Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or La Plata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Plata vs. Cuenca for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit La Plata 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 La Plata and Cuenca can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: La Plata or Cuenca?
La Plata
Just over an hour from Buenos Aires, the bustling university city of La Plata is notable for being South America's first planned city. Indeed, also known as the City of Diagonal, La Plata's intricate grid system includes diagonal streets that run through it, contributing to easy navigation but confusing intersections.La Plata is the Capital of the Province of Buenos Aires, the main Argentine state, so you will find lots of elaborate government buildings alongside leafy green plazas in this laid back as well as active city. La Plata is a happening university town with a population of over 700,000. You can walk the width of it in under an hour, stopping at trendy craft beer bars, local music joints, and great restaurants along the way. Also, football is a religion in Argentina and if you're looking for some local atmosphere, La Plata is the place to go! Two of Argentina's biggest football teams, Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata and Estudiantes de La Plata challenge each other each year. If you are around during that special day for the city, you will witness thousands of fans wearing the relevant colours heading off to watch the match and parade by calle 7.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLa Plata $20Cuenca $42
The average daily cost (per person) in La Plata is $20, 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 La Plata and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLa Plata $8.23Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLa Plata $16Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in La Plata and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in La Plata 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: La Plata Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.La Plata $5.87Cuenca $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:
- Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $104
- Departure Private Transfer: Cuenca City to Cuenca Airport CUE by Minivan: $74
- Arrival Private Transfer: Cuenca Airport CUE to Cuenca City by Minivan: $74
- Shared transfer from Cuenca Airport to Hotel: $45
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Cuenca: $45
- Cuenca Arrival Transfer: $34
- Cuenca Departure Transfer: $34
- Cuenca to Guayaquil Transfer in Fantasy Bus: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into La Plata or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and La Plata 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 dayLa Plata $8.00Cuenca $15
Typical Food prices in La Plata
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to La Plata:
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Ice Cream$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.La Plata $5.12Cuenca $16
Typical Entertainment prices in La Plata
For La Plata, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Sciencias Naturales Museum Entrance Fee$0.02
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
- Inca Trail Cajas National Park tour from Cuenca: $110
- 4 or 5-Day Tour Cuenca,Alausi,Baños,Quilotoa,Cotopaxi and Quito: $670
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $49
- Archaeological Tour: Pumapungo - Cojitambo - Ingapirca: $60
- Azuay: San Bartolomé, Gualaceo, and Chordeleg Artisanal Tour: $63
- Baños & Amazon 4-day tour from Cuenca or Quito: $799
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $45
- Birdwatching Tour Cajas Park and Tamarindo Tropical Forest area from Cuenca: $130
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
- Birdwatching Tour in Giron and Yunguilla Jocotoco Reserve from Cuenca: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLa Plata $2.86Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Plata and Cuenca, we can see that Cuenca is more expensive. And not only is La Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Plata 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 Cuenca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cuenca than you might in La Plata.
Which is Bigger, La Plata or Cuenca?
La Plata is bigger, and its population is about 2.5 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the population of La Plata vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.
When is the best time to visit La Plata or Cuenca?
La Plata 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 La Plata or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to La Plata as well as Cuenca. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
La Plata is a little warmer than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in La Plata averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in July.
La Plata usually gets more rain in January than Cuencain July. La Plata gets 86 mm (3.4 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 JulyLa Plata 25°C (77°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit La Plata or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and La Plata 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, La Plata is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Plata in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.
In April, La Plata usually receives more rain than Cuencain October. La Plata gets 85 mm (3.3 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 OctoberLa Plata 18°C (65°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit La Plata or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and La Plata 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. In July, La Plata is generally much warmer than Cuencain January. Daily temperatures in La Plata average around 12°C (53°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
La Plata usually gets more rain in July than Cuencain January. La Plata gets 57 mm (2.2 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 JanuaryLa Plata 12°C (53°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit La Plata or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Plata and Cuenca. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
La Plata is much warmer than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in La Plata averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in April.
La Plata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, La Plata usually receives more rain than Cuencain April. La Plata gets 100 mm (3.9 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 AprilLa Plata 18°C (64°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and La Plata
| La Plata | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
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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.
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