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

Should you visit Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary and Cuenca can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Karlovy Vary or Cuenca?

Karlovy Vary

Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.

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 Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Karlovy Vary?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Karlovy Vary is $115, 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 Karlovy Vary and Cuenca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Karlovy Vary $45
    Cuenca $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Karlovy Vary $90
    Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Karlovy Vary and Cuenca

Looking for a hotel in Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary


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: Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Karlovy Vary $30
    Cuenca $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary

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

  • Karlovy Vary to Prague Airport (PRG) - Departure Private Transfer: $167
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $131
  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $141

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:

  • Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
  • Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13

Is it cheaper to fly into Karlovy Vary or Cuenca?

Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Karlovy Vary 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
    Karlovy Vary $52
    Cuenca $26

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.

  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Karlovy Vary $13
    Cuenca $16

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

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

  • Karlovy Vary Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $42
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $184
  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $245
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $273

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Karlovy Vary $7.53
    Cuenca $14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karlovy Vary and Cuenca, we can see that Karlovy Vary is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Karlovy Vary or Cuenca?

Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary or Cuenca?

Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary or Cuenca in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Karlovy Vary is cooler than Cuenca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Karlovy Vary in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Cuenca averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Karlovy Vary usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Karlovy Vary gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F) 
    Cuenca 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Cuenca in the Autumn?

Both Cuenca and Karlovy Vary 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 October, Karlovy Vary is generally cooler than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Karlovy Vary average around 11°C (51°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In October, Karlovy Vary usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Karlovy Vary gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F) 
    Cuenca 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Cuenca in the Winter?

Both Cuenca and Karlovy Vary during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.

It's quite cold in Cuenca in the winter. The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Karlovy Vary is much colder than Cuenca in the winter. The daily temperature in Karlovy Vary averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Karlovy Vary usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Karlovy Vary gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F) 
    Cuenca 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Karlovy Vary or Cuenca in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Karlovy Vary and Cuenca. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Karlovy Vary is around the same temperature as Cuenca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Karlovy Vary in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Cuenca averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In April, Karlovy Vary usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Karlovy Vary gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F) 
    Cuenca 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Cuenca and Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary Cuenca
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)