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

Should you visit Belize City or Guayaquil?

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

Should I visit Belize City 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: Belize City or Guayaquil?

Belize City

Belize City is the largest city in Belize. It was once the capital of the country, but due to massive hurricane damage in 1961, the country decided to relocate it capital. With a population of 57,000 people, Belize City is located right at the mouth of the Haulover Creek.

This gorgeous tropical city experiences a monsoon climate – meaning there are warm and humid conditions throughout the course of the year. There is a wet season from May to January, so plan for a little bit of rain in that time.

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


Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Belize City?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Belize City is $88, 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 Belize City and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belize City $49
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belize City $98
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Belize City and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Belize City 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 Belize City


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: Belize City Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belize City $5.82
    Guayaquil $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belize City

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

  • We do transfers from airport to any where in Belize.: $49
  • Transfer Belize city to bacalar: $50
  • Private Transfer from Belize City and Airport to Placencia: $150
  • Private Transfer from Belize City Port to Belize Airport (BZE): $60
  • Belize: Belize City to/from San Ignacio Shuttle Transfer: $68
  • Belize city water taxi terminal to Airport transfer: $30
  • Belize City to/from Placencia/Hopkins Shuttle Transfer: $113

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil

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

  • 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 Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $98
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $89
  • Private Transfer Out From Hotel to Guayaquil Airport: $25
  • Private Transfer In From Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $25
  • Private Airport Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Belize City or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Belize City 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
    Belize City $27
    Guayaquil $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belize City

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

  • Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour: $80

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.
    Belize City $29
    Guayaquil $21

Tours and Activities in Belize City

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

  • Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure from Belize City: $167
  • Altun Ha Cave Tubing and Zip line Tours from Belize City: $208
  • Altun Ha Mayan Ruins & Zipline Tour from Belize City All Inclusive: $170
  • Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and Belize City tour: $100
  • Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and River Wallace and Manatee Watch Tour: $85
  • Altun Ha Mayan Site tour from Belize City: $85
  • Altun Ha, Monkey Sanctuary and Rum Factory Tour from Belize City: $170
  • Belize City Tour: $40
  • Belize City Tour Shore Excursion: $100
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Full Day Tour: $190
  • Cave Tubing & Zipline Adventure Tour: $110
  • Guided Cave Kayaking Tour with Pickup: $77

Tours and Activities in Guayaquil

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

  • 1-hour Pacari Wine and Chocolate Tasting Experience: $20
  • City Tour Guayaquil: $40
  • City Tour around Guayaquil: $75
  • 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 Ayangue Tour with Snorkeling in The Pelado's Islote: $295
  • Full Day Private Churute Mangroves Reserve and Cocoa Farm Tour: $255
  • Full Day Zhagal Thermal Baths Tour from Guayaquil: $263
  • Full day private tour Mangroves, dolphins and birds from guayaquil : $215

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Belize City $12
    Guayaquil $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Belize City

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

  • Belize: City Highlights Tour with Rum Distillery Visit: $49

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 comparing the travel costs between Belize City and Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Belize City is in Central America and Guayaquil is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Belize City or Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Belize City. When comparing the sizes of Belize City 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 Belize City or Guayaquil?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Belize City or Guayaquil in the Summer?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. It's quite rainy in Belize City. In July, Belize City usually receives more rain than Guayaquil. Belize City gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Belize City is a little warmer than Guayaquil in the summer. The daily temperature in Belize City averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Belize City 28°C (82°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Belize City or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Belize City. Belize City usually gets more rain in October than Guayaquil. Belize City gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Belize City is a little warmer than Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Belize City in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Belize City 26°C (80°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Belize City or Guayaquil in the Winter?

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

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the winter. Belize City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Belize City usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Belize City gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Belize City is generally cooler than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Belize City average around 24°C (74°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Belize City 24°C (74°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Belize City or Guayaquil in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Belize City as well as Guayaquil. Belize City 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. Belize City usually gets less rain in April than Guayaquil. Belize City gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Belize City is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Belize City averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Belize City 27°C (80°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Belize City

Belize City Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (74°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 52 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 243 mm (9.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 25°C (76°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)