Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Mar del Plata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata and Guayaquil can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Guayaquil?
Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata is found only 404 km southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, on the Atlantic coast. Today Mar Del Plata is Argentina‘s most well known beach resort. It has successfully married the two worlds of beach and city into a fun, cosmopolitan urban center with the presence of highly developed tourist infrastructure. Founded in 1874, Mar del Plata was at first mainly an industrial and commercial center before becoming a vacation destination for Argentinians. For a peaceful trip and intimate oceanfront promenades, avoid visiting Mar del Plata during summer time, as the gorgeous arced coastline will be crawling with visitors. But the city is more than just beaches. It also offers some culture, lively nightlife, and great food.
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 Luxury Tours to Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Argentina, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMar del Plata $8.78Guayaquil $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $8.78, 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 Mar del Plata and Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMar del Plata $3.15Guayaquil $32
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMar del Plata $6.30Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Mar del Plata 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: Mar del Plata Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mar del Plata $2.50Guayaquil $15
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Mar del Plata 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 dayMar del Plata $3.81Guayaquil $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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mar del Plata $2.27Guayaquil $21
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMar del Plata $1.78Guayaquil $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 Mar del Plata and Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil is more expensive. And not only is Mar del Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mar del Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mar del Plata Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Guayaquil?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Mar del Plata. When comparing the sizes of Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata or Guayaquil?
Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata or Guayaquil in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and Guayaquil. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Mar del Plata is generally cooler than Guayaquilin July. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 20°C (69°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin July. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyMar del Plata 20°C (69°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Guayaquil in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as Guayaquil. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
Mar del Plata is much colder than Guayaquil in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.
Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in April than Guayaquilin October. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberMar del Plata 15°C (59°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Guayaquil in the Winter?
Both Guayaquil and Mar del Plata are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Mar del Plata is much colder than Guayaquil. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mar del Plata in July average around 9°C (47°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. In July, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin January. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMar del Plata 9°C (47°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Guayaquil in the Spring?
Both Guayaquil and Mar del Plata during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
In October, Mar del Plata is generally much colder than Guayaquilin April. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 13°C (56°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in October than Guayaquilin April. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilMar del Plata 13°C (56°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Mar del Plata
| Mar del Plata | Guayaquil | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (69°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 9°C (48°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (47°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (49°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 88 mm (3.5 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.