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

Should you visit Montevideo 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 Montevideo 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: Montevideo or Guayaquil?

Montevideo

As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Montevideo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $63, 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 Montevideo and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $39
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $78
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Montevideo 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 Montevideo


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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montevideo $7.23
    Guayaquil $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer in private vehicle from Punta del Este to Montevideo Carrasco Airport: $192
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo City - Montevideo Airport (MVD): $21
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Carrasco Airport to Punta del Este: $192
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $21
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $20
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
  • Transfer from Carrasco International Aiport to Montevideo: $45
  • TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
  • Roundtrip transfer private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo: $43
  • Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $73
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $27

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: $132
  • Transfer Cuenca - Guayaquil (or Vice versa) With Visit To Cajas National Park: $128
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil to Cuenca : $104
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil hotels to Manta Cruise Port: $100
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $100
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $90
  • Guayaquil Airport Private Transfer Service: $80
  • Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Guayaquil - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $60
  • Departure Private Transfer: Guayaquil City to Guayaquil Airport GYE by Minivan: $54
  • Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
  • Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Guayaquil: $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Montevideo 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
    Montevideo $13
    Guayaquil $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
  • El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango & Folklore in Montevideo: $98
  • Montevideo private city tour with dinner included and tango show: $200

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guayaquil

For Guayaquil, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Gastronomic workshop tour, live cooking, Learn about the Ecuadorian culinary art: $131
  • Half Day Guayaquil Culinary Adventure, Cacao Cooking Class: $185

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montevideo $20
    Guayaquil $21

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.

  • Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
  • Punta del Este, City Tour from Montevideo: $140
  • Afternoon/Night Tour In Montevideo Personalized Boys Groups!!: $75
  • Best City Tour for Cruisers: $160
  • Best City Tour, convenience, security and value in a personalized tour: $160
  • Best Private & Personalized Tour of Montevideo: $185
  • Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
  • Best Private Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $225
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $100
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers : $100
  • Castillo Viejo Winery Tour, Tasting of High-end Wine CataMayor: $50
  • City Tour de Montevideo con ingreso al Palacio Legislativo: $65

Tours and Activities in Guayaquil

For Guayaquil, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private Navigation through Mangroves forest/ Beach time/ Chocolate experience: $250
  • 1-hour Pacari Wine and Chocolate Tasting Experience: $20
  • City Tour Guayaquil: $40
  • City Tour around Guayaquil: $75
  • Cocoa Biking Tour: $180
  • 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 Private Churute Mangroves Reserve and Cocoa Farm Tour: $255
  • Full Day Zhagal Thermal Baths Tour from Guayaquil: $169

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    Guayaquil $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

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

  • Guided tour of Castillo Viejo Winery and Wine tasting and Lunch: $30
  • Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Juanico Wine Tour Lunch: $132
  • The best wine tour: $140
  • Montevideo Wine Tour with Tasting and Lunch: $178
  • Exclusive Cruise Wine Tour curated for a small group: $180
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Private Wine Tours by Wine Explorers Uruguay: $205
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210

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: $52
  • Taste and discover the factory of a craft brewery: $65


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

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


Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Montevideo. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo 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 Montevideo or Guayaquil?

Montevideo 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 Montevideo or Guayaquil in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and Guayaquil. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Montevideo is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the summer. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Montevideo usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin July. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Montevideo 24°C (75°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as Guayaquil. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.

In the autumn, Montevideo is cooler than Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montevideo in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.

Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montevideo usually gets more rain in April than Guayaquilin October. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Guayaquil in the Winter?

Both Guayaquil and Montevideo 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 July, Montevideo is generally much colder than Guayaquilin January. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 11°C (52°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. In July, Montevideo usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin January. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Montevideo 11°C (52°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Guayaquil in the Spring?

Both Guayaquil and Montevideo during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.

Montevideo is much colder than Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.

Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually gets less rain in October than Guayaquilin April. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Montevideo

Montevideo Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)