Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Petra?
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 Petra 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 Petra and Cuenca can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Cuenca?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Petra Prices
Jordan PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, 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 Petra and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Petra and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Petra 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: Petra Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Comfort VIP Private Transfer: Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels: $140
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Jerusalem: $290
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations By Minivan: $160
- Petra to Aqaba Border (Yitzhak Rabin Terminal) – Private Transfer: $130
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional: $88
- Private Transfer From or To Airport, Petra, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea: $33
- Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
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 Airport Transfer: $13
- Shared transfer from Airport to Hotel: $50
- Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Petra 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 dayPetra $66Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Authentic Jordanian Cooking, Taste of Comfort With Family: $28
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains.: $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
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
- Cuenca Table Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $43
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- 4h Cooking Class in Cuenca with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $75
- 4h Cooking Class in 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $86
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Cuenca $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- Self Guided Tour of Petra Main Trail with App (No Tickets): $8.99
- Petra 3-Hour Private Tour with a Local Guide: $60
- Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
- Private 3-Hour Guided Tour of Petra with Hotel Pickup .: $75
- Private Multilingual Guided Tour in Petra: $90
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
- Wadi Rum Private Guided Tour: $105
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $130
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
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
- Chocolate Sightseeing Tour with Hands-On Class: $20
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Half-Day City Tour including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Pumapungo Museum Guided Tour: $35
- Walking Tour Through The Historic Center Of Cuenca: $35
- Tour of the best of Cuenca, walking through its Historic Center: $35
- Rivers Bike Tour with Artisan Ice Cream Stop: $37
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
- Cuenca Urban Adventure: Streets, Views & Local Stories: $41
- El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
- Cuenca Your Way Exclusive Private City Tour: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Cuenca $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Cuenca
Also in Cuenca, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Cuenca Pub Crawl: Pub Crawl with Drinks and Free Club Entry: $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Cuenca, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra 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 Petra Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra or Cuenca?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Petra or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Cuenca. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Petra or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Cuenca. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Petra usually gets less rain in October than Cuenca. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Petra is much warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Petra or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Petra usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite cold in Cuenca in the winter. In the winter, Petra is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Petra or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca and Petra during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Petra usually gets less rain in April than Cuenca. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Petra is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Petra
| Petra | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.