A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salto vs. Cuenca for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Salto or Cuenca?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salto 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: Salto or Cuenca?

Salto

Salto is in the citrus growing region of Northern Interior Uruguay, on the east bank of the Rio Uruguay. It is closely connected to the neighboring Argentinian city of Concordia that lies across the river on the western bank. Salto is Uruguay's second-largest city and the most northerly crossing point to Argentina. Salto is a very picturesque city that has a relaxing feel the entire year. However, people mostly come here for the nearby hot springs and the recreation area above the enormous Salto Grande hydroelectric dam.

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 Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Salto?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Salto is $73, 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 Salto and Cuenca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salto $31
    Cuenca $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salto $62
    Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Salto and Cuenca

Looking for a hotel in Salto 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.

Hotels in Salto


Hotels in Cuenca


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: Salto Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salto $22
    Cuenca $11

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $2.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cuenca

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cuenca:

  • Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Cuenca: $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Salto or Cuenca?

Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Salto 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
    Salto $25
    Cuenca $15

Typical Food Prices in Cuenca

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:


  • Lunch
    $10
  • Snacks
    $5.00
  • Empanada
    $1.50
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salto $18
    Cuenca $16

Tours and Activities in Cuenca

Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cuenca Excursion Panoramic City Tour SightSeeingTour in double-decker bus: $8.34
  • Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Shared Tour: $25
  • Cuenca-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
  • Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $30
  • Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
  • Private Cuenca City Tour including Turi Viewpoint: $40
  • El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
  • Biking Cuenca City Tour: $45
  • Historical City Tour: $45
  • City Sightseeing Tour: $45
  • Cuenca Heritage Complex: Chocolate Tasting, Tour and Museums: $45
  • Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Tour: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salto $14
    Cuenca $14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salto and Cuenca, we can see that Salto 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 Salto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salto 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 Salto Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Salto or Cuenca?

Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Salto. When comparing the sizes of Salto 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 Salto or Cuenca?

Salto 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 Salto or Cuenca in the Summer?

Both Cuenca and Salto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Salto is generally a little warmer than Cuencain July. Daily temperatures in Salto average around 25°C (77°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite rainy in Salto. In January, Salto usually receives more rain than Cuencain July. Salto gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Salto 25°C (77°F) 
    Cuenca 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Salto or Cuenca in the Autumn?

Both Cuenca and Salto during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.

Salto is much warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salto averages around 19°C (65°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Salto. Salto usually gets more rain in April than Cuencain October. Salto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Salto 19°C (65°F) 
    Cuenca 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Salto or Cuenca in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salto and Cuenca. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The weather in Cuenca can be very cold. In the winter, Salto is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salto in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F)in January.

In July, Salto usually receives more rain than Cuencain January. Salto gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Salto 12°C (54°F) 
    Cuenca 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Salto or Cuenca in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Salto as well as Cuenca. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.

In October, Salto is generally much warmer than Cuencain April. Daily temperatures in Salto average around 18°C (64°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Salto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Salto usually gets more rain in October than Cuencain April. Salto gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Salto 18°C (64°F) 
    Cuenca 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Cuenca and Salto

Salto Cuenca
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 6°C (43°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 19°C (65°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 20°C (69°F) 127 mm (5 in) 7°C (45°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)