Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Managua or Guayaquil?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Managua and Guayaquil can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or Guayaquil?
Managua
Managua is the capital, and largest city in Nicaragua. The economy is generally centered around the trade of coffee, cotton, and other types of agriculture. It also is a textile capital for the area. Managua is also a very reasonably priced destination in Central America. Restaurants and hotels are quite affordable and you'll find all kinds of international cuisine around the city. Transportation is also incredibly affordable and you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised at the cost of intercity bus rides.
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 Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, 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 dayManagua $55Guayaquil $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, 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 Managua and Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23Guayaquil $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Managua and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Managua 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: Managua Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20Guayaquil $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
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 Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $98
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $89
- 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
- Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil city -Arrival Private Transfer: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Managua 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 dayManagua $17Guayaquil $29
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.Managua $16Guayaquil $21
Tours and Activities in Managua
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Managua.
- 3 full days PRIVATE tour at Granada, Masaya and Leon area from Managua: $210
- Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $88
- Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.: $155
- Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
- Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
- Leon City and Rum Tasting Tour from Managua: $215
- Managua City Tour: $88
- Managua City Tour: $84
- Managua Love Stories: A Romantic Tour: $189
- Managua Love Stories: A Walking Tour: $97
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $164
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $321
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 dayManagua $11Guayaquil $17
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 Managua and Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Managua is in Central America 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 Managua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Managua 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 Managua.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Managua Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or Guayaquil?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Managua 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 Managua 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 Managua or Guayaquil in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Guayaquil. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the summer. Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Managua usually receives more rain than Guayaquil. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Managua is generally a little warmer than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 27°C (81°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManagua 27°C (81°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Managua or Guayaquil in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Managua as well as Guayaquil. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Managua usually gets more rain in October than Guayaquil. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Managua is a little warmer than Guayaquil in the autumn. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManagua 27°C (81°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Managua or Guayaquil in the Winter?
Both Guayaquil and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua 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. In January, Managua usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Managua is around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Typically, the winter temperatures in Managua in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManagua 26°C (79°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Managua or Guayaquil in the Spring?
Both Guayaquil and Managua during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Managua 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. Managua usually gets less rain in April than Guayaquil. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Managua is generally around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 29°C (84°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManagua 29°C (84°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Managua
| Managua | Guayaquil | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.