Which place is cheaper, La Serena or Guayaquil?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Guayaquil or La Serena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guayaquil or La Serena, 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 Serena?
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 Serena
La Serena is a charming town in Northern Chile. It is Chile's second-oldest city and the thriving capital of Region IV. With its beautiful architecture, its long golden shoreline, dignified stone churches, tree-shaded avenues and pretty plazas, La Serena has everything you could ask for!
Chileans on holidays flood in the city in January and February, though it is fairly peaceful outside the summer rush. Some of the city's architecture is from the colonial era, but most is actually neocolonial thanks to president Gabriel Gonzalez Videla, born in La Serena, and her 'Plan Serena' of the late 1940s.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Chile, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuayaquil $95La Serena $87
The average daily cost (per person) in Guayaquil is $95, while the average daily cost in La Serena is $87. 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 La Serena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuayaquil $32La Serena $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuayaquil $64La Serena $84
Compare Hotels in Guayaquil and La Serena
Looking for a hotel in Guayaquil or La Serena? 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: Guayaquil Hotel Prices and La Serena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guayaquil $15La Serena $20
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: $98
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $88
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotels: $20
- Private Transfer In From Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $25
- Private Airport Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Guayaquil or La Serena?
Prices for flights to both La Serena 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
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Food Meals for one dayGuayaquil $29La Serena $27
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.Guayaquil $21La Serena $24
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 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
- Full day tour Mangroves, dolphins and cocoa farm from guayaquil: $225
- Full-Day Cuenca and Traditional Craft Beer Tasting Tour: $295
Tours and Activities in La Serena
For La Serena, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Tour to the internationally renowned Pangue Observatory: $139
- Dama Island or Chañaral Navigation Tour Humboldt Penguin Reserve: $140
- Elqui Valley Full Day Tour: magical towns, pisco and mountains: $85
- Elqui Valley Grand-Tour: $189
- Elqui Valley Tour from La Serena: $120
- Elqui Valley and Vicuña Private Tour Including Lunch: $183
- Elqui Valley: Pisco Tour, Wine, Beer: $174
- Full Day History and Flavors Tour in the Elqui Valley: $50
- La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour - Short excursion for cruise ships: $128
- La Serena and Coquimbo City Tour (SIB): $66
- La Serena and Coquimbo Guided City Tour: $76
- La Serena and Coquimbo Private City Tour Including Lunch, Shore Excursion: $194
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuayaquil $17La Serena $22
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 comparing the travel costs between Guayaquil and La Serena, we can see that Guayaquil 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. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Serena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guayaquil or La Serena?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of La Serena. When comparing the sizes of Guayaquil and La Serena, 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 Serena?
La Serena 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 Serena in the Summer?
Both La Serena and Guayaquil are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
In the summer, Guayaquil is a little warmer than La Serena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guayaquil in July average around 23°C (73°F), and La Serena averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. In July, Guayaquil usually receives more rain than La Serenain January. Guayaquil gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryGuayaquil 23°C (73°F)La Serena 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Guayaquil or La Serena in the Autumn?
Both La Serena and Guayaquil during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Guayaquil is generally much warmer than La Serenain April. Daily temperatures in Guayaquil average around 23°C (73°F), and La Serena fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Guayaquil usually gets more rain in October than La Serenain April. Guayaquil gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilGuayaquil 23°C (73°F)La Serena 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Guayaquil or La Serena in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Guayaquil and La Serena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
Guayaquil is much warmer than La Serena in the winter. The daily temperature in Guayaquil averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and La Serena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in July.
Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Guayaquil usually receives more rain than La Serenain July. Guayaquil gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyGuayaquil 28°C (82°F)La Serena 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Guayaquil or La Serena in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Guayaquil as well as La Serena. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Guayaquil is much warmer than La Serena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guayaquil in April average around 28°C (82°F), and La Serena averages at about 14°C (57°F)in October.
Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guayaquil usually gets more rain in April than La Serenain October. Guayaquil gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberGuayaquil 28°C (82°F)La Serena 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for La Serena and Guayaquil
| Guayaquil | La Serena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.