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

Should you visit Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza 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: Fortaleza or Guayaquil?

Fortaleza

A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.

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 Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil is more expensive. And not only is Fortaleza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fortaleza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fortaleza 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 Guayaquil would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guayaquil than you might in Fortaleza.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Guayaquil?

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

Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Guayaquil in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Guayaquil. Most visitors come to Fortaleza for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Fortaleza is a little warmer than Guayaquil. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fortaleza in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fortaleza gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Guayaquilin July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. July to January in Fortaleza is the dry season. Also, January to July is the rainy season in Fortaleza.

Should I visit Fortaleza or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Guayaquil. The autumn months attract visitors to Fortaleza because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.

In April, Fortaleza is generally a little warmer than Guayaquilin October. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 27°C (80°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Fortaleza receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in April than Guayaquilin October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fortaleza or Guayaquil in the Winter?

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

Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the winter. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. In July, Fortaleza usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Fortaleza is July to January. The rainy season in Fortaleza is January to July.

Should I visit Fortaleza or Guayaquil in the Spring?

Both Guayaquil and Fortaleza during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fortaleza for the beaches and the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.

In the spring, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fortaleza in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F)in April.

Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Fortaleza usually gets less rain in October than Guayaquilin April. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Fortaleza