Which place is cheaper, Puerto Varas or Guayaquil?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Guayaquil or Puerto Varas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guayaquil or Puerto Varas, 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 Puerto Varas?
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.
Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas is a city in Southern Chile, in the Los Lagos (Lakes) Region, Llanquihue Province. It is a charming town, only 23 km away from Puerto Montt and surrounded by the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes as well as the impressive Llanquihue lake. In terms of landscape, accommodation and activities, Puerto Varas is well served! Kayak, paddle, canyoning, rock climbing, trekking, ski, fishing, you name it! If you decide to stop in that area, we recommend that you stay in Puerto Varas, as it provides the perfect starting point for many memorable excursions 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 G Adventures Tours to Chile, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago.
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Guayaquil Prices
Ecuador PricesPuerto Varas Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuayaquil $116Puerto Varas $130
The average daily cost (per person) in Guayaquil is $116, while the average daily cost in Puerto Varas is $130. 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 Puerto Varas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuayaquil $32Puerto Varas $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuayaquil $64Puerto Varas $138
Compare Hotels in Guayaquil and Puerto Varas
Looking for a hotel in Guayaquil or Puerto Varas? 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 Puerto Varas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guayaquil $15Puerto Varas $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil
Also for Guayaquil, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $19
- Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Guayaquil - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $17
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $20
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport.: $20
- Guayaquil to Guayaquil Airport GYE Departure Private Transfer: $19
- Luxury VIP car transfers to hotels in Guayaquil and Ecuador: $30
- Private Transfer Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil by Car or Van: $48
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $227
- Private Transfer from Manta Cruise Port to Guayaquil Airport(GYE): $227
- Private Transfer from Manta Cruise Port to Guayaquil city hotels: $227
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Varas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Varas:
- Transfer from Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport: $50
- Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport: $22
- Frutillar to Puerto Airport (PMC) - Departure Private Transfer: $73
- Cruce Andino Office Private Transfer from Puerto Varas: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Guayaquil or Puerto Varas?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Varas 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 $50Puerto Varas $44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Wagyu Cooking Class in Guayaquil: $135
- Cooking Class, Wine & Chocolate Experience: $174
- Half Day of Cooking and Chocolate at Cocoa Farm from Guayaquil: $175
- Gastronomic workshop tour, live cooking, Learn about the Ecuadorian culinary art: $200
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guayaquil $21Puerto Varas $20
Tours and Activities in Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Cultural Tour of the Museums of Guayaquil: $35
- Shared Walking Tour in Guayaquil City: $50
- Shared Walking Tour in Guayaquil City: $50
- City Highlights Tour with Cable Car Ride: $58
- Guayaquil Museum Tour: $64
- Half-Day City Tour—Iguana Park & Santa Ana Hill: $70
- Guayaquil to Cuenca one-way tour with Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm visit: $74
- Guayaquil City Tour Including the Light House of Cerro Santa Ana: $74
- Guayaquil City Tour Including the Light House of Santa Ana: $74
- Private Guayaquil City Tour: $77
- City Tour with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: $80
- Historic Walking Tour Through Time & Culture: $83
Tours and Activities in Puerto Varas
Here are a few actual costs in Puerto Varas for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Chiloe Island - Puñihuil Tour: $90
- From Chiloe Island Full-day Tour: $72
- From Full-Day Tour to Termas del Sol and Cochamó Valley: $65
- From Osorno Volcano & Petrohue Falls Day Tour: $55
- Full-Day Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls Small-Group Tour: $90
- Guided Tour to Termas del Sol and Cochamo with Transportation Included: $56
- Llanquihue Lake Tour: $88
- Premium Full Day Shared Tour Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls: $230
- Premium Full day Tour to Osorno Volcano and Petrohue in Puerto Varas: $240
- Premium Half Day Shared Tour Sunset at Osorno Volcano: $130
- Private Full-Day Tour: Llanquihue Lake & Waterfalls Experience: $229
- Private Rock Climbing Experience in Northern Patagonia: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuayaquil $17Puerto Varas $6.69
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: $65
- Premium Wine Tasting and 3-Course Pairing Menu in Guayaquil.: $86
- Craft Brewery Tour with Tasting: $428
When comparing the travel costs between Guayaquil and Puerto Varas, we can see that Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guayaquil or Puerto Varas?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Puerto Varas. When comparing the sizes of Guayaquil and Puerto Varas, 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 Puerto Varas?
Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas in the Summer?
Both Puerto Varas and Guayaquil during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Guayaquil is generally a little warmer than Puerto Varasin January. Daily temperatures in Guayaquil average around 23°C (73°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. Guayaquil usually gets more rain in July than Puerto Varasin January. Guayaquil gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryGuayaquil 23°C (73°F)Puerto Varas 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Guayaquil or Puerto Varas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Guayaquil and Puerto Varas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
Guayaquil is much warmer than Puerto Varas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guayaquil averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in April.
Puerto Varas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Guayaquil usually receives less rain than Puerto Varasin April. Guayaquil gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilGuayaquil 23°C (73°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Guayaquil or Puerto Varas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Guayaquil as well as Puerto Varas. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Guayaquil is much warmer than Puerto Varas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guayaquil in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Puerto Varas averages at about 7°C (45°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Puerto Varas. Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the winter. Guayaquil usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Varasin July. Guayaquil gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyGuayaquil 28°C (82°F)Puerto Varas 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Guayaquil or Puerto Varas in the Spring?
Both Puerto Varas and Guayaquil are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
In April, Guayaquil is generally much warmer than Puerto Varasin October. Daily temperatures in Guayaquil average around 28°C (82°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Varas. It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. In April, Guayaquil usually receives around the same amount of rain as Puerto Varasin October. Guayaquil gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberGuayaquil 28°C (82°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Varas and Guayaquil
| Guayaquil | Puerto Varas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4.1 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.