Should I visit Fortaleza or Cuenca in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Cuenca. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.

Fortaleza is a little warmer than Cuenca in the summer. The temperature in Fortaleza is usually 28°C (82°F) in January, and Cuenca stays around 22°C (72°F)in July.

Fortaleza receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in January than Cuencain July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Cuenca 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Cuenca in the Autumn?

Both Cuenca and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Fortaleza is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fortaleza in April are around 27°C (80°F), and Cuenca is about 12°C (54°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Cuencain October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Fortaleza 27°C (80°F) 
    Cuenca 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Cuenca in the Winter?

Both Cuenca and Fortaleza during the winter are popular places to visit. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate.

Cuenca can be very cold during winter. In July, Fortaleza is generally much warmer than Cuencain January. Temperatures in Fortaleza average around 26°C (79°F), and Cuenca stays around 4°C (39°F).

Fortaleza usually gets more rain in July than Cuencain January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Fortaleza 26°C (79°F) 
    Cuenca 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Cuenca in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Cuenca. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.

Fortaleza is much warmer than Cuenca in the spring. The temperature in Fortaleza is usually 28°C (82°F) in October, and Cuenca stays around 10°C (50°F)in April.

In October, Fortaleza usually receives less rain than Cuencain April. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Cuenca 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Cuenca and Fortaleza

Fortaleza Cuenca
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 356 mm (14 in) 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 26°C (80°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)


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Fortaleza vs. Cuenca Travel Comparison

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