Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Liberia?
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 Liberia or Guayaquil?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Liberia and Guayaquil. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Liberia or Guayaquil?
Liberia
Liberia is a town in northwestern Costa Rica. It is the capital of the Guanacaste province, which is about 140 miles away from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. The town has a population of about 56,000 and is one of the tourism centers of the country.
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 Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.
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Liberia Prices
Costa Rica PricesGuayaquil Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLiberia $128Guayaquil $116
The average daily cost (per person) in Liberia is $128, 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 Liberia and Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLiberia $60Guayaquil $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLiberia $120Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Liberia and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Liberia 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: Liberia Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Liberia $43Guayaquil $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liberia
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Liberia are as follows:
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Bike Rental$25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liberia
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liberia:
- Transfer from Playas del Coco to Liberia Airport (LIR): $90
- Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Riu Palace Hotel in Guanacaste: $90
- Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Riu Guanacaste Hotel in Guanacaste: $85
- Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Rio Perdido Resort: $210
- Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Playas del Coco Guanacaste: $85
- Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Playa Hermosa Guanacaste: $85
- Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Planet Hollywood Beach Resort: $91
- Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa: $148
- Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Dreams Las Mareas Hotel: $149
- Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Andaz Papagayo Resort: $115
- Transfer from Dreams Las Mareas Hotel to Liberia Airport (LIR): $148
- Transfer Liberia Airport to Planet Hollywood or Andaz Papagayo, ROUND TRIP.: $149
Is it cheaper to fly into Liberia or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Liberia 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 dayLiberia $36Guayaquil $50
Typical Food Prices in Liberia
Some typical examples of dining costs in Liberia are as follows:
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Snacks$1.97
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Lunch at The Shack (for 1)$4.94
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Lunch$11
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Coffee & Tres Leches (for 2)$14
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Ginger Ale$1.28
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Liberia $25Guayaquil $21
Tours and Activities in Liberia
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Liberia are as follows:
- Birdwatching Experience private tour : $300
- 2 Hour ATV Experience From Guanacaste: $189
- 2 Hour ATV Private Tour in Costa Rica: $81
- 2 Hour Coffee & Chocolate Tour in Playas del Coco: $40
- 3 Hour ATV Adventure Tour in El Jobo: $140
- 3 In 1 Volcano Hot Springs & Mud Baths And River Floating Tour: $235
- 4-Hour Private Guided ATV Tour in Costa Rica: $122
- 5 Tours in 1 – The Ultimate Volcano Adventure!: $159
- 7 Hour Private Tour in Palo Verde National Park with Pickup: $120
- 8 Essential Guanacaste Experiences: culture, nature & wellness : $78
- ATV Beach Tour: $125
- ATV Tour 2hrs - Dreams Las Mareas: $135
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLiberia $13Guayaquil $17
When comparing the travel costs between Liberia and Guayaquil, we can see that Liberia 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 Liberia 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 Liberia Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Liberia or Guayaquil?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Liberia. When comparing the sizes of Liberia 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 Liberia or Guayaquil?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Liberia or Guayaquil in the Summer?
Both Guayaquil and Liberia during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Liberia because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Liberia. Liberia usually gets more rain in July than Guayaquil. Liberia gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Liberia is generally a little warmer than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Liberia average around 28°C (82°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLiberia 28°C (82°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Guayaquil in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Liberia and Guayaquil. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in Liberia is the dry season. Also, April to December is the rainy season in Liberia. Liberia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Liberia usually receives more rain than Guayaquil. Liberia gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Liberia is a little warmer than Guayaquil in the autumn. The daily temperature in Liberia averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLiberia 27°C (81°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Guayaquil in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Liberia as well as Guayaquil. Liberia 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. Liberia usually gets less rain in January than Guayaquil. Liberia gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Liberia is around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Typically, the winter temperatures in Liberia in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLiberia 27°C (81°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Guayaquil in the Spring?
Both Guayaquil and Liberia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Liberia throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Liberia is December to April. The rainy season in Liberia is April to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. In April, Liberia usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Liberia gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Liberia is generally around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Liberia average around 29°C (85°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLiberia 29°C (85°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Liberia
| Liberia | 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.