Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Coimbra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Coimbra or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Coimbra 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: Coimbra or Cuenca?
Coimbra
Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.
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 Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Coimbra Prices
Portugal PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCoimbra $162Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is $162, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $53. 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 Coimbra and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCoimbra $51Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCoimbra $102Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Coimbra 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: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Coimbra $13Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $161
- Private Transfer Coimbra to Aveiro Costa Nova : $298
- Private Transfer Coimbra to Take Christ's Convent : $274
- Private transfer in Coimbra City : $95
- Transfers Aveiro or Coimbra to Lisbon Airport: $159
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:
- Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
- Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Coimbra 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 dayCoimbra $97Cuenca $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tomar Cooking Class & Garden-to-Table Meal with Lake Views: $142
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
- Experience Ecuador: Join an Andean Cooking Class in Cuenca: $85
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Coimbra $21Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.48
- Tomar Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.48
- Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour: $5.96
- Coimbra Downtown Walking Tour with uptown insights : $5.96
- Coimbra Downhill Tour Highlights History and Student Traditions: $5.96
- Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.34
- Tomar’s Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Self-Guided Tour of Fado Traditions in Coimbra: $9.99
- Coimbra City Tour : $24
- Cycle to Ancient Dolmens in Azenha. History, Theory & Folklore Guided Tour: $36
- Coimbra Adventure Discovery and Learning with a Local: $42
- Tomar and the Templars Convent of Christ Tour: A Historical Tale: $48
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca-Ec- Highlights City Tour : $16
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $47
- Azuay Cuenca Ecuador Tour: $1,300
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $50
- Birdwatching Tour Cajas Park and Tamarindo Tropical Forest area from Cuenca: $130
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
- Birdwatching Tour, Via Gualaceo to the Eastern slope from Cuenca: $130
- Cajas National Park FULL-DAY Tour from Cuenca: $55
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour: $110
- Complete excursion Ingapirca & Gualaceo Chordeleg Tour Archaeological Artisanal: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCoimbra $14Cuenca $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:
- Port Wine Tasting in Coimbra: $72
- Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $251
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coimbra and Cuenca, we can see that Coimbra is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Coimbra is in Europe 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 Coimbra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Coimbra 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 Coimbra Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra 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 Coimbra or Cuenca?
Coimbra 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 Coimbra or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Coimbra during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
In July, Coimbra is generally around the same temperature as Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 23°C (73°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Coimbra usually gets less rain in July than Cuenca. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 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 JulyCoimbra 23°C (73°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Cuenca. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Coimbra is much warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 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 OctoberCoimbra 18°C (65°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Cuenca. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cuenca. In the winter, Coimbra is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Coimbra in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Coimbra usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 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 JanuaryCoimbra 11°C (51°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 15°C (59°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In April, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 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 AprilCoimbra 15°C (59°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Coimbra
| Coimbra | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.