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

Should you visit Hamburg or Cuenca?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Cuenca can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Hamburg or Cuenca?

Hamburg

Hamburg is most noted for its port, which is the largest in Germany and the second busiest in Europe. Despite it's size, it is actually located about 100 kilometers from the North Sea on the River Elbe. The popularity of this port has given Hamburg the nickname as Germany's Gateway to the World. The city itself is the second largest in Germany and the metropolitan area has a population of over 4 million people.

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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Hamburg?

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 Hamburg is $166, 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 Hamburg and Cuenca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hamburg $63
    Cuenca $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hamburg $126
    Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Hamburg and Cuenca

Looking for a hotel in Hamburg 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 Hamburg


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: Hamburg Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hamburg $34
    Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    $1.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Hamburg hotels to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $204
  • Airport Transfer: Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg by Business Car: $112
  • Airport Transfer: Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM by Business Car: $109
  • Airport Transfer: Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM by Luxury Van: $119
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport XFW to Hamburg City: $101
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport HAM to Hamburg by Business Car: $106
  • Arrival Transfer: Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg by Luxury Van: $119
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport XFW: $83
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport XFW: $101
  • Departure Transfer: Hamburg to Airport HAM by Business Car: $107
  • Departure Transfer: Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM by Luxury Van: $118
  • Hamburg :Private Transfer to/from Airport and City: $128

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:

  • Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
  • Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Hamburg or Cuenca?

Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Hamburg 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
    Hamburg $70
    Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

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


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    $18
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    $5.87
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    $7.04
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    $18
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    $4.69
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    $7.04
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    $4.11
  • Coffee and Donut
    $4.69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

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

  • St George's Culinary Food Tour: $52
  • Sternschanze kulinarisch: Die Food Tour: $52
  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $53
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $63
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $63
  • Hamburg Traditional Food Tour: Full Meal and Drinks: $90
  • Hamburg Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $109
  • Hamburg Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better : $130
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $200
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $529
  • The Wilhelmsburg Food Tour: $529

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
  • Experience Ecuador: Join an Andean Cooking Class in Cuenca: $85
  • Private Cooking Class: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hamburg $46
    Cuenca $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    $4.11

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

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

  • NAIPO Relax Lounge Innovative Massage Experience: $1.19
  • Free tour: Centro Histórico. Tú decides el precio al final: $1.41
  • Free Tour: Port, Red Light District and Beatles. You decide how much to pay at the end: $1.73
  • Guided tour of Hamburg's Speicherstadt – warehouses, free port, and duty-free zone: $2.35
  • Guided tour of Hamburg's UNESCO World Heritage Site – Warehouses & Cathedrals of Trade: $2.35
  • Historic Free Tour of Hamburg Old Warehouse District: $3.56
  • The Local Tour of Hamburg Historic Centre: $3.56
  • Freewalking Tour Hamburg St.Georg Dreams, diversity and tolerance: $3.56
  • Hamburg Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.81
  • Hamburg (Speicherstadt) Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.41
  • Bucerius Kunst Forum: Exhibition ticket Sean Scully: $7.05
  • Spicy's Gewürzmuseum Entry Ticket and Audio Guide: $7.05

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
  • Half-Day Biking and Walking Tour in Cuenca: $30
  • Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $35
  • Tour of the best of Cuenca walking through its Historic Center: $35
  • Half-Day City Tour including Panama Hat Factory: $35
  • Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
  • El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
  • Cuenca Your Way Exclusive Private City Tour: $45
  • City Sightseeing Tour: $45
  • Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $47
  • Wonderful Cajas National Park tour from Cuenca: $48
  • Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hamburg $20
    Cuenca $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

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

  • The wildest Pub Crawl in Hamburg: $23
  • Original Hamburg Pub Crawl Sex & Crime St. Pauli Tour: $24
  • Original Hamburg Pub Crawl Sex & Crime St. Pauli Tour: $24
  • Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $29
  • Pub Crawl Hamburg - Ladies Night: $30
  • Pub Crawl - Drink & Dare: $30
  • Reeperbahn Pub Crawl with Shots and Games: $35
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl with Free Welcome Drinks and Club Entry: $36
  • Private Pub Crawl in Hamburg with The Crawl Co: $36
  • Reeperbahn pub crawl with insider-guide & shots: $317
  • Bachelor party Pub crawl & party for your bachelor party: $423


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


Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Cuenca?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Cuenca?

Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Cuenca in the Summer?

Both Cuenca and Hamburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hamburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Hamburg is generally cooler than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 17°C (62°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In July, Hamburg usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Hamburg gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F) 
    Cuenca 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Hamburg or Cuenca in the Autumn?

Both Cuenca and Hamburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hamburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.

Hamburg is cooler than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Hamburg usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Hamburg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F) 
    Cuenca 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Hamburg or Cuenca in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hamburg and Cuenca. The winter months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's quite cold in Cuenca in the winter. The weather in Hamburg can be very cold. In the winter, Hamburg is much colder than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hamburg in January average around 0°C (33°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In January, Hamburg usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Hamburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F) 
    Cuenca 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Hamburg or Cuenca in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hamburg as well as Cuenca. The natural beauty are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.

In April, Hamburg is generally cooler than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 8°C (46°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Hamburg usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Hamburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F) 
    Cuenca 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Cuenca and Hamburg

Hamburg Cuenca
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)