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

Should you visit Petra or Guayaquil?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Guayaquil can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Guayaquil?

Petra

Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.

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


Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Petra?

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 Petra is $153, 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 Petra and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Petra and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Petra 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 Petra


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: Petra Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Guayaquil $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $140
  • Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
  • From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
  • Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
  • Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Petra 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
    Petra $66
    Guayaquil $50
Typical Food Prices in Petra

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $12
  • Juice
    $1.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra

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

  • Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $50
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Guayaquil $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra

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


  • Entry to Petra for One
    $71

Tours and Activities in Petra

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

  • 2-Day Amman to Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea Adventure Tour: $220
  • 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
  • 3-Hour Private Petra Tour: Exclusive Classical Guided Experience: $55
  • 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
  • 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
  • Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
  • From Petra Wadi Rum Private 8 hours roundtrip tour : $140
  • Hike Tour of Petra: $10
  • Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour | Guide Sami Nawafleh: $225
  • Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
  • Petra Secret Backdoor Tour: Hidden Gems & Exclusive Experience: $240
  • Private Full Day Tour to Aqaba Red Sea from Petra Hotels: $200

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
    Petra $15
    Guayaquil $17


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


Which is Bigger, Petra or Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra or Guayaquil?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Petra or Guayaquil in the Summer?

Both Guayaquil and Petra during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.

Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Petra usually gets less rain in July than Guayaquil. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's very hot in Petra this time of the year. Petra is a little warmer than Guayaquil in the summer. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Petra or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Guayaquil. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Petra is a little warmer than Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Petra in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Petra or Guayaquil in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Petra as well as Guayaquil. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Petra usually gets less rain in January than Guayaquil. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Petra is generally much colder than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 15°C (59°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Petra or Guayaquil in the Spring?

Both Guayaquil and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Petra is cooler than Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 25°C (76°F) in April, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Petra

Petra Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)