Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Punta del Este or Guayaquil?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este 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: Punta del Este or Guayaquil?
Punta del Este
Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $98Guayaquil $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, 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 Punta del Este and Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $55Guayaquil $32
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $110Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este 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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $22Guayaquil $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $29
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $54
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
- Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
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 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
- Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil city -Arrival Private Transfer: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Punta del Este 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 dayPunta del Este $31Guayaquil $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.Punta del Este $11Guayaquil $21
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- City Tour Punta del Este: $95
- Colonia Wine Experience for Food & Wine Lovers: $180
- East Coast of Uruguay – Private Multi Day Tour: $2,600
- From Cabo Polonio - Full Day Private Tour: $1,000
- Full Day Private Shore Tour Montevideo from Punta Del Este Port: $290
- Full Experience Tasting Menu Viña Edén: $157
- Gourmet Food & Wine Experience from Punta del Este: $205
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
- Half Day City Tour in Punta del Este: $47
- Half Day Tour in Piriapolis from Punta del Este: $170
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
- 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
- Full day tour Mangroves, dolphins and cocoa farm from guayaquil: $225
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.70Guayaquil $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:
- Wine Tasting: $42
- Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $157
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
- Taste and discover the factory of a craft brewery: $65
When comparing the travel costs between Punta del Este and Guayaquil, we can see that Punta del Este is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Guayaquil?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Guayaquil?
Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Guayaquil in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Guayaquil. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Punta del Este is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the summer. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.
Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin July. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Guayaquil in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Guayaquil. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
In the autumn, Punta del Este is cooler than Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Punta del Este in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.
Punta del Este usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Guayaquilin October. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Guayaquil in the Winter?
Both Guayaquil and Punta del Este 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, Punta del Este is generally much colder than Guayaquilin January. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 10°C (50°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. In July, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin January. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Guayaquil in the Spring?
Both Guayaquil and Punta del Este during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
Punta del Este is much colder than Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.
Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in October than Guayaquilin April. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Guayaquil | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 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.