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

Should you visit Guayaquil or Saint Croix?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guayaquil or Saint Croix, 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 Saint Croix?

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.

Saint Croix

Sometimes all you want out of a vacation is the warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves and the taste of a cold drink. No more. No less. That's exactly what you can expect in St. Croix.

The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix is a place of our leisure and relaxation. It's a bit of an expensive lifestyle for its 50,000 residents and daily visitors, but when you're living on island time, money is never a worry. There are no worries on island time.

This once volcanic island is covered in incredible beaches, stunning mountains, palm tress in the wind and historic colonial towns. While they may be a bit old and rundown, the Danish architecture still stands as a unique part of this island's legacy. Don't expect much window-shopping, though. That was not a feature incorporated in this style of architecture. If you want to know if a store is open, just step on in, but remember, shop hours are also running on island time.

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


Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Guayaquil?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Guayaquil is $95, while the average daily cost in Saint Croix is $236. 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 Saint Croix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guayaquil $32
    Saint Croix $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guayaquil $64
    Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Guayaquil and Saint Croix

Looking for a hotel in Guayaquil or Saint Croix? 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.

Hotels in Guayaquil


Hotels in Saint Croix


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 Saint Croix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guayaquil $15
    Saint Croix $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil

Also for Guayaquil, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $12
  • Guayaquil PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport.: $17
  • Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $17
  • Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $18
  • Private Airport Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $20
  • Private Transfer In From Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $25
  • Private Transfers to and from the Airport in Guayaquil: $25
  • Private Transfer Out From Hotel to Guayaquil Airport: $25
  • Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil city -Arrival Private Transfer: $30
  • Transfer from Guayaquil airport to the hotel and vice versa: $30
  • Shared transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $47
  • Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Guayaquil: $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Croix

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Croix:

  • St. Croix to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) - Departure Transfer: $109
  • St Croix Airport to St Croix Hotels Private Round Trip Transfer: $217
  • Saint Croix Airport (STX) to Saint Croix Hotels -Arrival Transfer: $109
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port : $49
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $49
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix : $164
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Cruise Port to St. Croix Airport: $71
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port : $71
  • Henry E.Rohlsen Airport(STX) to St. Croix island-Arrival Transfer: $109
  • Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Round-Trip Transfer: $217

Is it cheaper to fly into Guayaquil or Saint Croix?

Prices for flights to both Saint Croix 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Guayaquil $29
    Saint Croix $56

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Croix

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Croix.

  • A Evening Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix: $90
  • Taste of Twin City Food Tour with VI Food Tours: $129
  • C'sted Sip & Savor Mixology Class with VI Food Tours: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guayaquil $21
    Saint Croix $58

Tours and Activities in Guayaquil

For Guayaquil, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private Guayaquil City Tour: $18
  • 1-hour Pacari Wine and Chocolate Tasting Experience: $20
  • Shared Walking Tour in Guayaquil City: $35
  • City Tour Guayaquil: $40
  • Guayaquil City Tour: $40
  • Self-guided walking tour of Guayaquil's landmarks.: $45
  • Private Experience of Flavors and Wine Pairing in Guayaquil: $52
  • From Montañita: Paragliding Experience: $55
  • City Tour with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: $63
  • Guayaquil to Cuenca one-way tour with Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm visit: $74
  • City Tour around Guayaquil: $75
  • Private Guayaquil City Tour and Parque Historico: $80

Tours and Activities in Saint Croix

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Croix are as follows:

  • 1 Hour Private Jetcar Experience in Virgin Islands : $250
  • 30 Minute Private Jetcar Experience in Virgin Islands: $150
  • Grange Estate History and Heritage Private Tour and Luncheon : $60
  • Horseback Riding Experience: $160
  • Parasail Experience in St Croix: $132
  • Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks: $75
  • St Croix Island Tour: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guayaquil $17
    Saint Croix $27

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guayaquil and Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix 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 Saint Croix is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Saint Croix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Croix 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 Saint Croix Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Guayaquil or Saint Croix?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Guayaquil or Saint Croix in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Guayaquil as well as Saint Croix. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guayaquil usually gets more rain in July than Saint Croix. Guayaquil gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In July, Guayaquil is generally cooler than Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Guayaquil average around 23°C (73°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F) 
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Guayaquil or Saint Croix in the Autumn?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Croix. In October, Guayaquil usually receives less rain than Saint Croix. Guayaquil gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Guayaquil is cooler than Saint Croix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guayaquil averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F) 
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Guayaquil or Saint Croix in the Winter?

Both Saint Croix 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. Guayaquil usually gets more rain in January than Saint Croix. Guayaquil gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Guayaquil is around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guayaquil in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Croix averages at about 26°C (78°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F) 
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Guayaquil or Saint Croix in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Guayaquil and Saint Croix. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Guayaquil usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Guayaquil gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Guayaquil is generally around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Guayaquil average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F) 
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Guayaquil

Guayaquil Saint Croix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)