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

Should you visit Rio de Janeiro or Guayaquil?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rio de Janeiro and Guayaquil can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Rio de Janeiro or Guayaquil?

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.

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


Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Rio de Janeiro?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $108, 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 Rio de Janeiro and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rio de Janeiro $68
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rio de Janeiro $136
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro


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: Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rio de Janeiro $8.15
    Guayaquil $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Visit to Madureira Park in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $66
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (SDU): $25
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (GIG): $52
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Rio de Janeiro HTL-APT (SDU): $25
  • Transfer service from/to Rio de Janeiro-Embarkation for Ilha Grande: $90
  • Transfer service from / to Rio de Janeiro / Paraty: $102
  • Transfer service from / to Rio - Barra da Tijuca Airports: $27
  • Transfer service from / to Porto Maravilha - Zona Sul: $19
  • Transfer service from / to International Airport (GIG) - Zona Sul: $22
  • Transfer service from / to Buzios / Arraial do Cabo / Cabo Frio: $80
  • Transfer in Rio: $35
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Rio de Janeiro City center - Airport (SDU): $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil

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

  • Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
  • Guayaquil Airport (GYE): Transfer to Guayaquil hotels: $131
  • Guayaquil Airport Private Transfer Service: $80
  • Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Guayaquil - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $59
  • Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $17
  • Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $17
  • Guayaquil PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport.: $17
  • Private Transfer In From Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $25
  • Private Transfer Out From Hotel to Guayaquil Airport: $25
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotels: $20
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $89
  • Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Rio de Janeiro 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
    Rio de Janeiro $21
    Guayaquil $29
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:


  • Popcorn
    $0.60
  • Corn on the Cob
    $0.80
  • Hamburger
    $1.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.

  • Waterfront Dinner & Live Music Experience: $47
  • Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $74
  • 9-Recipes Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class with Market Tour: $85
  • Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
  • 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
  • Copacabana Local Street Bars Food Tour: $93
  • Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local - All Included: $99
  • Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $107
  • Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $114
  • Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
  • Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
  • Rio: Ginga Tropical Folkloric Show & Optional Dinner: $142

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.
    Rio de Janeiro $22
    Guayaquil $21

Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro

Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $51
  • Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
  • 03 - Guided Tour to the Grande Rio Academics Barracão: $120
  • 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $103
  • 14 - Guided Tour to Quadra Do Salgueiro with Samba Show: $75
  • 15 - Guided Tour to Santa Marta Favela: $150
  • 16 - Guided Tour to Favela da Rocinha: $75
  • 19 - Guided Tour to the Museum of Tomorrow and Olympic Boulevard: $90
  • 2 Days in Rio: Tijuca Forest & Two Brothers Hiking Tours: $288
  • 2 Hours Paradisiac Sailboat Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $288
  • 2 Hours Tour with Parasailing in Rio de Janeiro: $110
  • 20 - Guided Tour to AquaRio and Olympic Boulevard: $120

Tours and Activities in Guayaquil

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

  • Shared Walking Tour in Guayaquil City: $35
  • City Tour Guayaquil: $40
  • Guayaquil City Tour: $40
  • Self-guided walking tour of Guayaquil's landmarks.: $45
  • Private Experience of Flavors and Wine Pairing in Guayaquil: $50
  • From Montañita: Paragliding Experience: $55
  • City Tour with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: $63
  • Guayaquil to Cuenca one-way tour with Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm visit: $74
  • City Tour around Guayaquil: $75
  • Guayaquil City Tour Including the Light House of Cerro Santa Ana: $80
  • Private Guayaquil City Tour and Parque Historico: $80
  • Guayaquil Layover Sightseeing Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transport: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rio de Janeiro $12
    Guayaquil $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Pub Crawl in Lapa: $30
  • Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $33
  • Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
  • Walking tour + Pub crawl in Lapa: $42
  • Petropolis Bohemia: Historic tour and visit to the Bohemian Brewery: $58
  • Petropolis City Tour + Bohemia Brewery + Lunch: $77
  • Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
  • Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $134

Sample the Local Flavors in Guayaquil

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guayaquil:

  • Taste and discover the factory of a craft brewery: $65


When comparing the travel costs between Rio de Janeiro and Guayaquil, we can see that Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Guayaquil?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Guayaquil. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro or Guayaquil?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro or Guayaquil in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Guayaquil. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.

Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than Guayaquil in the summer. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Rio de Janeiro usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Guayaquilin July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

Both Guayaquil and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. In April, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Guayaquilin October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Guayaquil in the Winter?

Both Guayaquil and Rio de Janeiro during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.

In July, Rio de Janeiro is generally cooler than Guayaquilin January. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 21°C (70°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rio de Janeiro usually gets less rain in July than Guayaquilin January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Guayaquil in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Guayaquil. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Rio de Janeiro is cooler than Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)