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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Guayaquil?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Guayaquil, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Ocho Rios or Guayaquil?

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios, or "Ochi" is a town located on the northeastern shore of Jamaica and is a popular hub for cruise ships. It is a great destination for tourists as it has many resorts and beautiful beaches.

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 Ocho Rios?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $77, 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 Ocho Rios and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $52
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $104
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios


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: Ocho Rios Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.60
    Guayaquil $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • Shuttle Transfer From Montego Bay Airport - Runaway Bay: $24
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Round Trip Transfers from MBJ: $125
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $228
  • Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $50
  • Riu Ocho Rios Private Airport Transfer: $80
  • Relaxing Montego Bay To Ducanon and Juwel Runaway Bay Transfer: $27
  • Private Transfer to Yaaman Adventure Park from Ocho Rios: $60
  • Private Transfer to White River Tubing Ocho Rios: $40
  • Private Transfer to Mystic Mountain from Ocho Rios: $20
  • Private Transfer to Konoko Falls Botanical Gardens: $27
  • Private Transfer to Beach Horse Back Ride and Swim: $40
  • Private Transfer from Ocho Rios 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 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 Ocho Rios or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Ocho Rios 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
    Ocho Rios $17
    Guayaquil $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ocho Rios

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

  • From Flavors of Jamaica Guided Food Tour: $89
  • Taste of Jamaica Farm & Food Tour: $98
  • Private Hillside Cooking Class Jamaican Style with Pickup : $104
  • Ocho Ros: Hillside Cooking Class, Jamaican Style: $130
  • Taste of Jamaica Food Tour: $140
  • The Jamaica School of Cooking and Ocho Rios Highlights Tour: $141
  • Ocho Rios Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner: $218

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.
    Ocho Rios $15
    Guayaquil $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios

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


  • Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate
    $11
  • Admission to Coyaba Gardens
    $5.47
  • Tour of Prospect Plantation
    $18

Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios

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

  • Authentic Jamaican Bamboo Rafting Tour from Runaway Bay: $194
  • Black River Safari & YS Falls Tour from Runaway Bay: $285
  • Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour from Ocho Rios: $77
  • Full-Day Tour to Blue Hole Falls with Horseback Ride from Montego Bay: $220
  • Private Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios : $30
  • Shopping Tour From Runaway Bay Hotels : $65
  • ATV AdVENTURE FROM OCHO RIOS : $190
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting and Horseback Riding Experience in Ocho Rios: $275
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting, Horseback Ride Guided Tour from Montego Bay: $135
  • All day Tour of Ocho Rios : $200
  • Bamboo Rafting in Ocho Rios Private Experience: $207
  • Bamboo Rafting on the Lethe great/river(:),tour: $120

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.71
    Guayaquil $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 Ocho Rios and Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios.

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


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios or Guayaquil in the Summer?

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

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Guayaquil in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

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

Ocho Rios receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in October than Guayaquil. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Ocho Rios is a little warmer than Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocho Rios in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Guayaquil in the Winter?

Both Guayaquil and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios 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, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (79°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Guayaquil in the Spring?

Both Guayaquil and Ocho Rios during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios 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. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than Guayaquil. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)