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

Should you visit Zurich or Guayaquil?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Guayaquil. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Zurich or Guayaquil?

Zurich

Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Zurich?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $364, 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 Zurich and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zurich $197
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zurich $394
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Zurich 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 Zurich


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: Zurich Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zurich $41
    Guayaquil $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:


  • City Pass (2)
    $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • ZRH Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $42
  • One-Way Private Airport Transfer: $151
  • 1-Way Private Transfer from the airport to Zurich: $216
  • Zurich to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Private Transfer : $81
  • Zurich to Lucerne one way Private Transfer : $298
  • Zurich to Basel Private Transfers: $273
  • Zurich City to Zurich Airport one way Private Transfer : $103
  • Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH Private Transfer Service: $138
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to/from Lucerne: $377
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to St Moritz: $693
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to St Anton am Arlberg: $467
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $478

Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Zurich 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
    Zurich $124
    Guayaquil $50
Typical Food Prices in Zurich

Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich

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

  • Food Tour of 8+ Tastings with Cheeses & Chocolates: $154
  • Zurich Food Tour of 10+ Swiss Specialties w/ Cheeses & Chocolates: $156

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zurich $41
    Guayaquil $21

Tours and Activities in Zurich

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:

  • 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $115
  • Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich: $161
  • Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride : $85
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
  • Bike Private Tour with Pickup and Drop off From Zurich: $163
  • Chocolate Walking Tour in Zurich: $97
  • Chocolate, Art, and History walking tour of Zurich: $94
  • Cinematic Zurich – Photo and Video Shoot Tour: $566
  • City e-bike tour: $50
  • City tour historic old town Zurich: $48
  • Crash Landing on You: Switzerland Filming Locations Day Tour: $317
  • Day Trip from Grindelwald First Mountain Adventure: $224

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zurich $34
    Guayaquil $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich

Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $38
  • Pub Crawl Zurich: $39


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Guayaquil, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Guayaquil much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich is in Europe 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zurich or Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich or Guayaquil?

Zurich 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 Zurich or Guayaquil in the Summer?

Both Guayaquil and Zurich during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.

In the summer, Zurich is around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zurich usually gets less rain in July than Guayaquil. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zurich 21°C (70°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Guayaquil. Most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Zurich is generally much colder than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In October, Zurich usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zurich 13°C (56°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Guayaquil in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Guayaquil. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.

The weather in Zurich can be very cold. Zurich is much colder than Guayaquil in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Zurich usually gets less rain in January than Guayaquil. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zurich 3°C (37°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Guayaquil in the Spring?

Both Guayaquil and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Zurich is much colder than Guayaquil. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. In April, Zurich usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zurich 12°C (53°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Zurich

Zurich Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)