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

Should you visit Barcelona or Guayaquil?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Barcelona and Guayaquil can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Barcelona or Guayaquil?

Barcelona

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Barcelona?

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

  • Barcelona Prices
    Spain Prices
    Guayaquil Prices
    Ecuador Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Barcelona $218
    Guayaquil $116

The average daily cost (per person) in Barcelona is $218, 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 Barcelona and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Barcelona $115
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Barcelona $230
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Barcelona and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Barcelona 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 Barcelona


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: Barcelona Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Barcelona $22
    Guayaquil $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • 10 Trip Metro Ticket
    $9.15
  • Airport Bus
    $5.87
  • Metro
    $2.46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:

  • private transfer from cruise port to sants station : $36
  • private transfer from Barcelona airport to City Centre: $34
  • VIP Private Transfer Barcelona City To Barcelona Railway Station: $32
  • VIP Private Transfer Barcelona Airport To cruise port Terminals: $40
  • Transfers From Cruise Port to Barcelona Airport: $42
  • Transfers From Cruise Port to Barcelona Airport: $43
  • Transfers From Barcelona Sants Train Station to Hotel bcn: $32
  • Transfer: Barcelona City Center to El-Prat Airport (BCN): $33
  • Transfer with wheelchair Accessible from Bcn airport/ port/city: $239
  • Transfer to Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona: $28
  • Transfer from Barcelona City to cruise port Private transfer: $36
  • Taxi Transfers from Barcelona city to airport : $102

Is it cheaper to fly into Barcelona or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Barcelona 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
    Barcelona $68
    Guayaquil $50
Typical Food Prices in Barcelona

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


  • Hot Cocoa & Churro
    $4.87
  • Sandwich
    $1.99
  • Baguette & Horchata
    $4.46
  • Tapas on the beach
    $9.72
  • Gelatto
    $2.93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $34
  • Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $42
  • Flamenco Casa Sors & Guitar Museum with Optional Drink or Dinner: $44
  • Tasty Barcelona Street Food Tour With Local Market Visit : $54
  • Barcelona Food Tour: Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $54
  • Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $54
  • Tablao Flamenco Cordobes on Rambla Barcelona with Dinner Option: $57
  • Barcelona Morning Tapas Crawl by Food Tour: $71
  • Wine Tasting and 5 Course Tapas Pairing Dinner: $71
  • Barcelona Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience: $78
  • Seafood Paella and Mediterranean Tapas Cooking Class: $81
  • A vegan/vegetarian food tour in Barcelona: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Barcelona $39
    Guayaquil $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass
    $49
  • Souvenir Gaudi Book
    $10
  • Admission to Museo Picasso
    $7.04

Tours and Activities in Barcelona

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

  • Barcelona Arrival Cruise Port to Sants Station Private: $45
  • Barcelona eBike Beach Private Tour to Vineyards & Picnic: $299
  • Costa Brava Coves Towns and Winery Private Tour: $197
  • Day Sailing Experience, Barcelona(9 Persons): $90
  • Luca’s Hidden Old the Gothic and El Born Tour: $24
  • Montserrat Guided Tour from Barcelona + Basilica Access : $94
  • Private Guides Barcelona Tour with Skip The Line in Cathedral: $238
  • Private Mountain Bike Tour in Barcelona: $57
  • Sagrada Familia Guided Tour: $197
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Legends of the Gothic Quarter: $10
  • Skip The Line - Early Picasso Museum and Born Neighborhood: $61
  • Sunset Sailing Tour in Barcelona: $71

Tours and Activities in Guayaquil

For Guayaquil, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private Half Day Tour in Guayaquil with a Professional Driver: $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Barcelona $20
    Guayaquil $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:

  • Barcelona Bar Crawl Old Town Treasure Tramp Adventure: $15
  • Estrella Damm Brewery in El Prat de Llobregat tour with Tasting: $18
  • Barcelona Halloween Bar Crawl: $18
  • Pub Crawl in Barcelona: $18
  • Pub Crawl Barcelona by EVOLVE The BEST night experience: $24
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $24
  • Nightlife Tour - Barcelona Bar Crawl with Flamingos: $25
  • Original Pub Crawl & Tapas Tour: $30
  • Wine tasting next to the Sagrada Familia: $30
  • Barcelona Markets Tour With Optional Food & Wine Tasting Upgrade: $35
  • Winery tour & wine tasting in Penedès region 40min from Barcelona: $38
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Barcelona: $42


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


Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Barcelona. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona 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 Barcelona or Guayaquil?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona or Guayaquil in the Summer?

Both Guayaquil and Barcelona during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.

In July, Barcelona is generally around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 23°C (73°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Barcelona usually gets less rain in July than Guayaquil. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Barcelona 23°C (73°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Barcelona or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and Guayaquil. The autumn months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Barcelona is cooler than Guayaquil in the autumn. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In October, Barcelona usually receives around the same amount of rain as Guayaquil. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Barcelona 17°C (63°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Barcelona or Guayaquil in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Barcelona as well as Guayaquil. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.

In the winter, Barcelona is much colder than Guayaquil. Typically, the winter temperatures in Barcelona in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Barcelona usually gets less rain in January than Guayaquil. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Barcelona 9°C (48°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Barcelona or Guayaquil in the Spring?

Both Guayaquil and Barcelona are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Barcelona is generally much colder than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 13°C (55°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. In April, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Barcelona gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Barcelona 13°C (55°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Barcelona

Barcelona Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)