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

Should you visit Guayaquil or Puerto Viejo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guayaquil or Puerto Viejo, 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 Viejo?

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 Viejo

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a small coastal town in Caribbean Costa Rica in the province of Limon. There are two gorgeous National Parks nearby - Cahuita and Manzanillo, and it rains more than on the Pacific side, which is why it is so lush and green with the rainforest coming down to the sea. Clear water, coconut palms, great surf and a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere make Puerto Viejo a favorite among travelers. Located on about an hour south of Limon, Puerto Viejo is the center of activity between the smaller villages of Cahuita and Manzanillo. The relaxed, seaside town is framed by jungle, turquoise seas, banana plantations and scenic rivers. It's known for the Salsa Brava surf break and beaches like black-sand Playa Negra, but this burgeoning party town is no longer a destination only for intrepid surfers; it's bustling with tourist activity. Stylish eateries serve global fusion, and intentionally rustic bamboo bars pump dancehall and reggaeton. With its blend of Afro-Caribbean descendants, expat Europeans and indigenous Costa Ricans, Puerto Viejo charms visitors with a unique mix of people and cultures. Rastafari culture has a firm foothold in the town, and many Rastas sell handmade jewelry and other wares along the town's vibrant roadside. Nearby you'll find rainforest fruit and cacao farms and wide-open beaches. If you're looking to chill a little, party a little and eat a little, you've come to the right place.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador, The Best 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guayaquil and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Guayaquil much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Guayaquil is in South America and Puerto Viejo is in Central 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 Puerto Viejo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Puerto Viejo 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 Guayaquil Expensive? and Is Puerto Viejo Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Guayaquil or Puerto Viejo?

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 Guayaquil or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

Both Puerto Viejo and Guayaquil are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. In July, Guayaquil usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Guayaquil gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Guayaquil is cooler than Puerto Viejo in the summer. The daily temperature in Guayaquil averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Guayaquil or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

Both Puerto Viejo 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.

Puerto Viejo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Guayaquil usually gets less rain in October than Puerto Viejo. Guayaquil gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Guayaquil is cooler than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Guayaquil in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Guayaquil or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Guayaquil and Puerto Viejo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Guayaquil usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Guayaquil gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Guayaquil is generally a little warmer than Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Guayaquil average around 28°C (82°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Should I visit Guayaquil or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Guayaquil as well as Puerto Viejo. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guayaquil usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Viejo. Guayaquil gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Guayaquil is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the spring. The daily temperature in Guayaquil averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Guayaquil