Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Punta del Este or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este 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: Punta del Este or Cuenca?
Punta del Este
Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $98Cuenca $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, 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 Punta del Este and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $55Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $110Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este 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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $22Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
- Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $54
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $29
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $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:
- Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $104
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Cuenca: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Punta del Este 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 dayPunta del Este $31Cuenca $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
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta del Este $11Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11
- Skip the Line: Casapueblo Museum Admission Ticket in Punta del Este: $15
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
- Punta del Este Classic City Tour with Sunset in Casapueblo: $30
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Half Day City Tour in Punta del Este: $47
- Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $50
- Punta del Este, City Tour: $50
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- City Tour Punta del Este: $95
- Private - Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $120
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
- 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
- Cuenca City Half Day Tour: $52
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.70Cuenca $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:
- Wine Tasting: $42
- Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $157
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Cuenca, we can see that Punta del Este is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Punta del Este would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Cuenca?
Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Cuenca. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In January, Punta del Este is generally around the same temperature as Cuencain July. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 23°C (73°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in January than Cuencain July. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 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 JulyPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Punta del Este 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.
Punta del Este is a little warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.
In April, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Cuencain October. Punta del Este gets 84 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 OctoberPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Punta del Este during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
The weather in Cuenca can be very cold. In the winter, Punta del Este is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Punta del Este in July average around 10°C (50°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F)in January.
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in July than Cuencain January. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 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 JanuaryPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Cuenca. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Punta del Este is generally much warmer than Cuencain April. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 16°C (61°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In October, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Cuencain April. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 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 AprilPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 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.