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

Should you visit Aqaba or Guayaquil?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Guayaquil, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Aqaba or Guayaquil?

Aqaba

Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.

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 Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Aqaba?

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 Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $116. 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 Aqaba and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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 Aqaba


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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Guayaquil $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Wadi Rum: One-Way Transfer to/from Aqaba by Private Car: $80
  • Wadi Rum to Aqaba Border Private Transfer – Hassle-Free Travel: $100
  • Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Amman Airport: $101
  • Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
  • Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $51
  • Private Transfers from Wadi Rum Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $129
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Petra City Hotels: $93
  • Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ)to Aqaba Port : $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Aqaba 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
    Aqaba $73
    Guayaquil $50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

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

  • Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
  • Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $75
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $111
  • Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
  • From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
  • Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
  • 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
  • Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Guayaquil $21

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

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

  • Day Tour in Jeep Tour with Bedouin Guide: $81
  • Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
  • Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • "Jordan: 3-Day Tour of Ancient Sites, Nature,&Local Culture": $317
  • 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
  • 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $70
  • 05 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $68
  • 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 2-Hour Desert Guided Activities Tour in Wadi Rum: $50
  • 2-Hour Private Scuba Experience in Aqaba : $45
  • 2-day Hiking Adventure and Jeep Tour from Wadi Rum: $202

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Guayaquil $17


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

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


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Guayaquil?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Aqaba or Guayaquil in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Guayaquil. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Guayaquil. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is a little warmer than Guayaquil. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

Both Guayaquil and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Guayaquil in the Winter?

Both Guayaquil and Aqaba during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.

Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Guayaquil. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Aqaba is much colder than Guayaquil in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Guayaquil in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Guayaquil. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Aqaba is cooler than Guayaquil. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Aqaba

Aqaba Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)