Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman or Guayaquil?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Grand Cayman and Guayaquil. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Grand Cayman or Guayaquil?
Grand Cayman
When people think of the Cayman Islands, they typically think of offshore bank accounts and sunny, cruise ship ports. Grand Cayman has more to offer travelers than a playground for the wealthy or a short stopover for cruise passengers. This tropical island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, it is a shopper's heaven, a center for global finance and an ideal vacation spot.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $214Guayaquil $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, 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 Grand Cayman and Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Guayaquil $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman 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.
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: Grand Cayman Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Guayaquil $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
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 Grand Cayman or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Grand Cayman 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
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Food Meals for one dayGrand Cayman $39Guayaquil $29
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Guayaquil $21
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
- Cayman Adventure: Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Gardens: $99
- Cayman Crystal Caves & Pedro St James Castle Tour in Grand Cayman: $179
- Cayman Crystal Caves Tour in Grand Cayman Island: $126
- Cayman's Classic Food Tasting & Cultural Experience: $179
- East End Activities and Tour in Grand Cayman: $158
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $275
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $262
- Grand Cayman - Bioluminescent Bay Tour: $95
- Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
- Grand Cayman Reef & Stingray City Snorkeling Adventure: $159
- West Island Guided Tour with Entry Tickets: $120
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Guayaquil $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:
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Beer$4.97
Sample the Local Flavors in Grand Cayman
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Grand Cayman:
- Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass Ticket Only: $24
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand Cayman and Guayaquil, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Guayaquil much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands 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 Guayaquil would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guayaquil 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 Grand Cayman would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grand Cayman than you might in Guayaquil.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Grand Cayman Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Guayaquil?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman or Guayaquil in the Summer?
Both Guayaquil and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Guayaquil. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Guayaquil in the summer. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Guayaquil in the Autumn?
Both Guayaquil and Grand Cayman during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Guayaquil. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Grand Cayman is a little warmer than Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grand Cayman in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Guayaquil in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Guayaquil. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Grand Cayman is generally cooler than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 24°C (76°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Guayaquil in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Guayaquil. Grand Cayman 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. Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Guayaquil. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Guayaquil | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.