Which place is cheaper, Ushuaia or Guayaquil?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Guayaquil or Ushuaia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guayaquil or Ushuaia, 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 Ushuaia?
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.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia is a city on the Tierra del Fuego island of Argentina on the Beagle Strait. The city is considered to be one of the southernmost cities in the world and is often used as a base for cruises to Antarctica. Ushuaia's close proximity to Antarctica and their amazing hiking trails have made it a popular tourist destination over the past few decades.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador, The Best Wildlife Tours to Argentina, and The Best Eco Tours in Argentina.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuayaquil $95Ushuaia $11
The average daily cost (per person) in Guayaquil is $95, while the average daily cost in Ushuaia is $11. 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 Ushuaia in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuayaquil $32Ushuaia $5.64
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuayaquil $64Ushuaia $11
Compare Hotels in Guayaquil and Ushuaia
Looking for a hotel in Guayaquil or Ushuaia? 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 Ushuaia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guayaquil $15Ushuaia -
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 Hotel to Airport in Guayaquil: $47
- Shared transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $47
- Transfer from Guayaquil airport to the hotel and vice versa: $30
- Private Transfers to and from the Airport in Guayaquil: $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ushuaia
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ushuaia are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$0.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ushuaia
Also for Ushuaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared One-way Airport Transfer: $10
- Escondido and Fagnano Lakes with transfer: $97
- Ushuaia city to Ushuaia Airport(USH) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia city - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $46
- Ushuaia Airport Shared Transfer: $7.48
- Ushuaia Airport Shared Transfer: $7.25
- Ushuaia Airport Arrival Transfer: $10
- Transfer from/to the airport: $89
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel in shared service: $19
- Transfer Ushuaia Airport - Hotel in Ushuaia - Ushuaia Airport : $35
- Transfer Cerro Castor (Round Trip): $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Guayaquil or Ushuaia?
Prices for flights to both Ushuaia 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 dayGuayaquil $29Ushuaia $2.18
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 Ushuaia
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ushuaia:
-
Lunch for Two$0.06
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ushuaia
For Ushuaia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ushuaia at night: A Snow and Fire dinner, sledding and adventure: $280
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guayaquil $21Ushuaia $13
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 Ushuaia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ushuaia.
- 2-day tour: Tierra del Fuego National Park + Fagnano and Escondido Lakes: $115
- 2-day tour:Tierra del Fuego NP + Beagle Channel Navigation + Fagnano & Escondido: $190
- 3-Hour Navigation Tour in the Beagle Channel with Isla de Lobos: $145
- 3-Hour Tour Sailing through the Beagle Channel: $105
- 4×4 Off Road Tour to Escondido and Khami Lakes: $122
- 4-Hour National Park - USHUAIA (Shared tour): $75
- 4WD Off-Road Lakes Adventure in Tierra del Fuego: $156
- 5-Hour Nat Park + City tour - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $195
- 5.5-Hour Nat Park w/ Hiking *Shore Excursion* USHUAIA (Shared tour for cruises): $115
- 5.5-Hour National park w/ hiking Shore excursion - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $280
- 5hrs of Trekking Experience in Martial Glacier: $95
- 7-Hour Lakes Escondido & Fagnano - USHUAIA (Shared tour): $105
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuayaquil $17Ushuaia -
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 Ushuaia
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ushuaia are as follows:
-
Wine$0.05
-
Beer$0.01
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guayaquil and Ushuaia, we can see that Guayaquil is more expensive. And not only is Ushuaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ushuaia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guayaquil Expensive? and Is Ushuaia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guayaquil or Ushuaia?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ushuaia. When comparing the sizes of Guayaquil and Ushuaia, 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 Ushuaia?
Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guayaquil and Ushuaia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
In the summer, Guayaquil is much warmer than Ushuaia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guayaquil in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Ushuaia averages at about 10°C (50°F)in January.
Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Guayaquil usually receives more rain than Ushuaiain January. Guayaquil gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryGuayaquil 23°C (73°F)Ushuaia 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Guayaquil or Ushuaia in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Guayaquil as well as Ushuaia. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Guayaquil is generally much warmer than Ushuaiain April. Daily temperatures in Guayaquil average around 23°C (73°F), and Ushuaia fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
Guayaquil usually gets more rain in October than Ushuaiain April. Guayaquil gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilGuayaquil 23°C (73°F)Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Guayaquil or Ushuaia in the Winter?
Both Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia in the winter. Guayaquil is much warmer than Ushuaia in the winter. The daily temperature in Guayaquil averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Ushuaia fluctuates around 2°C (36°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. In January, Guayaquil usually receives more rain than Ushuaiain July. Guayaquil gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyGuayaquil 28°C (82°F)Ushuaia 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Guayaquil or Ushuaia in the Spring?
Both Ushuaia 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.
In the spring, Guayaquil is much warmer than Ushuaia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guayaquil in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Ushuaia averages at about 6°C (43°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. Guayaquil usually gets more rain in April than Ushuaiain October. Guayaquil gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberGuayaquil 28°C (82°F)Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Ushuaia and Guayaquil
| Guayaquil | Ushuaia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.