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

Should you visit Tartu or Cuenca?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tartu and Cuenca can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Tartu or Cuenca?

Tartu

Tartu is a university town that is also the second largest city in Estonia. It has a population of about 100,000 and dates back to 1030, making it the oldest city in the country. The Emajogi River passes through town and it has a lovely old town that's pleasant to explore. The city is a great place to see day to day life in Estonia. It is a very real town with people going about their daily lives. If you find yourself here when the weather is nice, you'll be greeted by crowds of happy locals out enjoying the weather. They make full use of the warm, sunny weather with festivals, events, and concerts during the summer. This is easily the most fun and eventful time to visit the city.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Tartu?

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 Tartu is $155, 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 Tartu and Cuenca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tartu $55
    Cuenca $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tartu $110
    Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Tartu and Cuenca

Looking for a hotel in Tartu 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 Tartu


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: Tartu Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tartu $32
    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:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Tartu or Cuenca?

Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Tartu 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
    Tartu $76
    Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Tartu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tartu:


  • Danishes
    $0.89
  • Lunch for Two
    $5.78
  • Ice Cream
    $1.49
  • Cookies
    $0.59
  • Coffee & Cake
    $4.07

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.
    Tartu $19
    Cuenca $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tartu

For Tartu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Art Museum ticket
    $1.12
  • Movie Ticket
    $4.07

Tours and Activities in Tartu

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

  • Around Viljandi bike tour: $30
  • TARTU COUNTRY: SLED DOG TOUR AND KENNEL VISIT: $141
  • Charming Viljandi Private Walking Tour for Couples: $260
  • Magical Tartu Romantic Private Walking Tour: $751
  • Dazzling Tartu City Cultural Private Walking Tour: $751

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tartu $18
    Cuenca $14


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


Which is Bigger, Tartu or Cuenca?

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

Tartu 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 Tartu or Cuenca in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Cuenca. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.

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

Tartu usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Tartu or Cuenca in the Autumn?

Both Cuenca and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Tartu is much colder than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In October, Tartu usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tartu 6°C (43°F) 
    Cuenca 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Cuenca in the Winter?

Both Cuenca and Tartu during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tartu in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.

Cuenca can be very cold during winter. Tartu can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Tartu is much colder than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tartu in January average around -7°C (19°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Tartu usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tartu -7°C (19°F) 
    Cuenca 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Cuenca in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Cuenca. Most visitors come to Tartu for the natural beauty during these months. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Tartu can be very cold during spring. In April, Tartu is generally much colder than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 5°C (41°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Tartu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cuenca. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tartu 5°C (41°F) 
    Cuenca 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Cuenca and Tartu

Tartu Cuenca
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Feb -6°C (20°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar -2°C (29°F) 26 mm (1 in) 8°C (46°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)