Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Ocho Rios?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ocho Rios or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios 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: Ocho Rios or Cuenca?
Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios, or "Ochi" is a town located on the northeastern shore of Jamaica and is a popular hub for cruise ships. It is a great destination for tourists as it has many resorts and beautiful beaches.
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 Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $77Cuenca $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $77, 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 Ocho Rios and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $52Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $104Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios 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: Ocho Rios Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.60Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios
Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotels (Round-Trip): $110
- Private Airport Transfer to Bahia Principe Grand Hotel : $100
- Runaway Bay Hotels Private Transfer: $80
- 11. Ocho Rios Hotels&Resorts Airport Private Fun-Transfer to/from Sangster Intl : $60
- AirBnB Roundtrip Shuttle / One Way MBJ Airport Transfers: $25
- Airport Transfer Roundtrip Jamaica MBJ: $29
- Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay Hotels (MBJ): $56
- Airport transfers to Hotel, Guest houses or Villas in St.Ann, Ochi Rios Jamaica: $110
- Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica Private Airport transfer : $61
- Convenient Airport Transfer To Riu Hotel Ocho Rios : $80
- Couples Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $300
- From Scenic Guided Horseback Ride with Transfer: $195
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
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Cuenca: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Ocho Rios 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 dayOcho Rios $17Cuenca $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ocho Rios
For Ocho Rios, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- From Flavors of Jamaica Guided Food Tour: $89
- Taste of Jamaica Farm & Food Tour: $98
- Private Hillside Cooking Class Jamaican Style with Pickup : $104
- Ocho Ros: Hillside Cooking Class, Jamaican Style: $130
- Taste of Jamaica Food Tour: $140
- The Jamaica School of Cooking and Ocho Rios Highlights Tour: $141
- Ocho Rios Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner: $218
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.Ocho Rios $15Cuenca $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios
For Ocho Rios, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate$11
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Admission to Coyaba Gardens$5.47
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Tour of Prospect Plantation$18
Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ocho Rios.
- Blue Hole Admission Fee Ticket: $25
- Private Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios : $30
- Private Blue Hole and Shopping Tour from Ocho Rios: $30
- Private Blue hole Tour from Ocho Rios : $40
- Ocho Rios Sightseeing and Taxi from Runaway Bay & Ocho Rios: $40
- Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios with Pickup: $40
- Private Guided Tour To Yaaman Adventures Safari jungle park: $40
- Blue Hole And Konoko Falls Combo Tour From Ocho Rios & Runaway Bay!: $43
- Private Konoko Falls and Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios : $45
- Half-Day Blue Hole and Secret Falls Tour from Runaway Bay: $46
- Blue Hole Tour from Ocho Rios: $49
- Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios: $50
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
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $48
- Azuay: San Bartolomé, Gualaceo, and Chordeleg Artisanal Tour: $63
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $50
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
- Birdwatching Tour in Giron and Yunguilla Jocotoco Reserve from Cuenca: $150
- Birdwatching Tour, Via Gualaceo to the Eastern slope from Cuenca: $130
- Cañari Bike Tour: $96
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $49
- Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $49
- Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.71Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Cuenca, we can see that Ocho Rios is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands 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 Ocho Rios would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Cuenca. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Ocho Rios is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 29°C (83°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Ocho Rios is much warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Ocho Rios during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 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. In the winter, Ocho Rios is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocho Rios in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Cuenca. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Ocho Rios is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (80°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.