Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Fortaleza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFortaleza $69Cuenca $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $42. 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 Fortaleza and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFortaleza $30Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFortaleza $60Cuenca $26
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fortaleza $21Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4x4 Private Transfer Service : $177
- 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $255
- Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $117
- Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Sedan Car: $88
- Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $16
- Cumbuco Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $58
- Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Minivan: $117
- Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $88
- Departure Private Transfer: Jericoacoara to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $253
- Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
- Fortaleza Airport Private Transfer: $40
- Fortaleza Airport Shared Transfer: $34
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
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
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Food Meals for one dayFortaleza $24Cuenca $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fortaleza
For Fortaleza, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Thematic Show with Rotation of Pizzas in Aquiraz: $27
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fortaleza $15Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $11
- Cumbuco Beach Tour: $11
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $14
- Águas Belas Tour: $15
- Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $17
- Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $17
- One Day Bus Tour of Fortaleza and Cumbuco Beach: $18
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
- Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $20
- Tour 3 Beaches in 1 day (Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes and Canoa Quebrada): $21
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFortaleza $9.97Cuenca $14
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Cuenca?
Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza and Cuenca, 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 Fortaleza or Cuenca?
Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Cuenca. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Fortaleza is a little warmer than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFortaleza 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 climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Fortaleza is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fortaleza in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Cuenca averages at 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFortaleza 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Cuenca can be very cold during winter. In July, Fortaleza is generally much warmer than Cuencain January. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 26°C (79°F), and Cuenca fluctuates 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFortaleza 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. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Fortaleza is much warmer than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFortaleza 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) |
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.