Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or San Cristobal de Las Casas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Guayaquil?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Guayaquil? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: San Cristobal de Las Casas or Guayaquil?
San Cristobal de Las Casas
Far away from the luxuries of Cancun and Cabo, Mexico's San Cristobal de las Casas is a stunning colonial city located in the southern state of Chiapas. Due to its strategic location, the town is commonly used as a transfer point for travelers looking to cross the border between Guatemala and Mexico. San Cristobal also has an immensely strong appeal among budget-minded travelers as it's one of Mexico's most affordable cities.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.
-
San Cristobal de Las Casas Prices
Mexico PricesGuayaquil Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Cristobal de Las Casas $113Guayaquil $116
The average daily cost (per person) in San Cristobal de Las Casas is $113, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $116. 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 San Cristobal de Las Casas and Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Cristobal de Las Casas $45Guayaquil $32
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Cristobal de Las Casas $90Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in San Cristobal de Las Casas 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: San Cristobal de Las Casas Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Cristobal de Las Casas $31Guayaquil $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Cristobal de Las Casas
Also for San Cristobal de Las Casas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas to TGZ Airport: $104
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil
Also for Guayaquil, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $13
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Guayaquil: $43
- Private transfer Guayaquil - Montañita: $250
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil to Cuenca: $104
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil hotels to Manta Cruise Port: $254
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $230
- Private Transfer Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil by Car or Van: $48
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport.: $20
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $17
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $20
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $18
- Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil city -Arrival Private Transfer: $19
Is it cheaper to fly into San Cristobal de Las Casas or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and San Cristobal de Las Casas 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 daySan Cristobal de Las Casas $39Guayaquil $50
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 of Cooking and Chocolate at Cocoa Farm from Guayaquil: $175
- Gastronomic workshop tour, live cooking, Learn about the Ecuadorian culinary art: $180
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Cristobal de Las Casas $14Guayaquil $21
Tours and Activities in San Cristobal de Las Casas
For San Cristobal de Las Casas, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Adventure to the Sumidero Canyon Viewpoints and Chiapa de Corzo: $54
- Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Day Tour ending in Palenque: $68
- Bike Tour Chiapas Indigenous Peoples: $62
- Blue Water Misol-ha and Palenque Tour from San Cristobal.: $80
- Canyoning El Chorreadero Cave- Adventure Chiapas: $167
- Food Walking Tour San Cristobal de las Casas: $76
- From San Cristobal Tour to Agua Azul, Misol Ha and Palenque: $90
- Full Day Tour of Montebello Lakes and El Chiflon Waterfall: $60
- Full-Day Sumidero Canyon Tour with Boat Cruise from San Cristóbal de las Casas: $84
- Indigenous Communities Tour of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán: $46
- Palenque Archaelogical Site, Agua Azul and Misolha Waterfalls Combo Tour: $105
- Private City Tour San Cristobal de las Casas: $34
Tours and Activities in Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Astonishing Mangroves & Dry forest /Chocolate experience trip: $280
- Choco-Culture City Tour & Cacao Museum: $99
- Churute Mangroves and Birdwatching Tour Guayaquil: $220
- Cocoa and Tropical Fruits Farm with Fine Chocolate Experience: $144
- Excursion Day Zhagal Thermal Baths Tour from Guayaquil: $158
- Full Day Churute Howler Monkeys and Chocolate Tour: $276
- Full Day Dolphins Mangroves and Birdwatching Tour from Guayaquil: $231
- Full Day Private Churute Mangroves Reserve and Cocoa Farm Tour: $255
- Full-Day Cuenca and Traditional Craft Beer Tasting Tour: $225
- Full-Day Nature and Adventure Private Tour from Guayaquil: $249
- Guayaquil City Tour Including the Light House of Cerro Santa Ana: $70
- Guayaquil Cocktail Tasting Tour: $95
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Cristobal de Las Casas $29Guayaquil $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: $65
When comparing the travel costs between San Cristobal de Las Casas and Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil 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. Even though San Cristobal de Las Casas is in North America and Guayaquil is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Cristobal de Las Casas Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Cristobal de Las Casas or Guayaquil?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of San Cristobal de Las Casas. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas 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.
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.