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

Should you visit Setubal 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 Setubal and Guayaquil can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Setubal or Guayaquil?

Setubal

Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.

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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, 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 Setubal and Guayaquil, we can see that Setubal is more expensive. And not only is Guayaquil much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Setubal 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 Setubal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Setubal 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 Setubal Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Setubal or Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal 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 Setubal or Guayaquil?

Setubal 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 Setubal or Guayaquil in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Guayaquil. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

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

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Setubal usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Setubal or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Guayaquil. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.

Setubal is cooler than Guayaquil in the autumn. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Setubal usually gets less rain in October than Guayaquil. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Setubal or Guayaquil in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Setubal is much colder than Guayaquil. Typically, the winter temperatures in Setubal in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. It's quite rainy in Setubal. In January, Setubal usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Setubal or Guayaquil in the Spring?

Both Guayaquil and Setubal during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.

In April, Setubal is generally much colder than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 16°C (60°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Setubal usually gets less rain in April than Guayaquil. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Setubal