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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Guayaquil?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Guayaquil? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Oaxaca de Juarez or Guayaquil?

Oaxaca de Juarez

Officially known as Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca is the capital and largest city in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. It's a beautiful colonial city in the foothills of the Sierra Madre. The city has beautiful architecture and a variety of festivals as well as a tree lined square called El Zocalo. Oaxaca's economy is heavily dependent on tourism and it is a wonderful place to see Mexican art and handicrafts. There are many artists and artisans in Oaxaca and the contemporary art scene is on the rise. The artists combine the area's rich indigenous culture and tradition with a modern twist. While you're in the area you should definitely make a point of experiencing the area's wonderful museums, interesting architecture, charming hotels and unique twist on Mexican cuisine.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Oaxaca de Juarez?

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

  • Oaxaca de Juarez Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Guayaquil Prices
    Ecuador Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $52
    Guayaquil $116

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $52, 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 Oaxaca de Juarez and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $18
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $36
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Oaxaca de Juarez 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 Oaxaca de Juarez


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: Oaxaca de Juarez Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Guayaquil $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oaxaca de Juarez

Also for Oaxaca de Juarez, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Xoxocotlan Airport: Private Transfer to Oaxaca City: $88
  • Transfer to Salina Cruz Surf Camps from Huatulco International Airport (HUX): $120
  • Transfer Private Hotel to Oaxaca Airport: $21
  • Shared Transfer from Downtown Oaxaca to the Airport: $7.52
  • Safe Private Transfer: Oaxaca City Center to the Airport (OAX): $21
  • Private transfer from Oaxaca Airport to the hotel.: $55
  • Private transfer from Oaxaca Airport to Oaxaca City: $56
  • Private transfer from Oaxaca Airport to Hotel: $39
  • Private Transfer from your Hotel in Oaxaca to the Oaxaca Airport: $13
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to your Hotel in Oaxaca: $67
  • Private Transfer from Hotel to Oaxaca Airport: $36
  • Private Transfer Oaxaca Airport to Hotel or Airbnb 24/7: $75

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil

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

  • Transfers to Cuenca City from Guayaquil: $260
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $246
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil hotels to Manta Cruise Port: $246
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil city hotels to Manta Cruise Port: $223
  • Private Transfer from Manta Cruise Port to Guayaquil Airport(GYE): $223
  • Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Guayaquil: $43
  • Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
  • Guayaquil Departure Transfer: $34
  • Private Airport Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $20
  • Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $20
  • Guayaquil to Guayaquil Airport GYE Departure Private Transfer: $18
  • Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Oaxaca de Juarez or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Oaxaca de Juarez 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
    Oaxaca de Juarez $23
    Guayaquil $50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oaxaca de Juarez

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

  • Taste Tequila and Mezcal and enjoy a Traditional Dinner: $17
  • Oaxaca: Walking Traditional Food Tour with Ancestral Drinks: $26
  • Night Walk of Urban Legends ghosts and Dinner in Oaxaca: $42
  • Food Tour at the 20 de Noviembre Market (All Inclusive): $52
  • Oaxaca: Guided Food Tour with Local Chef and food experts: $54
  • Legends and Ghosts Sightseeing Tour in Downtown Oaxaca with Dinner: $55
  • FOOD TOUR IN THE ABASTOS MARKET: $61
  • Oaxaca Hidden Street Food Tour Led by Local food experts: $64
  • Oaxaca: Evening Street Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $66
  • Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class: $66
  • Oaxaca Streets Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $69
  • Oaxaca: Vegetarian Cooking Class: $70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guayaquil

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

  • Guayaquil Historical Tour Ecuadorian Cooking and Cacao Experience: $97
  • Wagyu Cooking Class in Guayaquil: $135
  • Cooking Class, Wine & Chocolate Experience: $174
  • Half Day of Cooking and Chocolate at Cocoa Farm from Guayaquil: $175
  • Stopover tour in Guayaquil with cooking class and accommodation: $175
  • Gastronomic workshop tour, live cooking, Learn about the Ecuadorian culinary art: $200

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Guayaquil $21

Tours and Activities in Oaxaca de Juarez

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Oaxaca de Juarez.

  • “Las Nieves” Monte Albán, Arrazola, Cuilapam 6h Bike Tour: $128
  • 2 Days Sierra Norte Cloud Forest Adventure: $231
  • 5 Hours Guided Day of The Dead Evening Walking Tour in Oaxaca: $109
  • 8-Hour Monte Albán Tour from Oaxaca: $51
  • Adventure in the Sierra Norte: El Tule, Teotitlan and Benito Juárez: $67
  • Amazing Waterfall Adventure in the Sierra Madre Mountains: $80
  • Amazing experience in the mountain of San Jose del Pacifico: $200
  • Among Flowers and Candles: A Tour of Oaxaca's Cemeteries: $86
  • An adventure for the senses: Mezcal, fields and crafts.: $78
  • Art Workshops and Chocolate Shops Tour: $56
  • Art Workshops and Chocolate Shops Tour in Oaxaca: $58
  • Artisanal Mezcal Experience in Oaxaca: From agave to glass: $95

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
  • 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
  • Full-Day Nature and Adventure Private Tour from Guayaquil: $249

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $14
    Guayaquil $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Oaxaca de Juarez

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oaxaca de Juarez:

  • Oaxaca Pub Crawl: $18
  • Oaxaca Pub Crawl with Shots and Party Games: $19
  • Puerto Escondido Pub Crawl: $20
  • Oaxaca: Sustainable Mezcal Tour at an Award-Winning Family Distillery: $24
  • Breakfast in Tlacolula; Ancestral and industrial mezcal distillery: $55
  • Hierve el Agua, Mitla, El Tule Tree, Rugs, Mezcal Distillery Tour: $58
  • Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery Tour: $60
  • Hierve el Agua and Distillery of Mezcal Tour: $65
  • Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua & Mezcal Distillery Small-Group Tour: $70
  • Personalized Tour to Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery: $100
  • Oaxaca: Mezcal Distillery Tour with Tastings: $134
  • Mezcal Distillery Day Trip: $134

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 Oaxaca de Juarez and Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil is more expensive. And not only is Oaxaca de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Oaxaca de Juarez is in North 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 Oaxaca de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oaxaca de Juarez 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 Oaxaca de Juarez.

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


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez 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.