vs
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇵🇪 Cusco
🇪🇨 Montanita
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
5 hostels, avg 9.6 rating
★★★★★
9 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $63/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $27/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $3.15, dorms avg $14
★★★★★
Coffee $2.54, dorms avg $10
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.23, 5 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $2.99, 9 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
21 attractions
★★★★★
3 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇵🇪 Cusco | 🇪🇨 Montanita | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $16 | $16 cheaper | $0/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $33 cheaper | $45 | $12/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $63 cheaper | $93 | $30/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇵🇪 Cusco | 🇪🇨 Montanita |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $3.38 4% less | $3.51 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $13.15 48% less | $25.05 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.23 25% less | $2.99 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3.15 | $2.54 19% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.29 17% less | $0.35 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇵🇪▼
Cusco
Peru
34
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $14/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelViajero Cusco Hostel (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$14/night
Total hostels5
🇪🇨▼
Montanita
Ecuador
33
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $10/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelHostal Casa Del Sol (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$10/night
Total hostels9
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇵🇪 Cusco
🇪🇨 Montanita
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Cusco & Montanita
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇵🇪 Cusco
16°C
High
/
9°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 178mm/month
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug
🇪🇨 Montanita
35°C
High
/
22°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 10mm/month
Best months: Nov, Dec
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Cusco or Montanita cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Cusco vs Montanita?+
Do I need a visa for Cusco or Montanita?+
When is the best time to visit Cusco or Montanita?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Cusco and Montanita?+
Keep Exploring
People Also Compared
Ready to book?
Plan a trip to both cities
Full itinerary with real-time flights, hostels & transport — built on our 64k+ price index.
Build Your Itinerary →Free · No account required · Results in under 30 seconds