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

Should you visit Kathmandu or Guayaquil?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kathmandu and Guayaquil can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Kathmandu or Guayaquil?

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city in the country of Nepal. Its metropolitan area forms one large urban area that includes the area of Patan to the south. As of 2011 there were 2.5 million residents in the Kathmandu metropolis and over 3 million in the entire metropolitan area. Kathmandu is likely to be your entry point into Nepal and is a great place to pick up supplies and arrange the details for any treks you hope to do. Many travelers rush through Kathmandu, turned off by the pollution and crowds, but to skip Kathmandu is to miss a major cultural, financial, and influential part of what defines the country of Nepal. The city itself is quite fun to explore if you allow it enough time and an open mind.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Kathmandu?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Kathmandu Prices
    Nepal Prices
    Guayaquil Prices
    Ecuador Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kathmandu $55
    Guayaquil $116

The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $55, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $116. 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 Kathmandu and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kathmandu $35
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kathmandu $70
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu 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.

Hotels in Kathmandu


Hotels in Guayaquil


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: Kathmandu Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kathmandu $6.07
    Guayaquil $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kathmandu

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Kathmandu:


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kathmandu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:

  • Yoga Experience Day Trip with Private Transfer From Kathmandu: $152
  • Tribhuvan International Airport Transfer Service: $20
  • Rent a Private Car with Driver for Kathmandu City Transfer: $25
  • Private car transfer from Kathmandu Airport to hotels in Kathmandu: $15
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu International Airport to Hotel: $25
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu Domestic Airport to Hotel Vehicle: $20
  • Private Transfer: Hotel to Kathmandu Airport Vehicle: $35
  • Private Transfer to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu or Pokhara: $170
  • Private Transfer to Bhaktapur from Kathmandu: $65
  • Private Sunrise or Sunset Tour of Dhulikhel with return transfers from Kathmandu: $144
  • Private Luxury Car Transfer all over Nepal: $88
  • Private Car Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara or Chitwan or Vv: $90

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 PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $17
  • 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
  • Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Guayaquil - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
  • Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
  • Private Transfer Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil by Car or Van: $48
  • Private Transfer from Manta Cruise Port to Guayaquil Airport(GYE): $227
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $227

Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Kathmandu 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
    Kathmandu $13
    Guayaquil $50
Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu

Some typical examples of dining costs in Kathmandu are as follows:


  • Dessert
    $1.18
  • Dinner for Two
    $2.62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kathmandu

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

  • Dinner with Cultural Show Kathmandu: $17
  • Cultural Stay in Kathmandu and experience dinner with family: $18
  • Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking & Momo-Making Class: $20
  • Authentic Private Nepali Cooking Class in Kathmandu: $23
  • Cook and Eat: Cooking Class in Kathmandu near Thamel: $24
  • Best Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Trip: $30
  • Walking Food Tour in Hidden Local Eateries of Kathmandu: $36
  • Everest Eats Kathmandu Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $39
  • Kathmandu Kitchens Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $39
  • Newari Cooking Class with a Home Chef- From market to the plate.: $40
  • Cooking Class with HSJ: $48
  • Women Empowerment Project(Nepali cooking class & jewelry workshop: $50

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kathmandu $7.01
    Guayaquil $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kathmandu

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kathmandu are as follows:


  • Monkey Temple for Two
    $1.31
  • Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two
    $3.28
  • Swayambhunath Stupa
    $1.31

Tours and Activities in Kathmandu

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

  • 1 Day Gay Tour Nepal: $155
  • 1 Day Kathmandu Heritage 4 UNESCO Tour with Lunch: $99
  • 1 Day Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour: $35
  • 1 Night 2 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Pokhara or Kathmandu: $141
  • 1 Night 2 Days Daman Tour: $215
  • 1 Nights 2 Days Private Nagarkot Tour Package from Kathmandu: $150
  • 2 Day Kathmandu Sightseeing with Panauti, Namobuddha Tour from Kathmandu: $163
  • 2 Day Poon Hill Trek with 2 Day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour: $731
  • 2 Days Private Tour from Chitlang to Markhu: $210
  • 2 Days and 1 Night Chitwan Safari Tour: $125
  • 2 Nights 3 Days Chitwan Safari Tour from Kathmandu or Pokhara: $254
  • 2 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Tour from Kathmandu: $80

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 Cerro Santa Ana: $74
  • Guayaquil City Tour Including the Light House of Santa Ana: $74
  • Private Guayaquil City Tour: $77
  • City Tour with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: $80
  • Historic Walking Tour Through Time & Culture: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kathmandu $5.00
    Guayaquil $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Kathmandu

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kathmandu:

  • Bar Tour & Pub Crawl -Sip, Stroll, Repeat Thamel's Night: $75

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kathmandu and Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil is more expensive. And not only is Kathmandu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kathmandu is in Asia and Guayaquil is in South America, 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 Kathmandu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kathmandu 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 Kathmandu.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kathmandu Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Kathmandu. When comparing the sizes of Kathmandu 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.