Which place is cheaper, Valdivia or Guayaquil?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Guayaquil or Valdivia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guayaquil or Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?
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.
Valdivia
Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador, The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuayaquil $95Valdivia $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Guayaquil is $95, while the average daily cost in Valdivia is $69. 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 Valdivia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuayaquil $32Valdivia $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuayaquil $64Valdivia $80
Compare Hotels in Guayaquil and Valdivia
Looking for a hotel in Guayaquil or Valdivia? 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 Valdivia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guayaquil $15Valdivia $8.08
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 Valdivia
Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Guayaquil or Valdivia?
Prices for flights to both Valdivia 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 $29Valdivia $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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guayaquil $21Valdivia $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 Valdivia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.
- Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $76
- Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
- Private City Tour: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuayaquil $17Valdivia $4.79
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 Valdivia, we can see that Guayaquil is more expensive. And not only is Valdivia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valdivia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdivia 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 Valdivia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guayaquil Expensive? and Is Valdivia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guayaquil or Valdivia?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of Guayaquil and Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?
Valdivia 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 Valdivia in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guayaquil and Valdivia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
In the summer, Guayaquil is a little warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guayaquil in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Valdivia averages at about 16°C (61°F)in January.
Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Guayaquil usually receives more rain than Valdiviain January. Guayaquil gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryGuayaquil 23°C (73°F)Valdivia 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Guayaquil or Valdivia in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Guayaquil as well as Valdivia. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Guayaquil is generally much warmer than Valdiviain April. Daily temperatures in Guayaquil average around 23°C (73°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite rainy in Valdivia. Guayaquil usually gets less rain in October than Valdiviain April. Guayaquil gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilGuayaquil 23°C (73°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Guayaquil or Valdivia in the Winter?
Both Valdivia and Guayaquil are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
Guayaquil is much warmer than Valdivia in the winter. The daily temperature in Guayaquil averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Valdivia fluctuates around 7°C (45°F)in July.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. In January, Guayaquil usually receives less rain than Valdiviain July. Guayaquil gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyGuayaquil 28°C (82°F)Valdivia 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Guayaquil or Valdivia in the Spring?
Both Valdivia 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 Valdivia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guayaquil in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Valdivia averages at about 11°C (52°F)in October.
Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. Guayaquil usually gets more rain in April than Valdiviain October. Guayaquil gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberGuayaquil 28°C (82°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Valdivia and Guayaquil
| Guayaquil | Valdivia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.