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

Should you visit Guayaquil or El Chalten?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guayaquil or El Chalten, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Guayaquil or El Chalten?

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.

El Chalten

El Chalten is probably one of the most beautiful areas of Patagonia, especially at the slightest ray of sunshine and one of your cheapest destination while you are travelling in Patagonia. Indeed, you will spend your days hiking and there are no park fees. There are restaurants, souvenir shops, and outdoor stores but most of them will not accept credit cards so before heading out, get cash in El Calafate or your previous stop. For the beginners, it will be long hikes in a magical setting and for the experts perhaps a week long expedition to the greatest glaciers of the world. To discover the way people live in the pampa, you may also decide to stay at an Estancia. In the stunning Estancia Santa Thelma, about 300km away from El Chalten, you will be able to explore the surroundings by horse, live a unique experience in the middle of the nature and its vast plains occupied by thousands of merino sheep and horses and of course eat a typical meal of the region.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina, and The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, El Chalten or Guayaquil?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Guayaquil is $95, while the average daily cost in El Chalten is $10. 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 Guayaquil and El Chalten in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guayaquil $32
    El Chalten $4.49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guayaquil $64
    El Chalten $8.98
Compare Hotels in Guayaquil and El Chalten

Looking for a hotel in Guayaquil or El Chalten? 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 Guayaquil


Hotels in El Chalten


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: Guayaquil Hotel Prices and El Chalten Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guayaquil $15
    El Chalten $2.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil

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

  • Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $12
  • Guayaquil PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport.: $17
  • Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $17
  • Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $17
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotels: $20
  • Private Transfers to and from the Airport in Guayaquil: $25
  • Private Transfer Out From Hotel to Guayaquil Airport: $25
  • Private Transfer In From Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $25
  • Transfer from Guayaquil airport to the hotel and vice versa: $30
  • Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Guayaquil: $47
  • Shared transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $47
  • Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Guayaquil or El Chalten?

Prices for flights to both El Chalten and Guayaquil 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
    Guayaquil $29
    El Chalten $3.72

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.
    Guayaquil $21
    El Chalten $2.70

Tours and Activities in Guayaquil

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

  • Shared Walking Tour in Guayaquil City: $35
  • City Tour Guayaquil: $40
  • Guayaquil City Tour: $40
  • Self-guided walking tour of Guayaquil's landmarks.: $45
  • Private Experience of Flavors and Wine Pairing in Guayaquil: $50
  • From Montañita: Paragliding Experience: $55
  • City Tour with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: $63
  • Guayaquil to Cuenca one-way tour with Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm visit: $74
  • City Tour around Guayaquil: $75
  • Guayaquil City Tour Including the Light House of Cerro Santa Ana: $80
  • Private Guayaquil City Tour and Parque Historico: $80
  • Guayaquil Layover Sightseeing Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transport: $82

Tours and Activities in El Chalten

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for El Chalten are as follows:

  • 3 Hours Grilled Lamb Experience in Estancia Bonanza: $55
  • Rafting experience on the Rio de las Vueltas in Patagonia: $90
  • Rio de las Vueltas Rafting Experience - El Chalten: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guayaquil $17
    El Chalten $1.24

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 Guayaquil and El Chalten, we can see that Guayaquil is more expensive. And not only is El Chalten much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to El Chalten would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in El Chalten 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 El Chalten.

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



When is the best time to visit Guayaquil or El Chalten?

El Chalten 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 Guayaquil or El Chalten in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Guayaquil as well as El Chalten. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Guayaquil is cooler than El Chalten. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guayaquil in July average around 23°C (73°F), and El Chalten averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in El Chalten. Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guayaquil usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as El Chaltenin January. Guayaquil gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F) 
    El Chalten 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Guayaquil or El Chalten in the Autumn?

Both El Chalten and Guayaquil are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.

In October, Guayaquil is generally around the same temperature as El Chaltenin April. Daily temperatures in Guayaquil average around 23°C (73°F), and El Chalten fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in El Chalten. In October, Guayaquil usually receives less rain than El Chaltenin April. Guayaquil gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F) 
    El Chalten 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Guayaquil or El Chalten in the Winter?

Both El Chalten and Guayaquil during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Guayaquil is much warmer than El Chalten in the winter. The daily temperature in Guayaquil averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and El Chalten fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. Guayaquil usually gets more rain in January than El Chaltenin July. Guayaquil gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F) 
    El Chalten 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Guayaquil or El Chalten in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Guayaquil and El Chalten. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.

In the spring, Guayaquil is a little warmer than El Chalten. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guayaquil in April average around 28°C (82°F), and El Chalten averages at about 22°C (72°F)in October.

El Chalten receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Guayaquil usually receives less rain than El Chaltenin October. Guayaquil gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F) 
    El Chalten 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for El Chalten and Guayaquil

Guayaquil El Chalten
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)