Which place is cheaper, Banos or Recife?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Recife or Banos?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Recife and Banos can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Recife or Banos?
Recife
One of the largest cities on Brazil's northeast coast, Recife is also the capital of the state of Pernambuco. The city gets its name from the Portuguese word for "reef," as it was built around a landscape of natural reef beaches. Many people visit to enjoy these beaches, experience the culture, and explore the history of this important Brazilian city.
Banos
Banos (de Agua Santa) is a small city in the Andean highlands of Ecuador under volcano Tungurahua. Its name, which is Spanish for "Baths (of sacred water)," comes from the famous hydrothermal springs in the area. It's equally popular with foreigners as with Ecuadorians, and is known as the adventure capital of Ecuador. The streets are lined with hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and tour agencies. Although it is very touristy, lots of people love it, more for the activities and surroundings than for the city itself. It is an important hub for outdoor sports and jungle tours.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Jungle Trekking Tours in Brazil, The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
-
Recife Prices
Brazil PricesBanos Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRecife $216Banos $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Recife is $216, while the average daily cost in Banos is $57. 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 Recife and Banos in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRecife $88Banos $16
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRecife $176Banos $32
Compare Hotels in Recife and Banos
Looking for a hotel in Recife or Banos? 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: Recife Hotel Prices and Banos Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Recife $8.43Banos $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Recife
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Recife:
- Departure Transfer from Olinda to Recife Airport: $100
- Private Transfer from Igarassu to Recife (REC) Airport: $110
- Private Transfer from Olinda to Recife (REC) Airport: $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Banos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Banos:
- Transfer Quito → Baños (one way / round trip): $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Recife or Banos?
Prices for flights to both Banos and Recife 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
-
Food Meals for one dayRecife $121Banos $26
Typical Food Prices in Banos
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Banos:
-
Dinner$13
-
Ice cream$1.50
-
Coffee$2.50
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Recife $11Banos $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Banos
Here are a few typical costs in Banos for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Two Rented Bikes for the Day$10
-
Cost to see Waterfall$2.00
-
Day at the Spa$45
-
2 Bike Rentals (1 Day)$10
-
Entrance to Waterfall$2.00
Tours and Activities in Banos
Here are a few actual costs in Banos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Canopy Ziplining in Puntzan Adventure Park: $26
- 2 Hours Small-Group Horseback Riding Experience in Banos: $30
- Canyoning Adventure Tour in the Ravine: $30
- 1 - Day Jungle Tour to Puyo: $32
- Full Day Amazon Jungle Tour: $34
- 1 day jungle tour: $35
- City Viewpoint Night Tours: $35
- Adventure and Fun River Rafting in Baños Ecuador: $35
- Small-Group Canyoning Experience in Baños de Agua Santa: $39
- 3 Hours Small-Group Horseback Riding Experience in Baños: $40
- Rafting Tour: $40
- Tour to the Amazon for one day: $40
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRecife -Banos $9.74
Typical Alcohol Prices in Banos
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Banos from other travelers:
-
Beer$4.00
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Recife and Banos, we can see that Recife is more expensive. And not only is Banos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Banos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Banos 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 Recife would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Recife than you might in Banos.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Recife Expensive? and Is Banos Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Recife or Banos?
Recife has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Banos. When comparing the sizes of Recife and Banos, 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.
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.