Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Guayaquil?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Guayaquil or Punta Arenas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guayaquil or Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?
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.
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuayaquil $95Punta Arenas $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Guayaquil is $95, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $63. 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 Punta Arenas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuayaquil $32Punta Arenas $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuayaquil $64Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Guayaquil and Punta Arenas
Looking for a hotel in Guayaquil or Punta Arenas? 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 Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guayaquil $15Punta Arenas $1.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil
Also for Guayaquil, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer Guayaquil - Montañita: $250
- Guayaquil Airport (GYE): Transfer to Guayaquil hotels: $129
- Transfer Cuenca - Guayaquil (or Vice versa) With Visit To Cajas National Park: $128
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil hotels to Manta Cruise Port: $98
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $88
- Guayaquil Airport Private Transfer Service: $80
- Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Guayaquil - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $59
- Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
- Shared transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $47
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Guayaquil: $47
- Transfer from Guayaquil airport to the hotel and vice versa: $30
- Private Transfers to and from the Airport in Guayaquil: $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $64
- Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Guayaquil or Punta Arenas?
Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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 $29Punta Arenas $21
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
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guayaquil $21Punta Arenas $6.44
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 Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $138
- Magallanes Forest and Club Andino Tour from Punta Arenas: $290
- Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
- Mountain Bike Adventure in Punta Arenas: $192
- Pali Aike Full-Day Adventure from Punta Arenas: $300
- Private City Cruise Tour: $225
- Private Half Day Punta Arenas City Tour From the Hotel only: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuayaquil $17Punta Arenas $4.86
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guayaquil and Punta Arenas, we can see that Guayaquil is more expensive. And not only is Punta Arenas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Punta Arenas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guayaquil Expensive? and Is Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guayaquil or Punta Arenas?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Guayaquil and Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?
Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guayaquil and Punta Arenas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
Guayaquil is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the summer. The daily temperature in Guayaquil averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in January.
Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Guayaquil usually receives more rain than Punta Arenasin January. Guayaquil gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryGuayaquil 23°C (73°F)Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Guayaquil or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Guayaquil as well as Punta Arenas. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Guayaquil is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Guayaquil in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 7°C (44°F)in April.
Guayaquil usually gets more rain in October than Punta Arenasin April. Guayaquil gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilGuayaquil 23°C (73°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Guayaquil or Punta Arenas in the Winter?
Both Punta Arenas and Guayaquil are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Punta Arenas in the winter. In January, Guayaquil is generally much warmer than Punta Arenasin July. Daily temperatures in Guayaquil average around 28°C (82°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).
It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. In January, Guayaquil usually receives more rain than Punta Arenasin July. Guayaquil gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyGuayaquil 28°C (82°F)Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Guayaquil or Punta Arenas in the Spring?
Both Punta Arenas and Guayaquil during the spring 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 Punta Arenas in the spring. The daily temperature in Guayaquil averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. Guayaquil usually gets more rain in April than Punta Arenasin October. Guayaquil gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberGuayaquil 28°C (82°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Guayaquil
| Guayaquil | Punta Arenas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 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.