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

Should you visit Asuncion or Guayaquil?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Asuncion 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: Asuncion or Guayaquil?

Asuncion

Asuncion is a vastly underrated city. It is the capital but also the administrative economic and cultural center of Paraguay. It is located in the south central part of the country, near the border with Argentina and it is one of the oldest cities in South America, with people living here since almost 500 years. The city has a beautiful and simple center, with a few unique colonial and beaux arts buildings, international cuisine, shady plazas and friendly people. Its handful of historic buildings around the Plaza de los Heroes, Plaza Uruguaya and Manzana de la Ribera, two or three small museums, old bars and cafes, but also smart suburbs, ritzy shopping malls and fashionable nightclubs will keep you entertained for a day or two. It is a very charming city for travellers and apart from the sights, the city boasts a good tourist infrastructure with hotels and restaurants.

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


Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Asuncion?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Asuncion is $69, 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 Asuncion and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Asuncion $23
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Asuncion $46
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Asuncion and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Asuncion 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 Asuncion


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: Asuncion Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Asuncion $8.88
    Guayaquil $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asuncion

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

  • Transfer in private minivan from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $29
  • Transfer in private minivan Asuncion City - Silvio Pettirosi Airport (ASU): $29
  • Transfer in private car from Asuncion City - Asuncion Airport (ASU): $20
  • Transfer in Private Car from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $21
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $59
  • RoundTrip Private Transfer Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil

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

  • Transfers from Guayaquil Airport to the hotel: $10
  • Transfer from Guayaquil airport to the hotel and vice versa: $30
  • Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $12
  • Transfer Cuenca - Guayaquil (or Vice versa) With Visit To Cajas National Park: $128
  • Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Guayaquil: $47
  • Shared transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $47
  • Private transfer Guayaquil - Montañita: $250
  • Private Transfers to and from the Airport in Guayaquil: $25
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil to Cuenca : $104
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil hotels to Manta Cruise Port: $100
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $100
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Asuncion or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Asuncion 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
    Asuncion $17
    Guayaquil $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guayaquil

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

  • Gastronomic workshop tour, live cooking, Learn about the Ecuadorian culinary art: $131
  • Half Day Guayaquil Culinary Adventure, Cacao Cooking Class: $185

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Asuncion $16
    Guayaquil $21

Tours and Activities in Asuncion

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

  • Asunción Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
  • Asuncion Birding Tour: $70
  • Birding and Nature Chaco Tour: $140
  • Crystal Fall - day tour in a reduced group: $120
  • Day Tour “Cerrito”: $231
  • Day tour “Circuito San Bernardino”: $214
  • Day tour “Circuito Sapucai”: $221
  • Day tour “Pai Pukú”: $230
  • Day tour to “National Park Ybycuí”: $265
  • Golden Triangle Tour: $110
  • Half-Day Yparacai Lake Tour from Asuncion with Pick Up: $185
  • Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour from Asunción: $160

Tours and Activities in Guayaquil

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

  • Private Navigation through Mangroves forest/ Beach time/ Chocolate experience: $250
  • 1-hour Pacari Wine and Chocolate Tasting Experience: $20
  • City Tour Guayaquil: $40
  • City Tour around Guayaquil: $75
  • Cocoa Biking Tour: $180
  • Cocoa and Gastronomy Tour at Hacienda CacaoyMango: $155
  • Dolphin Watching Experience in Puerto El Morro from Guayaquil: $165
  • Exclusive private luxury cocoa experience: $187
  • From Cloud Forest/Waterfalls Private Tour & Lunch: $159
  • From Montañita: Paragliding Experience: $55
  • Full Day Private Churute Mangroves Reserve and Cocoa Farm Tour: $255
  • Full Day Zhagal Thermal Baths Tour from Guayaquil: $169

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Asuncion $10
    Guayaquil $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Asuncion

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Asuncion are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.23

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: $52
  • Taste and discover the factory of a craft brewery: $65


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asuncion and Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil is more expensive. And not only is Asuncion much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asuncion would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asuncion 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 Asuncion.

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


Which is Bigger, Asuncion or Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Asuncion. When comparing the sizes of Asuncion 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 Asuncion or Guayaquil?

Asuncion 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 Asuncion or Guayaquil in the Summer?

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

In January, Asuncion is generally a little warmer than Guayaquilin July. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 29°C (84°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. It's quite rainy in Asuncion. In January, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Guayaquilin July. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Asuncion 29°C (84°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Asuncion or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

Both Guayaquil and Asuncion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.

Asuncion is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asuncion. Asuncion usually gets more rain in April than Guayaquilin October. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Asuncion 24°C (75°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Asuncion or Guayaquil in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Asuncion and Guayaquil. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Asuncion is cooler than Guayaquil. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asuncion in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F)in January.

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Asuncion usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin January. Asuncion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Asuncion 19°C (66°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Asuncion or Guayaquil in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Asuncion as well as Guayaquil. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.

In October, Asuncion is generally cooler than Guayaquilin April. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 25°C (77°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Asuncion receives a lot of rain in the spring. Asuncion usually gets more rain in October than Guayaquilin April. Asuncion gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Asuncion 25°C (77°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Asuncion

Asuncion Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 29°C (84°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)