Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Havana?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Havana or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Havana and Cuenca can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Havana or Cuenca?
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
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 Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHavana $65Cuenca $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $65, 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 Havana and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHavana $40Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHavana $80Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Havana and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Havana 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: Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Havana $19Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.68
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Havana 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 dayHavana $10Cuenca $15
Typical Food Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
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Pizza$0.03
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.Havana $11Cuenca $16
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-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $30
- Private Cuenca City Tour including Turi Viewpoint: $40
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
- El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
- Experience Historical City Tour: $44
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Tour: $46
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cuenca City Tour: $48
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHavana $5.76Cuenca $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
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Mojito$0.15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Cuenca, we can see that Havana is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Cuenca is in South America, 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 Havana would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Havana 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 Havana Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Havana or Cuenca?
Havana has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Havana 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 Havana or Cuenca?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Havana or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Havana usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Havana is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 27°C (81°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHavana 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Havana or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Havana during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Havana usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Havana is much warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHavana 25°C (77°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Havana or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Havana usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite cold in Cuenca in the winter. In the winter, Havana is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Havana in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHavana 21°C (70°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Havana or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Havana as well as Cuenca. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Havana usually gets less rain in April than Cuenca. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Havana is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 24°C (75°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHavana 24°C (75°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Havana
| Havana | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.