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

Should you visit Guayaquil or La Paz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guayaquil or La Paz, 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 La Paz?

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.

La Paz

La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.

When comparing the travel costs between Guayaquil and La Paz, we can see that La Paz is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Guayaquil is in South America and La Paz is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Guayaquil or La Paz?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Guayaquil and La Paz, 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 Guayaquil or La Paz?

La Paz 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 La Paz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Guayaquil as well as La Paz. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Guayaquil is generally cooler than La Paz. Daily temperatures in Guayaquil average around 23°C (73°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guayaquil usually gets more rain in July than La Paz. Guayaquil gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Guayaquil or La Paz in the Autumn?

Both La Paz and Guayaquil are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to La Paz in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Guayaquil is cooler than La Paz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guayaquil averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and La Paz fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In October, Guayaquil usually receives more rain than La Paz. Guayaquil gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Guayaquil or La Paz in the Winter?

Both La Paz 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. Also, most visitors come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Guayaquil is much warmer than La Paz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guayaquil in January average around 28°C (82°F), and La Paz averages at about 18°C (65°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. Guayaquil usually gets more rain in January than La Paz. Guayaquil gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Guayaquil or La Paz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Guayaquil and La Paz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches.

In April, Guayaquil is generally a little warmer than La Paz. Daily temperatures in Guayaquil average around 28°C (82°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Guayaquil usually receives more rain than La Paz. Guayaquil gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for La Paz and Guayaquil