A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Guayaquil for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Guayaquil?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Guayaquil? 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: Acapulco de Juarez or Guayaquil?

Acapulco de Juarez

Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.

Guayaquil

Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and seaport. From a tourist perspective, the city acts primarily as a transportation gateway to the country and the Galapagos Islands. While the city can be skipped altogether, should you have a free day to spend here, there are a few noteworthy things to do, as well as some terrific dining and nightlife options. Guayaquil’s main tourist attraction is Las Penas, a hill with old, colorfully painted buildings at the north end of the Malecon, where you can walk the 400 steps to the lighthouse at the top for good views of the city. The neighborhood is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and art galleries and is relatively safe. Other important sights include the Malecon 2000, a massive urban development project that has brought new life to the riverside in the city center and the Parque Seminario, filled with fountains, trees and iguanas, located at 10 de Agosto Ave and Chile Ave.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Acapulco de Juarez?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $81, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $95. 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 Acapulco de Juarez and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acapulco de Juarez $39
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acapulco de Juarez $78
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Guayaquil? 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 Acapulco de Juarez


Hotels in Guayaquil


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: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $16
    Guayaquil $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Bahía de Acapulco - Acapulco Airport (ACA): $24
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Acapulco Airport (ACA) -Bahía de Acapulco: $24
  • Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $6.00
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Bahia de Acapulco: $49
  • Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
  • Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
  • Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
  • Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
  • Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
  • Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil

Also for Guayaquil, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Guayaquil Airport (GYE): Transfer to Guayaquil hotels: $129
  • Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil city -Arrival Private Transfer: $30
  • Guayaquil Airport Private Transfer Service: $80
  • Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Guayaquil - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $59
  • Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $18
  • Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $17
  • Guayaquil PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport.: $17
  • Private Airport Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $20
  • Private Transfer In From Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $25
  • Private Transfer Out From Hotel to Guayaquil Airport: $25
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $89

Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Acapulco de Juarez 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
    Acapulco de Juarez $29
    Guayaquil $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.

  • High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner +Three Drinks plus SUNSET: $49
  • Cliff Divers Exhibition 2 Drinks + Tacos al Pastor Dinner & Beer: $55
  • Cliff Diver De Luxe 3 Course Dinner at "La Quebrada" in Acapulco: $56
  • Cliff Divers Show With Dinner At Acapulco: $72
  • Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only SUNDAY: $84
  • Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $89
  • Hands ON - Mex Cooking Class Experience - City Market & Lunch : $90
  • Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
  • Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
  • Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
  • Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $193
  • Divers Show and Luxury Dinner in Acapulco: $199

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guayaquil

For Guayaquil, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Half Day Guayaquil Culinary Adventure, Cacao Cooking Class: $185

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $18
    Guayaquil $21

Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez

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

  • 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $44
  • 6Hr Walking Tour San Diego Fort Museum Cliff Divers Zocalo: $68
  • Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $36
  • 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $62
  • 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $47
  • 4Hrs Small Group Half Day City Tour with Lunch at High Divers: $85
  • 4hr City Tour For Cruises or Hotels Diver Peace Chapel & Mural: $40
  • 6Hr City Tour Cruise or Hotel Turtle Nesting High Diver & Market: $51
  • 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $51
  • 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $50
  • Acapulco City Tour : $35
  • Acapulco Historical Tour with Cliff Divers Show: $65

Tours and Activities in Guayaquil

For Guayaquil, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private Guayaquil City Tour: $18
  • 1-hour Pacari Wine and Chocolate Tasting Experience: $20
  • Shared Walking Tour in Guayaquil City: $35
  • City Tour Guayaquil: $40
  • Guayaquil City Tour: $40
  • Self-guided walking tour of Guayaquil's landmarks.: $45
  • Private Experience of Flavors and Wine Pairing in Guayaquil: $52
  • From Montañita: Paragliding Experience: $55
  • City Tour with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: $63
  • Guayaquil to Cuenca one-way tour with Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm visit: $74
  • City Tour around Guayaquil: $75
  • Private Guayaquil City Tour and Parque Historico: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acapulco de Juarez $11
    Guayaquil $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Guayaquil

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

  • Wine Tasting Experience with Tasting Menu: $55


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Acapulco de Juarez is in North America and Guayaquil 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 Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Guayaquil would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guayaquil than you might in Acapulco de Juarez.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Acapulco de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Guayaquil, 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 Acapulco de Juarez or Guayaquil?

Acapulco de Juarez has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Guayaquil experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Guayaquil in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Guayaquil. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.

Acapulco de Juarez is a little warmer than Guayaquil in the summer. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the summer. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in July than Guayaquil. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

Both Guayaquil and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the autumn for the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez is a little warmer than Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Acapulco de Juarez. In October, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Guayaquil. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Guayaquil in the Winter?

Both Guayaquil and Acapulco de Juarez during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.

In January, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 26°C (79°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in January than Guayaquil. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Guayaquil in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Guayaquil. The spring months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the beaches. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 271 mm (10.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 209 mm (8.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 312 mm (12.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 341 mm (13.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)