Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Foz do Iguacu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu 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: Foz do Iguacu or Cuenca?
Foz do Iguacu
Foz do Iguacu is a larger city in Brazil that is most famous for the Iguacu Falls. The city serves as an entry point for Paraguay and Argentina as well. The obvious reason to visit the city is to see the beautiful falls, and together with Ciudad del Este, Paraguay and Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, it makes up one of the largest tourism sights in South America.
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 Jungle Trekking Tours in Brazil, The Best Luxury Tours to 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 dayFoz do Iguacu $66Cuenca $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $66, 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 Foz do Iguacu and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFoz do Iguacu $29Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFoz do Iguacu $58Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu 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: Foz do Iguacu Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Foz do Iguacu $13Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:
- Foz do Iguaçu Airport Private Transfer : $20
- Foz do Iguaçu Airport Shared Transfer: $7.00
- IGU Airport Transfers: $17
- Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $131
- Private Transfer from IGU to Any Point within Foz Do Iguaçu City: $80
- Private transfer from Foz do Iguaçu airport and bus station: $22
- Roundtrip Airport Transfer in Foz do Iguaçu: $48
- Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $120
- Transfer Cataratas Argentina: $19
- Transfer IN IGU & Iguassu Falls Brazilian side & Macuco Boat Safari: $220
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 Foz do Iguacu or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Foz do Iguacu 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 dayFoz do Iguacu $22Cuenca $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Foz do Iguacu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Foz do Iguacu.
- Official Entrance: Dinner with Latin American Show at Rafain Steakhouse: $51
- Rafain dinner Samba Show: $94
- Transport to Acaray Casino + dinner (optional): $100
- Dinner Show - Rafain Steakhouse : $100
- Dinner Show at Rafain in Foz do Iguaçu: $113
- Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse Belmond Hotel Cataratas : $135
- Foz do Iguacu Dancing Musical Show with Dinner and Pickup: $208
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.Foz do Iguacu $24Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few actual costs in Foz do Iguacu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Humming Bird Garden Experience in Iguazu: $5.00
- Iguazú Casino Tour : $17
- Exclusive Bike Experience at Iguazu Falls: $25
- Bird Park Tour: $25
- Iguassu Falls Shopping Tour: $34
- Foz Do Iguaçu City Tour: $34
- Iguazu Falls National Park Tour - full day tour Argentinean side: $34
- Tour Tour, pick up at Foz do Iguaçu airport (IGU): $40
- Itaipu Dam Half-Day Sightseeing Panoramic Tour from Foz do Iguaçu: $42
- Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam - Tickets Included: $43
- Paraguay Guided Shopping Tour from Foz do Iguacu: $44
- City Tour with Buddhist Temple and Muslim Mosque: $48
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Shared Tour: $25
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $30
- Cuenca-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
- Half-Day Biking and Walking Tour in Cuenca: $30
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
- Private Cuenca City Tour including Turi Viewpoint: $40
- El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
- Experience Historical City Tour: $44
- Cuenca Heritage Complex: Chocolate Tasting, Tour and Museums: $45
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Tour: $46
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFoz do Iguacu $12Cuenca $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Foz do Iguacu from other travelers:
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Beer$0.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Foz do Iguacu and Cuenca, we can see that Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Cuenca?
Foz do Iguacu has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu or Cuenca?
Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Foz do Iguacu is a little warmer than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. In January, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Cuencain July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFoz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Foz do Iguacu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
In the autumn, Foz do Iguacu is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.
Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in April than Cuencain October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFoz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and Cuenca. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Cuenca can be very cold during winter. In July, Foz do Iguacu is generally much warmer than Cuencain January. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 18°C (64°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In July, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Cuencain January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFoz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as Cuenca. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Foz do Iguacu is much warmer than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in April.
Foz do Iguacu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in October than Cuencain April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFoz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Foz do Iguacu
| Foz do Iguacu | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.