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

Should you visit Christchurch or Guayaquil?

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

Should I visit Christchurch 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: Christchurch or Guayaquil?

Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, right beside the Canterbury Plains. Most people begin their South Island travels here. The city itself can be fascinating to explore so it is worth allowing yourself several days in town as an introduction to the region.

The River Avon flows through the city center, twisting through the old buildings. Christchurch is referred to in New Zealand as the Garden City and it is easy to see why. It's quite a nice city with trees spread throughout. The economy is centered around international tourism as well as foreign education. There is a high Asian student population here, giving the city a diverse feel.

Christchurch's climate is temperate and the city receives moderate rainfall. In January average high temperatures are around 73 degrees Fahrenheit with averages around 52 degrees Fahrenheit in July. There is a sea breeze during the summer months that keep temperatures pleasant. Temperatures can drop below freezing at night during the winter months. Snow may also fall several times a year.

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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.

When comparing the travel costs between Christchurch and Guayaquil, we can see that Christchurch 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 Christchurch is in Pacific 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 Christchurch Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Guayaquil?

Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Guayaquil in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Guayaquil. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.

In the summer, Christchurch is cooler than Guayaquil. Typically, the summer temperatures in Christchurch in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Christchurch usually gets less rain in January than Guayaquilin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

Both Guayaquil and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Christchurch is generally much colder than Guayaquilin October. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In April, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Christchurch or Guayaquil in the Winter?

Both Guayaquil and Christchurch during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.

Christchurch is much colder than Guayaquil in the winter. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 6°C (43°F) in July, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in January.

Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Christchurch usually gets less rain in July than Guayaquilin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Guayaquil in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Guayaquil. The spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Christchurch is much colder than Guayaquil. Typically, the spring temperatures in Christchurch in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F)in April.

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Christchurch