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

Should you visit Athens 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 Athens 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: Athens or Guayaquil?

Athens

Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.

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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Athens?

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 Athens is $181, 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 Athens and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens $74
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens $148
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Athens and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Athens 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 Athens


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: Athens Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens $32
    Guayaquil $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens

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


  • Airport Bus for Two
    $7.51
  • Metro
    $1.76
  • Metro
    $2.35
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    $9.39
  • Taxi from Airport
    $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

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

  • VipTransfer From /To Athens Airport - Lavrio Port : $227
  • Vip Transfer From /To Athens Center - Athens Airport : $239
  • VIP VAN Athens Airport Transfer 1 - 8 persons: $155
  • VIP Transfer from Athens Airport to City Center Hotel: $179
  • VIP Ferry Ticket From Piraeus Port To Santorini & Private Transfer Included: $274
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Athens HTL-APT (ATH): $63
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Athens APT-HTL (ATH): $63
  • Transfers and Guided Tours in all over Greece, sightseeing and Private hire!!: $108
  • Transfer services everywhere in Mykonos with Jeep Renegade: $60
  • Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens International Airport: $149
  • Transfer from Santorini Airport&Port all destination except OIA up to 4 customer: $105
  • Transfer from RAFINA PORT to ATHENS&PIRAEUS , up to 7 customers: $191

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Athens 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
    Athens $76
    Guayaquil $50
Typical Food Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    $3.52
  • Souvlaki
    $2.58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Athens Greek Wedding Party Dinner Show with Acropolis Views: $42
  • Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $51
  • Cooking Class at Diamond Roof Garden: $66
  • The Bizarre Food Tour of Athens: $78
  • Koukaki Food Tour with a Local Friend: $78
  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $81
  • Athens Walking Food Tour with Visit to Varvakios Central Market: $82
  • Eat like an Athenian food tour of Athens: $82
  • Traditional Cooking Classes incl. Drinks: $82
  • Taste of Athens Small-Group Food Tour: $84
  • Athens Evening Food Tour: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens $42
    Guayaquil $21

Tours and Activities in Athens

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.

  • Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $161
  • Apostle Paul's missionary journys in Athens Private Tour 4Hours: $157
  • Athens Gems & Charms for the First Time Cruise Passengers: $94
  • Island Swimming Day Cruise—DJ, Lunch & Drinks incl.: $154
  • Best Food Tasting Tour of Athens, taste 18+ iconic Greek foods! : $93
  • Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio Full-Day V.R audio guided Tour: $28
  • Olive Oil Tasting Farm Experience, Corinth Canal, Nafplio: $186
  • Private Full Day Tour in Delphi: $219
  • Private Luxury Tour: Athens Riviera & The Temple of Poseidon: $155
  • Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $65
  • "Athens Highlights Tour : Acropolis, Acropolis Museum and more.": $179
  • "Private tour in Athens": $179

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens $26
    Guayaquil $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

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

  • Greek Honey Tasting Experience at our Old Distillery: $14
  • Polykala Distillery: 128 years of history & liqueur tasting.: $17
  • The NightCrawlers | Athens Bar Hopping | Pub Crawl: $19
  • Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $19
  • Saturday Night Pub Crawl for Professionals in Athens, Greece: $25
  • Experience Ouzo Tasting at Athens Oldest Distillery: $26
  • Athens Ultimate Bar Crawl: $48
  • 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $59
  • Greek Wine Tasting with Acropolis view: $59
  • Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $59
  • Acropolis Private Wine Tasting @ Finewine store : $67
  • Greek food and wine tasting: $71


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


Which is Bigger, Athens or Guayaquil?

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

Athens 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 Athens or Guayaquil in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Guayaquil. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

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

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Athens or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Guayaquil. Most visitors come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.

In the autumn, Athens is cooler than Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Guayaquil. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Athens or Guayaquil in the Winter?

Both Guayaquil and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Athens is generally much colder than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Athens or Guayaquil in the Spring?

Both Guayaquil and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.

Athens is much colder than Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in April than Guayaquil. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Athens

Athens Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)