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

Should you visit Salto or Guayaquil?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salto 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: Salto or Guayaquil?

Salto

Salto is in the citrus growing region of Northern Interior Uruguay, on the east bank of the Rio Uruguay. It is closely connected to the neighboring Argentinian city of Concordia that lies across the river on the western bank. Salto is Uruguay's second-largest city and the most northerly crossing point to Argentina. Salto is a very picturesque city that has a relaxing feel the entire year. However, people mostly come here for the nearby hot springs and the recreation area above the enormous Salto Grande hydroelectric dam.

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 Salto?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Salto is $70, 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 Salto and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salto $30
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salto $60
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Salto and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Salto 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 Salto


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: Salto Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salto $21
    Guayaquil $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil

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

  • Departure Private Transfer: Guayaquil City to Guayaquil Airport GYE by Minivan: $54
  • Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
  • Guayaquil Airport (GYE): Transfer to Guayaquil hotels: $132
  • Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil city -Arrival Private Transfer: $30
  • Guayaquil Airport Private Transfer Service: $80
  • Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Guayaquil - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $60
  • Guayaquil Arrival Transfer: $34
  • Guayaquil Departure Transfer: $34
  • Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $18
  • Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $17
  • Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Salto or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Salto 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
    Salto $24
    Guayaquil $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guayaquil

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

  • Gastronomic workshop tour, live cooking, Learn about the Ecuadorian culinary art: $131
  • Half Day Guayaquil Culinary Adventure, Cacao Cooking Class: $185

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salto $18
    Guayaquil $21

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
  • Shared Walking Tour in Guayaquil City: $35
  • Shared Walking Tour in Guayaquil City: $35
  • Guayaquil City Tour: $40
  • City Tour Guayaquil: $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 Museum Tour: $64
  • Guayaquil to Cuenca one-way tour with Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm visit: $74
  • Historical Park tour - Guayaquil: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salto $13
    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: $52
  • Taste and discover the factory of a craft brewery: $65


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salto and Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil is more expensive. And not only is Salto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Salto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salto 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 Salto.

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


Which is Bigger, Salto or Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Salto. When comparing the sizes of Salto 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 Salto or Guayaquil?

Salto 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 Salto or Guayaquil in the Summer?

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

Salto is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the summer. The daily temperature in Salto averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Salto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Salto usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Guayaquilin July. Salto gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Salto 25°C (77°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Salto or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

Both Guayaquil and Salto 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, Salto is cooler than Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Salto in April average around 19°C (65°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Salto. In April, Salto usually receives more rain than Guayaquilin October. Salto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Salto 19°C (65°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Salto or Guayaquil in the Winter?

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

In July, Salto is generally much colder than Guayaquilin January. Daily temperatures in Salto average around 12°C (54°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Salto usually gets less rain in July than Guayaquilin January. Salto gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Salto 12°C (54°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Salto or Guayaquil in the Spring?

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

Salto is much colder than Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Salto averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the spring. Salto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Salto usually receives around the same amount of rain as Guayaquilin April. Salto gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Salto 18°C (64°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Salto

Salto Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 19°C (65°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 20°C (69°F) 127 mm (5 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)