A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Terre-de-Haut vs. Cuenca for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Terre-de-Haut or Cuenca?

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

Should I visit Terre-de-Haut or Cuenca? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Terre-de-Haut or Cuenca?

Terre-de-Haut

Les Saintes (also known as Iles des Saintes) is a small archipelago of Guadeloupe, a French overseas territory in the Caribbean. The islands here are best known for their tropical beauty, untouched beaches, and bayside villages. Only two of the nine are inhabited.

Terre-de-Haut of Les Saintes is the most popular island to visit. It is known for the Pain de Sucre, a small bay lined with coconut trees and an ideal location for snorkeling, in addition to white sandy beaches like the Plage de Pompierre. There is also a nineteenth-century fort which can be reached on foot for striking views of the surrounding area.

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


Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Terre-de-Haut?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Terre-de-Haut is $152, 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 Terre-de-Haut and Cuenca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Terre-de-Haut $74
    Cuenca $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Terre-de-Haut $148
    Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Terre-de-Haut and Cuenca

Looking for a hotel in Terre-de-Haut 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 Terre-de-Haut


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: Terre-de-Haut Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Terre-de-Haut $48
    Cuenca $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Terre-de-Haut

Also for Terre-de-Haut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Guadeloupe to Pointe-a-Pitre Airport - Private Departure Transfer: $79
  • Private Transfer from Deshaies or Trois Riviers to Pointe a Pitre Airport by SUV: $92

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:

  • Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $104

Is it cheaper to fly into Terre-de-Haut or Cuenca?

Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Terre-de-Haut 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
    Terre-de-Haut $49
    Cuenca $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Terre-de-Haut

For Terre-de-Haut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Grilled Lobster and Fish Private Cooking Tour with Lunch Included: $231

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.
    Terre-de-Haut $22
    Cuenca $16

Tours and Activities in Terre-de-Haut

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Terre-de-Haut.

  • Small Day Cruise (Ilet caret, mangrove, coral reef: $103
  • Private Shooting Tour Around Soufrière: $106
  • Sailing and Snorkeling Day Tour to Les Saintes: $133

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
  • Cañari Bike Tour: $96
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Terre-de-Haut $48
    Cuenca $14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Terre-de-Haut and Cuenca, we can see that Terre-de-Haut is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Terre-de-Haut is in Caribbean Islands 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 Terre-de-Haut would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Terre-de-Haut 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 Terre-de-Haut Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Terre-de-Haut or Cuenca?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Terre-de-Haut or Cuenca in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Terre-de-Haut as well as Cuenca. Terre-de-Haut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.

Terre-de-Haut receives a lot of rain in the summer. Terre-de-Haut usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Terre-de-Haut gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Terre-de-Haut is a little warmer than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Terre-de-Haut averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Terre-de-Haut 27°C (81°F) 
    Cuenca 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Terre-de-Haut or Cuenca in the Autumn?

Both Cuenca and Terre-de-Haut are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Terre-de-Haut throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Terre-de-Haut. In October, Terre-de-Haut usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Terre-de-Haut gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Terre-de-Haut is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Terre-de-Haut in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Terre-de-Haut 27°C (80°F) 
    Cuenca 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Terre-de-Haut or Cuenca in the Winter?

Both Cuenca and Terre-de-Haut during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Terre-de-Haut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.

Terre-de-Haut usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Terre-de-Haut gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cuenca. In January, Terre-de-Haut is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Terre-de-Haut average around 24°C (76°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Terre-de-Haut 24°C (76°F) 
    Cuenca 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Terre-de-Haut or Cuenca in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Terre-de-Haut and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Terre-de-Haut year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Terre-de-Haut gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Terre-de-Haut usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Terre-de-Haut gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Terre-de-Haut is much warmer than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Terre-de-Haut averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Terre-de-Haut 26°C (78°F) 
    Cuenca 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Cuenca and Terre-de-Haut

Terre-de-Haut Cuenca
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 12°C (54°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)