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

Should you visit Goa or Guayaquil?

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

Should I visit Goa 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: Goa or Guayaquil?

Goa

Goa is a small but important state located on the west coast of India known as a popular beach resort and vacation area.

A large Portuguese influence can be found in Goa in the form of architecture as well as the cuisine, as it was formerly a Portuguese colony. Because of Goa's Portuguese history, there is a distribution of religion among the people, making it quite different than other states in India. About sixty-five percent of the population is Hindu, while about twenty-four percent is Catholic. Goa is one of the most peaceful states in India, with a very low crime rate. The best time to visit Goa is between November and February, as this is when the weather is most comfortable.

This is a popular tourist destination both for the Indian population as well as for tourists from around the world. The warm climate, beautiful beaches, friendly people, fun activities, and cultural diversity make it a popular destination for many types of travelers.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mumbai, The Best 2-Week Tours from New Delhi, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.

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

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

Which has a larger population, Goa or Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Goa. When comparing the sizes of Goa 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.