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

Should you visit Salvador or Guayaquil?

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

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

Salvador

Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of Brazil, founded by the Portuguese in 1549. Also known as "Brazil's capital of happiness," Salvador is famous for its plentiful and spirited street festivals. The third most populous city in Brazil, Salvador is also well-known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and Portuguese colonial architecture.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil, The Best 10-Day Tours in Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Salvador?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $45, 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 Salvador and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salvador $25
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salvador $50
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Salvador 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 Salvador


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: Salvador Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salvador $6.21
    Guayaquil $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Salvador:


  • Bus from Airport
    $1.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Salvador HTL-APT(SSA): $66
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Salvador APT-HTL(SSA): $66
  • Transfers: Airport, Hotels, Maritime Terminals, Bus Station.: $24
  • Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $291
  • Transfer: Salvador to/from Praia do Forte/Guarajuba: $62
  • Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $131
  • Transfer to Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte or Bahia: $44
  • Transfer roundtrip in Salvador with Historical City Tour: $66
  • Transfer in Salvador: $144
  • Transfer from Salvador Airport to North Coast of Bahia: $103
  • Transfer between Salvador Airport and Costa do Sauipe: $96
  • Transfer Vila Galé Mares (Guarajuba) - Executive Van - Private: $123

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 Salvador or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Salvador 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
    Salvador $13
    Guayaquil $29
Typical Food Prices in Salvador

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:


  • Dinner for 2
    $1.41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salvador.

  • Bahia Noite - Folkloric Show and Dinner, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $68
  • 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
  • Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $104
  • Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $110
  • Private Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience!: $113
  • Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $130
  • Private Cooking Experience with local in Salvador: $130
  • Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $156
  • Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195

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.
    Salvador $5.86
    Guayaquil $21

Tours and Activities in Salvador

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

  • Afro-Brazilian Roots city Tour in Salvador with lunch at Favela: $150
  • Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador": $104
  • Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Bike Rentals and Bike Tours: $144
  • Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $160
  • Candomblé Ceremony Tour from Salvador: $80
  • Candomblé Cerimony Tour: $62
  • Candomble Religion Mysteries Private Tour in Salvador: $80
  • City Tour in Salvador Discover the first capital of Brazil: $144
  • Costa de Camaçari Beach and Praia Tour: $132
  • Cruise Ship Special Private Tour Salvador da Bahia Historic Old Town Bonfim and Barra: $154
  • Culinary Traditions Tour: $180

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
    Salvador $5.56
    Guayaquil $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:


  • Beers for 2
    $1.41
  • Drinks
    $2.83

Sample the Local Flavors in Salvador

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

  • Tropical Night Samba Drinks Pub crawl in Salvador: $72

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 Salvador and Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Salvador would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salvador 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 Salvador.

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


Which is Bigger, Salvador or Guayaquil?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Guayaquil. When comparing the sizes of Salvador 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 Salvador or Guayaquil?

Salvador 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 Salvador or Guayaquil in the Summer?

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

Salvador is a little warmer than Guayaquil in the summer. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Salvador receives a lot of rain in the summer. Salvador usually gets more rain in January than Guayaquilin July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Salvador 27°C (81°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

Both Guayaquil and Salvador 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, Salvador is a little warmer than Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Salvador in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Salvador. In April, Salvador usually receives more rain than Guayaquilin October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Salvador 26°C (80°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Guayaquil in the Winter?

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

In July, Salvador is generally cooler than Guayaquilin January. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 24°C (75°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets less rain in July than Guayaquilin January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Salvador 24°C (75°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Salvador or Guayaquil in the Spring?

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

Salvador is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the spring. Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Salvador usually receives around the same amount of rain as Guayaquilin April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Salvador 26°C (78°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Salvador

Salvador Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 152 mm (6 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 310 mm (12.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 360 mm (14.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 175 mm (6.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 102 mm (4 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)