Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Hofn?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Hofn or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or Cuenca, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Hofn or Cuenca?
Hofn
Hofn is a very small fishing town on the southeast of Iceland, measuring just over half a mile across. It is best known for being located in the beautiful Vatnajokull Region, where the largest glacier in Europe is located. Hofn, and the surrounding area, is full of breathtaking natural scenery including lagoons, icefalls, and mountains.
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 Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Hofn Prices
Iceland PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHofn $207Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $207, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $53. 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 Hofn and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHofn $113Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHofn $226Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Hofn 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: Hofn Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hofn $31Cuenca $11
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:
- Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
- Ecuador: Airport Transfers on Quito, Guayaquil and others.: $30
- Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Hofn 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 dayHofn $73Cuenca $26
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
- Experience Ecuador: Join an Andean Cooking Class in Cuenca: $85
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hofn $20Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Hofn
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hofn.
- Ice Exploration Tour from the Glacier Lagoon: $129
- Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $157
- The Orignal Ice Cave Tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: $164
- Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $170
- Crystal Ice Cave Tour from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: $182
- Frozen Wonders : Small Group Ice Cave Tour: $200
- Crystal Ice Cave Adventure : $203
- 3 Hours Blue Ice Experience in Vatnajokull : $215
- Sindri’s Ice Cave Photography Tour: A Local’s Perspective: $215
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca-Ec- Highlights City Tour : $16
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $47
- Azuay Cuenca Ecuador Tour: $1,300
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $50
- Birdwatching Tour Cajas Park and Tamarindo Tropical Forest area from Cuenca: $130
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
- Birdwatching Tour, Via Gualaceo to the Eastern slope from Cuenca: $130
- Cajas National Park FULL-DAY Tour from Cuenca: $55
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour: $110
- Complete excursion Ingapirca & Gualaceo Chordeleg Tour Archaeological Artisanal: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHofn $13Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hofn and Cuenca, we can see that Hofn is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hofn is in Europe 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 Hofn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hofn 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 Hofn Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hofn or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn 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 Hofn or Cuenca?
Hofn 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 Hofn or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Cuenca. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Hofn is much colder than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 9°C (48°F) in July, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Hofn usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 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 JulyHofn 9°C (48°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Hofn 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.
Hofn can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Hofn is much colder than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hofn in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F).
It's quite rainy in Hofn. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 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 OctoberHofn 4°C (40°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Hofn during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
The weather in Cuenca can be very cold. Hofn can be very cold during winter. In January, Hofn is generally much colder than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around -0°C (31°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 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 JanuaryHofn -0°C (31°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Cuenca. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Hofn can be very cold. Hofn is much colder than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 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 AprilHofn 2°C (36°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Hofn
| Hofn | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (31°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (32°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 5°C (40°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (48°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 4°C (40°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (34°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 124 mm (4.9 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.