Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Luang Prabang?
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 Luang Prabang or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang 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: Luang Prabang or Cuenca?
Luang Prabang
Southeast Asia is a region full of mystical wonders and cultural charm, but nowhere is as charming as the city of Luang Prabang. As the former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang was reopened to tourism in 1989. With that move the city experienced an upswing in revenue and was able to restore and rebuild the beautiful colonial mansions to serve as guesthouses and hotels for the new swarm of tourists.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, 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 Luang Prabang and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang 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: Luang Prabang Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$2.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
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
- Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Luang Prabang 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 dayLuang Prabang $9.25Cuenca $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang
For Luang Prabang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Luang Prabang Local Market and Morning Food Tour with Drinks: $39
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
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.Luang Prabang $2.66Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries : $30
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
- Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
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 dayLuang Prabang $1.78Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Cuenca, we can see that Cuenca is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luang Prabang is in Asia 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 Luang Prabang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Luang Prabang Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang or Cuenca?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Cuenca. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Cuenca averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Luang Prabang during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Luang Prabang usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cuenca. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The weather in Cuenca can be very cold. Luang Prabang is much warmer than Cuenca in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Cuenca averages at about 10°C (50°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 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 | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.