A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rotterdam vs. Cusco for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Rotterdam or Cusco?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rotterdam and Cusco. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Rotterdam or Cusco?

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.

Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.

There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.

Cusco

Cusco is most famous as the historic capital of the Inca Empire. It is in the southern Sierras and is one of the most popular travel destinations within Peru. The city is located at 3,400 meters above sea level so it is best to acclimate yourself slowly to avoid altitude sickness.

Cusco is the starting point for many travelers making their way to the famed Machu Picchu or other Inca sites in the surrounding area.

The city is very beautiful and has impressive architecture throughout. The history is obvious as you walk around town and there are impressive ruins nearby, with the most impressive being Sacsayhuaman. The city also has a significant indigenous population that is obvious from their traditional clothing and style.

Cusco has a subtropical highland climate with a pleasant daytime temperature year around. There are two distinct seasons with the dry season being between May and August and the wet season between December and March. During the dry season there is plenty of sun with occasional nighttime freezes. Frost is less common in the wet season.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Cusco, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Cusco.


Which place is cheaper, Cusco or Rotterdam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Rotterdam is €191, while the average daily cost in Cusco is €58. 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 Rotterdam and Cusco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rotterdam €82
    Cusco €22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rotterdam €164
    Cusco €44
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Cusco

Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam or Cusco? 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.

Hotels in Rotterdam


Hotels in Cusco


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: Rotterdam Hotel Prices and Cusco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rotterdam €26
    Cusco €9.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Madurodam: Train + tram transferring to/from Rotterdam: $10
  • Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Rotterdam to Rotterdam Airport (RTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam in Sedan Car: $84
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam Port: $84
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Port to Rotterdam Airport (RTM): $84
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM by Luxury Van: $91
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to IJmuiden Port: $128
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam hotels to IJmuiden Cruise Port: $128
  • Rotterdam Airport(RTM) to Rotterdam - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Port Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $163
  • Private Transfer From Cruise Port Rotterdam to Schiphol Airport: $163

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cusco

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cusco:


  • Taxi Ride
    €1.04

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cusco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cusco:

  • Private Transfer to Ausangate and the 7 Lagoons from Cusco: $210
  • Ollantaytambo train station to Cuzco RoundTrip Private Transfer: $206
  • Private Transfer from Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ) Airport to Valle Sagrado: $166
  • Private Transfer from Valle Sagrado to Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ) Airport: $163
  • Scenic Journey from Cusco to Puno by Bus Including Hotel Transfers: $128
  • Ollantaytambo Train Station to Cuzco - Arrival Private Transfer: $103
  • Transfer to Ollantaytambo Cusco Peru: $90
  • Private Transfer from Cusco Hotel, airport to Sacred Valley: $90
  • Ollantaytambo train station to Cuzco city or airport- Roundtrip Private Transfer: $80
  • Transfer to Ollantaytambo from Cusco: $75
  • Cusco to Puno Scenic Transfer with Sightseeing Stops & Lunch: $72
  • Private Transfer from Cusco Airport to Urubamba: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or Cusco?

Prices for flights to both Cusco and Rotterdam 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 day
    Rotterdam €89
    Cusco €22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam

For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Rotterdam Unlocked Taste the Future Food Tour: $9.12
  • Pizza Cruise: $46
  • Rotterdam Food Tour: Taste The Alternative Side Of The City: $79
  • Guided Food Tour: $80
  • Historic Delfshaven: Lunch or Dinner with a Private Chef: $87
  • Rotterdam Walking Food Tour with Delicious Tastings: $102
  • Food Tour by Bike: $104
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $104
  • Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $126
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $175

Typical Food Prices in Cusco

Some typical examples of dining costs in Cusco are as follows:


  • Sandwich
    €2.08
  • Mango
    €0.52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cusco

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cusco.

  • Cooking Class in Sacred Valley 8 Recipes and Drinks: $29
  • Cusco Billingual Cooking Class at 6pm: $40
  • Cooking Class: Lomo Saltado, PapaHuancaina, Pisco Sour, Picarones: $50
  • Market tour & Peruvian Cooking Class in Cusco: $54
  • Cooking classes A tour through the flavors in Cusco: $60
  • Short Immersion Cooking Class: $60
  • Cusco Cooking Class Experience: $61
  • Local Market and Peruvian Cooking Class with Pisco Sour in Cusco: $65
  • Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco: $65
  • Cusco Collective Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $65
  • Cooking Class in Ollantaytambo: $68
  • Peruvian Cooking Class in Cusco: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rotterdam €31
    Cusco €28

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.

  • Rotterdam 2-Hour Walking Tour | Discover The City With A Local: $3.41
  • Breda Fun Puzzle Quest: True Lord Self-Guided Tour: $4.84
  • TOP Breda: Private Guided Tour with Your Mobile: $5.71
  • Rotterdam Self Guided Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $5.71
  • Rotterdam Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.71
  • Rotterdam Highlights & Spies: Exploration Game & Tour: $7.18
  • Rotterdam Self-Guided Walking Tour Cube Houses, Audio and Quiz: $7.99
  • Risen from Ruins Self Guided Tour of Rotterdam: $8.99
  • Windmills and Dutch Ingenuity: A Kinderdijk Audio Walking Tour: $8.99
  • Rotterdam Walking Tour with Audio Guide on Your Smartphone: $11
  • Team Up for a Playful Tour of Rotterdam: $12
  • Dordrecht: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Holland's Oldest City: $12

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cusco

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cusco are as follows:


  • Salsa Class
    €2.60

Tours and Activities in Cusco

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cusco are as follows:

  • 1 Day Ausangate 7 Lagoons Hiking Tour & Hot Springs: $59
  • 1 Day Palcoyo 7-Color Mountain Hiking Tour: $45
  • 1 Day Rainbow Mountain Tour From Cusco: $60
  • 1 Day Rainbow Mountain Walking Tour: $35
  • 1 Day Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco: $35
  • 1-Day Tour Rainbow Mountain from Cusco: $190
  • 1-Day Tour Sacred Valley From Cusco: $120
  • 2 Day Machu Picchu Adventure from Cusco by Minivan: $193
  • 2 Day Tour to Machupicchu by Minivan: $145
  • 2 days 1 night - Machupicchu by bus tour: $220
  • 2-Day Group Tour: Cusco City Tour & Sacred Valley of the Incas: $46
  • 2-Day Guided Tour of Ausangate Trek: $290

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rotterdam €19
    Cusco €9.16

Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:

  • Beer Brewery 'Noordt' Beer Tasting: $9.31
  • Brewery Noordt Tour Including Two Beers: $20
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $26
  • The Ultimate Rotterdam Bar Crawl Experience: $41
  • Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $52
  • Ludwig's Private Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $576

Sample the Local Flavors in Cusco

Also in Cusco, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cusco Pub Crawl: Cusco Bar Hopping Experience: $22
  • Cusco Pub Crawl: Bar Tour, Drinks And Club with no waiting lines: $23

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rotterdam and Cusco, we can see that Rotterdam is more expensive. And not only is Cusco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rotterdam is in Europe and Cusco 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 Cusco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cusco 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam than you might in Cusco.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rotterdam Expensive? and Is Cusco Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Cusco?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Cusco. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Cusco, 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.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
Rotterdam vs. Amsterdam
The Hague vs. Rotterdam
Rotterdam vs. Lisse
Rotterdam vs. Leiden
Rotterdam vs. Delft
Rotterdam vs. Provincie Friesland
Rotterdam vs. Potsdam
Utrecht vs. Rotterdam
Amsterdam vs. Rome
Amsterdam vs. Innsbruck
Lagos vs. Albufeira
Portimao vs. Albufeira
Portimao vs. Lagos
Santorini vs. Mykonos
Istanbul vs. Amsterdam
Cusco vs. Machu Picchu
Paracas vs. Cusco
Lima vs. Cusco
Cajamarca vs. Cusco
Huaraz vs. Cusco
Lake Titicaca (Puno) vs. Cusco
Cusco vs. Arequipa
Santa Cruz de la Sierra vs. Cusco
Los Angeles vs. San Diego
Huaraz vs. Paracas
Huaraz vs. Cajamarca
Cajamarca vs. Paracas
Huaraz vs. Lima
Cajamarca vs. Lima
Lake Titicaca (Puno) vs. Arequipa

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.