Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Quepos?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Quepos or Guayaquil?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Quepos and Guayaquil can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Quepos or Guayaquil?
Quepos
Quepos is both a district and the capital of Aguirre canton in the Puntareanas Province of Costa Rica. The town is quite small, and the district has a population of about 22,000 people. Quepos is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica due to its close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast. The town's economy is centered around tourism and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area. The town also has a lively nightlife for such a small community.
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 Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQuepos $117Guayaquil $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Quepos is $117, 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 Quepos and Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQuepos $77Guayaquil $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQuepos $154Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Quepos and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Quepos 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: Quepos Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Quepos $9.56Guayaquil $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos
Also for Quepos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings : $209
- Shuttle Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San Jose: $60
- Private transfer from SJ Airport to Manuel Antonio and vice versa: $230
- Private Transfer from Quepos Cruise Port to San Jose City Hotels: $91
- Private Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Nauyaca Waterfalls (Round Trip): $199
- Private Transfer From San Jose Airport To Manuel Antonio Beach: $125
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Manuel Antonio/Quepos : $300
- One-Way Private Transfer from Uvita to Quepos - Manuel Antonio: $140
- One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to Monteverde: $276
- Manuel Antonio & Quepos one way transfer to SJO hotels - Airport up to 5 people.: $274
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil
Also for Guayaquil, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Guayaquil airport to the hotel and vice versa: $30
- Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $12
- Transfer Cuenca - Guayaquil (or Vice versa) With Visit To Cajas National Park: $128
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Guayaquil: $47
- Shared transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $47
- Private transfer Guayaquil - Montañita: $250
- Private Transfers to and from the Airport in Guayaquil: $25
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $98
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $89
- Private Transfer Out From Hotel to Guayaquil Airport: $25
- Private Transfer In From Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $25
- Private Airport Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Quepos or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Quepos 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
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Food Meals for one dayQuepos $30Guayaquil $29
Typical Food Prices in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$15
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Seafood Dinner (for 1)$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Night Jungle Tour with Dinner (Rainmaker Park): $59
- 3 Hour Cooking Class and Medical Plants Garden: $77
- Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $77
- Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Quepos $17Guayaquil $21
Tours and Activities in Quepos
For Quepos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 10 in 1 Tour! Zip Lines, Rappels, Tarzan Swing, Waterfalls & More: $130
- 2-Hour Boat Tour in Quepos: $55
- ATV Tour Half Day Trip From Manuel Antonio: $90
- All Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure from Manuel Antonio: $83
- All-Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure with Lunch: $93
- All-Inclusive Full-Day Nauyaca Waterfall and Beach Town Tour: $142
- Beach Day Experience in Manuel Antonio: $20
- Birding at El Rey. (Marshes,rice fields,canals) Private Birding Tour : $120
- Birdwatching Tour: $130
- Catamaran Adventure From Manuel Antonio: $116
- Chocolate Tour Manuel Antonio: $60
- Chocolate and Coffee Tour Manuel Antonio: $62
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayQuepos $15Guayaquil $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 Quepos and Guayaquil, we can see that Quepos is more expensive. And not only is Guayaquil much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Quepos is in Central 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 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 Quepos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Quepos 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 Quepos Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Quepos or Guayaquil?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Quepos 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 Quepos 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 Quepos or Guayaquil in the Summer?
Both Guayaquil and Quepos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos 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. It's quite rainy in Quepos. In July, Quepos usually receives more rain than Guayaquil. Quepos gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Quepos is a little warmer than Guayaquil in the summer. The daily temperature in Quepos averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyQuepos 28°C (82°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Quepos or Guayaquil in the Autumn?
Both Guayaquil and Quepos during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. Quepos usually gets more rain in October than Guayaquil. Quepos gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Quepos is a little warmer than Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Quepos in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberQuepos 27°C (81°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Quepos or Guayaquil in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Quepos and Guayaquil. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Quepos usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Quepos gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Quepos is generally around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Quepos average around 27°C (81°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryQuepos 27°C (81°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Quepos or Guayaquil in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Quepos as well as Guayaquil. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Quepos usually gets less rain in April than Guayaquil. Quepos gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Quepos is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Quepos averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilQuepos 29°C (85°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Quepos
| Quepos | Guayaquil | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.