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

Should you visit Florianopolis or Guayaquil?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis 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: Florianopolis or Guayaquil?

Florianopolis

With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.

Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.

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 Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Florianopolis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $63, 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 Florianopolis and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Florianopolis $26
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Florianopolis $52
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis


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: Florianopolis Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Florianopolis $14
    Guayaquil $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis

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

  • Transfer Florianópolis Airport from Balneário Camboriú and region by Centrotur: $113
  • Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $80
  • Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
  • Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
  • Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
  • Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $86
  • Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
  • Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $33
  • One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
  • Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14
  • Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $41

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 hotels to Manta Cruise Port: $99
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $99
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $89
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotels: $20
  • Private Transfer Out From Hotel to Guayaquil Airport: $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Florianopolis 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
    Florianopolis $22
    Guayaquil $29
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis

For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • A Quick Snack
    $0.45

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.
    Florianopolis $26
    Guayaquil $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Internet
    $0.60

Tours and Activities in Florianopolis

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

  • Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
  • Bike Tour in Florianopolis - Sunset, Photography and History: $72
  • Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
  • Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $23
  • Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
  • Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $33
  • Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
  • Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $27
  • Mountain biking experiences in Florianópolis: $60
  • Private Day Tour: Florianópolis Island with Professional Pictures: $154
  • Private South Island Beaches and Lagoons Tour: $45
  • Private Tour: North Island Beaches by Floripa Nativa Turismo: $46

Tours and Activities in Guayaquil

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

  • 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
  • From Cloud Forest/Waterfalls Private Tour & Lunch: $159
  • From Montañita: Paragliding Experience: $55
  • Full Day Zhagal Thermal Baths Tour from Guayaquil: $169
  • Full day private tour Mangroves, dolphins and birds from guayaquil : $215
  • Full day tour Mangroves, dolphins and cocoa farm from guayaquil: $225
  • Full-Day Cuenca and Traditional Craft Beer Tasting Tour: $241
  • Guayaquil City Tour: $40
  • Guayaquil City Tour: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Florianopolis $8.88
    Guayaquil $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.60

Sample the Local Flavors in Guayaquil

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

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Florianopolis. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Guayaquil?

Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Guayaquil in the Summer?

Both Guayaquil and Florianopolis 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 the summer, Florianopolis is around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Typically, the summer temperatures in Florianopolis in January average around 25°C (76°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. It's quite rainy in Florianopolis. In January, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Guayaquilin July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Florianopolis 25°C (76°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

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

In April, Florianopolis is generally around the same temperature as Guayaquilin October. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 22°C (71°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Florianopolis usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Guayaquilin October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Florianopolis 22°C (71°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Guayaquil in the Winter?

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

Florianopolis is much colder than Guayaquil in the winter. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in January.

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Florianopolis usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Florianopolis 17°C (62°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Guayaquil in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Florianopolis is cooler than Guayaquil. Typically, the spring temperatures in Florianopolis in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Florianopolis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Florianopolis usually gets less rain in October than Guayaquilin April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Florianopolis 20°C (68°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Florianopolis

Florianopolis Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 95 mm (3.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 22°C (71°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)