Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Mar del Plata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mar del Plata vs. Cuenca for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Mar del 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 Mar del Plata and Cuenca can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Cuenca?
Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata is found only 404 km southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, on the Atlantic coast. Today Mar Del Plata is Argentina‘s most well known beach resort. It has successfully married the two worlds of beach and city into a fun, cosmopolitan urban center with the presence of highly developed tourist infrastructure. Founded in 1874, Mar del Plata was at first mainly an industrial and commercial center before becoming a vacation destination for Argentinians. For a peaceful trip and intimate oceanfront promenades, avoid visiting Mar del Plata during summer time, as the gorgeous arced coastline will be crawling with visitors. But the city is more than just beaches. It also offers some culture, lively nightlife, and great food.
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 dayMar del Plata $22Cuenca $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $22, 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 Mar del Plata and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMar del Plata $7.74Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMar del Plata $15Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Mar del 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: Mar del Plata Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mar del Plata $6.13Cuenca $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 Mar del Plata or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Mar del 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 dayMar del Plata $9.35Cuenca $15
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.Mar del Plata $5.57Cuenca $16
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 dayMar del Plata $4.36Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mar del Plata and Cuenca, we can see that Cuenca is more expensive. And not only is Mar del Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mar del Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mar del 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 Mar del Plata.
Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Cuenca?
Mar del Plata is bigger, and its population is about 2 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the population of Mar del 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 Mar del Plata or Cuenca?
Mar del 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 Mar del Plata or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as Cuenca. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In the summer, Mar del Plata is around the same temperature as Cuenca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mar del Plata in January average around 20°C (69°F), and Cuenca averages at about 22°C (72°F)in July.
Mar del Plata usually gets more rain in January than Cuencain July. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 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 JulyMar del Plata 20°C (69°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Mar del 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 April, Mar del Plata is generally a little warmer than Cuencain October. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 15°C (59°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In April, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than Cuencain October. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 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 April and OctoberMar del Plata 15°C (59°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Mar del 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. Mar del Plata is much warmer than Cuenca in the winter. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 9°C (47°F) in July, and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F)in January.
Mar del Plata usually gets more rain in July than Cuencain January. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 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 JanuaryMar del Plata 9°C (47°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and Cuenca. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Mar del Plata is a little warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mar del Plata in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Cuenca averages at about 10°C (50°F)in April.
In October, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than Cuencain April. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 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 AprilMar del Plata 13°C (56°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Mar del Plata
| Mar del Plata | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (69°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 9°C (48°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (47°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (49°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 88 mm (3.5 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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