Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Jaco?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jaco or Guayaquil?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jaco or Guayaquil, 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: Jaco or Guayaquil?
Jaco
Jaco is a beach destination on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This resort city is located in the county of Garabito in the Puntarenas province. It has a population of about 10,000 residents and a 2.5 mile long beach that is an excellent surfing destination.
Because Jaco is located on the coast, it's weather is influenced by the water. The climate is humid with a relative humidity of about 80%, but climbing to 90% in the month of June. The temperature is usually between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit at night. There are distinct wet and dry seasons with August through early December being the rainy season and late December through early April being the dry season. Rain is irregular during the rest of the year.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaco $104Guayaquil $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaco is $104, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $95. 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 Jaco and Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaco $67Guayaquil $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaco $134Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Jaco and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Jaco or Guayaquil? 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: Jaco Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaco -Guayaquil $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $245
- Transfer Private From Jaco to San José or Airport up to 5 passengers (one way) : $245
- Transfer FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $70
- Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Los Sueños Resort/Marriot : $200
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $90
- Jaco or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
- From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil
Also for Guayaquil, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Guayaquil airport to the hotel and vice versa: $30
- Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $12
- Transfer Cuenca - Guayaquil (or Vice versa) With Visit To Cajas National Park: $128
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Guayaquil: $47
- Shared transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $47
- Private transfer Guayaquil - Montañita: $250
- Private Transfers to and from the Airport in Guayaquil: $25
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $98
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $89
- Private Transfer Out From Hotel to Guayaquil Airport: $25
- Private Transfer In From Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $25
- Private Airport Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Jaco or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Jaco 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 dayJaco $21Guayaquil $29
Typical Food Prices in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Hermosa BeachLlunch$3.94
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Tsunami Sushi Dinner$18
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Taco Bar Dinner$9.01
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Pizza & Smoothie Lunch$6.31
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Ice Cream$5.92
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Breakfast Taco Bar$3.34
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Fruit Plate$2.96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Costa Rican cooking class with cookbook author Melissa Guzman: $85
- Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jacó: $87
- Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner: $195
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.Jaco $60Guayaquil $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaco
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Jaco's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Dance Class$9.82
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Surf Lesson$49
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Bike Rental$9.82
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Tortuga Island Tour$98
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Massage$44
Tours and Activities in Jaco
For Jaco, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Jungle & River ATV Adventure, 2 hours / Jacó: $95
- Ocean views Zip Line Canopy Tour in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos : $71
- "Miro Jaco" & Jaco Beach Horseback Tour: $59
- 2 Hour ATV Jungle Adventure Jaco: $75
- 2 Hour Private Ranch Experience in Quebrada Amarilla: $120
- 2 Hours Private Guided Hiking Experience to El Miro in Jaco: $50
- 2 hour ATV Tour & Waterfalls + Chocolate Experience : $110
- 2 hour Double ATV Tour + Waterfalls in Jaco Beach : $99
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $110
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $95
- 4×4 Waterfalls and Jungle Experience: $80
- 4x4 Happy Jungle Booze Cruise: $115
Tours and Activities in Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-hour Pacari Wine and Chocolate Tasting Experience: $20
- 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
- Exclusive private luxury cocoa experience: $187
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaco $32Guayaquil $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jaco
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Jaco:
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Wine$15
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Night at the Bar$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 comparing the travel costs between Jaco and Guayaquil, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Jaco is in Central America and Guayaquil is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jaco Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jaco or Guayaquil?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 480 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Jaco and Guayaquil, 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 Jaco or Guayaquil?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Jaco or Guayaquil in the Summer?
Both Guayaquil and Jaco are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. It's quite rainy in Jaco. In July, Jaco usually receives more rain than Guayaquil. Jaco gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Jaco is a little warmer than Guayaquil in the summer. The daily temperature in Jaco averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyJaco 28°C (82°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Jaco or Guayaquil in the Autumn?
Both Guayaquil and Jaco during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. Jaco usually gets more rain in October than Guayaquil. Jaco gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Jaco is a little warmer than Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jaco in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJaco 27°C (81°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Jaco or Guayaquil in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jaco and Guayaquil. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Jaco usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Jaco gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Jaco is generally around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Jaco average around 27°C (81°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJaco 27°C (81°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Jaco or Guayaquil in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Jaco as well as Guayaquil. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Jaco usually gets less rain in April than Guayaquil. Jaco gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Jaco is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Jaco averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJaco 29°C (85°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Jaco
| Jaco | Guayaquil | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.