Which place is cheaper, Santiago 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 Santiago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guayaquil or Santiago, 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 Santiago?
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.
Santiago
Santiago is the capital city of Chile. It is centrally located in the long and narrow country, making it a good jumping off point to explore everywhere else. It's convenient location means that you can go skiing in the Andes one day, and hang out at the beach the next.
Santiago has a cool semi-arid climate that is similar to Mediterranean climates. The summers, which are between November and March, are warm and dry. The temperatures climb to around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The winters, between June and August, are humid with cold mornings. The daily highs are around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows stay a few degrees above freezing. Rain is more common in the winter months and the dry season is between December and March.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.
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Guayaquil Prices
Ecuador PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuayaquil $116Santiago $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Guayaquil is $116, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $159. 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 Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuayaquil $32Santiago $116
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuayaquil $64Santiago $232
Compare Hotels in Guayaquil and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Guayaquil or Santiago? 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 Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guayaquil $15Santiago $5.72
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: $13
- Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil city -Arrival Private Transfer: $19
- Guayaquil to Guayaquil Airport GYE Departure Private Transfer: $19
- Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $19
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $20
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport.: $20
- Luxury VIP car transfers to hotels in Guayaquil and Ecuador: $30
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Guayaquil: $43
- Departure Private Transfer: Guayaquil City to Guayaquil Airport: $48
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $227
- Private Transfer from Manta Cruise Port to Guayaquil city hotels: $227
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil city hotels to Manta Cruise Port: $227
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
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Metro Ride$1.20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Villard Winery with exclusive guide + Premium Transfer: $220
- Transfer to Snowy Valley fullday for skiers: $49
- Transfer to San Antonio port with Valparaiso & Casablanca tour: $95
- Transfer from Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski to Santiago: $83
- Transfer from Santiago To Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski: $100
- Transfer from Santiago Airport to Viña del Mar by Car: $140
- Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
- Transfer Santiago-Viña del Mar / Viña del Mar-Santiago: $220
- Transfer Parque Farellones Fullday 50%OFF: $59
- Tour to Santiago and Valparaiso with Transfers included: $150
- TRANSFER TRANSFER AIRPORT-VIÑA DEL MAR VALPARAISO: $190
- Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Guayaquil or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago 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 $50Santiago $24
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
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.99
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Hamburger$2.65
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Dinner$27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Legacy Family Tour Lunch or Dinner Pairing 4 Strokes: $40
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $56
- Street Food Tour in Santiago with a Local Guide: $57
- Mercado Meals Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $60
- 4h Cooking Class in 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $77
- Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
- Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
- Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
- Santiago Food Tour: Bohemian Flavors and Local Gems: $109
- Lastarria Food Tour: Wine, Bites & Social Culinary Experience: $109
- Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
- Barrio Italia Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $119
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guayaquil $21Santiago $50
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 Santa Ana: $74
- Guayaquil City Tour Including the Light House of Cerro 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 Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- 1 Day Tour of Isla Negra Algarrobo and Viña Undurraga from Santiago: $112
- 1 Day Tour of Viña Concha y Toro from Santiago: $120
- 1 Day Undurraga Vineyard Tour from Santiago: $120
- 1 Day Valparaiso and Vina del Mar Tour from Santiago: $51
- 3 Hours Santiago Blend Walking Tour: $30
- 6 Hour Tour of Culture, History and Flavors from Santiago: $75
- A Private Tour of Santiago with an Experienced Local Guide: $162
- A full Private Tour of Valparaiso from Santiago: $238
- Adega Montes Guided Tour with Private Transportation: $300
- Adventure in Portillo: Laguna del Inca and Mountain Picnic: $100
- All Santiago in One Day: Private Guided Tour: $250
- An Architect's Tour of Downtown Santiago: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuayaquil $17Santiago $8.89
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- "Chile in Your Glass" Wine Tasting.: $22
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Beer and Welcome Shots: $25
- Cousiño Macul Heritage Wine Tour with Tastings: $25
- Traditional Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Official English: $27
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $59
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $62
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $75
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $75
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $75
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guayaquil and Santiago, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. And not only is Guayaquil much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Santiago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santiago 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 Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guayaquil or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Guayaquil. When comparing the sizes of Guayaquil and Santiago, 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 Santiago?
Santiago 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 Santiago in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Guayaquil as well as Santiago. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Guayaquil is generally around the same temperature as Santiagoin January. Daily temperatures in Guayaquil average around 23°C (73°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guayaquil usually gets more rain in July than Santiagoin January. Guayaquil gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryGuayaquil 23°C (73°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Guayaquil or Santiago in the Autumn?
Both Santiago and Guayaquil are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
Guayaquil is much warmer than Santiago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guayaquil averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in April.
In October, Guayaquil usually receives more rain than Santiagoin April. Guayaquil gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilGuayaquil 23°C (73°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Guayaquil or Santiago in the Winter?
Both Santiago 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.
In the winter, Guayaquil is much warmer than Santiago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guayaquil in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Santiago averages at about 9°C (48°F)in July.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. Guayaquil usually gets more rain in January than Santiagoin July. Guayaquil gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyGuayaquil 28°C (82°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Guayaquil or Santiago in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Guayaquil and Santiago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
In April, Guayaquil is generally much warmer than Santiagoin October. Daily temperatures in Guayaquil average around 28°C (82°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Guayaquil usually receives more rain than Santiagoin October. Guayaquil gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberGuayaquil 28°C (82°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Guayaquil
| Guayaquil | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.