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

Should you visit Negril 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 Negril 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: Negril or Guayaquil?

Negril

Negril is a town in western Jamaica known for its miles of white sand beaches and cliffs. It is certainly one of the more laid back towns on the island yet still attracts a lot of tourists. The hotels are as close to the water as you can get, and the sand gets whiter and whiter the further away from populated areas you get. The water is unbelievably clear and warm in Negril!

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 G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Negril?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $153, 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 Negril and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Negril $103
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Negril $206
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Negril and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Negril 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 Negril


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: Negril Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Negril $8.52
    Guayaquil $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Negril:


  • Taxi From Airport
    $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril

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

  • Transfers between Montego Bay Airport and Negril Hotels: $107
  • Sangster International Airport to Negril Footprintson Transfer: $117
  • Sandals South Coast Private Transfer (White House): $83
  • Safe and Reliable Airport Private Transfer Montego Bay Jamaica: $200
  • Royalton Negril Resort Airport Transfer: $53
  • Round-trip Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Resort & Spa: $68
  • Round trip airport hotel transfer MBJ-Negril: $125
  • Private Transfers: Montego Bay Airport ↔ Sandals Southcoast: $100
  • Private Transfers-Negril and Runaway Bay hotels(Round Trip): $180
  • Private Transfer to Bambuza Park From Negril Hotels: $55
  • Private Transfer from Sangster Intl Airport to Negril Jamaica: $60
  • Private Transfer from Negril to Sangster Airport (MBJ): $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil

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

  • Private Transfer from Manta Cruise Port to Guayaquil Airport(GYE): $227
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $227
  • Private Transfer from Manta Cruise Port to Guayaquil city hotels: $227
  • Private Transfer Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil by Car or Van: $48
  • Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
  • Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Guayaquil - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
  • Luxury VIP car transfers to hotels in Guayaquil and Ecuador: $30
  • Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $20
  • Guayaquil PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport.: $20
  • 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: $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Negril 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
    Negril $38
    Guayaquil $50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril

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

  • Dinner in the Sky Jamaica Round Trip Taxi & Guide only: $42
  • The Jungle Nightclub Experience with Optional Dinner in Negril: $80
  • Cultural Food Tour & Seven Mile Beach At Negril’s Margaritaville: $150
  • Local food tour and local fields: $164

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.
    Negril $26
    Guayaquil $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril

For Negril, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 2 Hr Horseback Ride
    $43

Tours and Activities in Negril

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

  • 3 Hour Day Party Pass for Tourists at Jamaica Countryside Estate: $85
  • ATV's, Shopping, Seven Mile Beach,Catamaran Cruise to Ricks Cafe: $130
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour [Transportation services]: $125
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Negril: $232
  • Appleton Estate Rum and Black River Safari Private Tour: $185
  • Bambuza ATV, Zipline and Horseback Adventure from Negril: $190
  • Black River Safari and YS Falls Tour from Negril: $232
  • Blue Hole Mineral Spring and Rastafari Herb Farm Experience: $40
  • Blue Hole Mineral Springs, Rick's Café, and Shopping Combo Tour: $75
  • Boat tour: $123
  • Bob Marley Museum Tour From Negril Hotel: $170
  • Bob Marley Museum and Devon House Private Tour: $298

Tours and Activities in Guayaquil

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

  • Astonishing Mangroves & Dry forest /Chocolate experience trip: $280
  • Choco-Culture City Tour & Cacao Museum: $110
  • Churute Mangroves and Birdwatching Tour Guayaquil: $245
  • Cocoa and Tropical Fruits Farm with Fine Chocolate Experience: $144
  • Cultural Tour of the Museums of Guayaquil: $35
  • Excursion Day Zhagal Thermal Baths Tour from Guayaquil: $175
  • From Cloud Forest/Waterfalls Private Tour & Lunch: $189
  • Full Day Churute Howler Monkeys and Chocolate Tour: $276
  • Full Day Dolphins Mangroves and Birdwatching Tour from Guayaquil: $231
  • Full Day Private Churute Mangroves Reserve and Cocoa Farm Tour: $255
  • Full Day Tour Mangroves Dolphins and Cocoa Farm from Guayaquil: $225
  • Full-Day Cuenca and Traditional Craft Beer Tasting Tour: $250

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Negril $9.89
    Guayaquil $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Negril

Also in Negril, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Negril One Love Bus Bar Crawl: $26

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 Negril and Guayaquil, we can see that Negril is more expensive. And not only is Guayaquil much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Negril is in Caribbean Islands 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 Guayaquil would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guayaquil 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 Negril would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Negril than you might in Guayaquil.

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


Which is Bigger, Negril or Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 650 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril 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 Negril 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 Negril or Guayaquil in the Summer?

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

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Negril usually receives more rain than Guayaquil. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Negril is a little warmer than Guayaquil. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Negril or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Negril as well as Guayaquil. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.

Negril receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Guayaquil. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Negril is generally a little warmer than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Negril 27°C (81°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Negril or Guayaquil in the Winter?

Both Guayaquil and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril 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, Negril usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Negril is cooler than Guayaquil in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Negril 25°C (77°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Negril or Guayaquil in the Spring?

Both Guayaquil and Negril during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril 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 Negril. Negril usually gets less rain in April than Guayaquil. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Negril is around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Negril 26°C (79°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Negril

Negril Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 222 mm (8.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)