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

Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Guayaquil?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Colonia del Sacramento and Guayaquil can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Guayaquil?

Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento is in the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. It is filled with old colonial buildings and cobbled streets, and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, sandwiched in between the Portuguese colony of Brazil and the Spanish Viceroyalty of the River Plate, later Argentina, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. Its strategic position and use as a smuggling port meant that its sovereignty was constantly contested and the city changed hands several times between Spain and Portugal. The irresistibly picturesque town's charm and its proximity to Buenos Aires draw thousands of Argentine and other visitors on weekends and in summer. Prices rise in these periods and it can be difficult to find a room so make sure to book your trip well in advance.

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 Colonia del Sacramento?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Colonia del Sacramento is $67, 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 Colonia del Sacramento and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Colonia del Sacramento $34
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Colonia del Sacramento $68
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento


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: Colonia del Sacramento Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Colonia del Sacramento $17
    Guayaquil $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colonia del Sacramento

Also for Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Colonia Port Terminal Private Transfer : $15
  • Colonia Bus Terminal Private Transfer : $15

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 Colonia del Sacramento or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Colonia del Sacramento 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
    Colonia del Sacramento $19
    Guayaquil $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colonia del Sacramento

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

  • Sensory Experience - Blind dinner in Colonia Del Sacramento: $95

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.
    Colonia del Sacramento $24
    Guayaquil $21

Tours and Activities in Colonia del Sacramento

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

  • Almacén de la Capilla - Winery Experience at Carmelo: $215
  • City Tour Colonia del Sacramento - Uruguay: $90
  • Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $58
  • Adventure Sightseeing Bike Tour: $59
  • Historical Walking Tour with Snack: $63
  • Colonia: Private City Tour on Foot (Historic District): $100
  • Experience an typical Uruguayan dish: Chivito & Tannat Wine: $78
  • Fripp Winery Experience Day Trip-Colonia del Sacramento: $200
  • From Horse Ride Experience: $80
  • From Montevideo: Colonia Day Trip & Sightseeing: $150
  • Full Day Birdwatching and Nature Tour: $200
  • Full gastronomic experience: Uruguayan meat,cheese and wine: $55

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
    Colonia del Sacramento $5.79
    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: $52
  • Taste and discover the factory of a craft brewery: $65


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

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


Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento or Guayaquil?

Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento or Guayaquil in the Summer?

Both Guayaquil and Colonia del Sacramento 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, Colonia del Sacramento is generally around the same temperature as Guayaquilin July. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 25°C (77°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. In January, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Colonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

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

Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Guayaquil in the autumn. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in April than Guayaquilin October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Guayaquil in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Guayaquil. Typically, the winter temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F)in January.

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Colonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Guayaquil in the Spring?

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

In October, Colonia del Sacramento is generally much colder than Guayaquilin April. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (64°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Colonia del Sacramento receives a lot of rain in the spring. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Guayaquilin April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Colonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 75 mm (3 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)