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

Should you visit Wellington or Guayaquil?

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

Should I visit Wellington 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: Wellington or Guayaquil?

Wellington

Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Wellington?

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 Wellington is $124, 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 Wellington and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wellington $60
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wellington $120
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Wellington and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Wellington 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 Wellington


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: Wellington Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wellington $12
    Guayaquil $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Wellington

Also for Wellington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket + Transfer: $57
  • WLG Airport to City Private RoundTrip Transfer: $93
  • Wellington Airport(WLG) to Wellington-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $156
  • Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $106
  • Private Transfer from Wellington Port to Wellington Airport (WLG): $26
  • Private Transfer from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington Port: $26
  • Private Large SUV Airport Transfers Wellington - Executive Travel: $58
  • Private Airport Transfer Service Vice Versa in Wellington by SUV: $75
  • Wētā Workshop Guided Transfers & Tour: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Wellington or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Wellington 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
    Wellington $51
    Guayaquil $50
Typical Food Prices in Wellington

For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner
    $8.87

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington

For Wellington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3 Hour Walking Food Tour: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wellington $16
    Guayaquil $21

Tours and Activities in Wellington

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

  • Auckland: Wētā Workshop Unleashed Creative Classes Ticket: $38
  • Axe Throwing Lesson and Tournament: $33
  • Craft beers & car museum - Half Day Tour incl beverage samples: $99
  • Craft beers & car museums - Full Day Tour incl beverage samples: $168
  • Discover Wellington 3 hour City Tour : $53
  • From Half-Day Foodie Tour of the Wairarapa: $108
  • From Kapiti Island Classic Guided Day Tour: $289
  • From Martinborough Winery Tour: $111
  • From Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Tour: $127
  • Full Day Guided Wellington Tour including Cable Car: $150
  • Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour: $177
  • Full Day Tour of Wellington: $177

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wellington $12
    Guayaquil $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington

Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $99
  • From Martinborough Wine Tasting Tour: $168
  • Exclusive Martinborough Wine Tour: $210
  • Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $391


When comparing the travel costs between Wellington and Guayaquil, we can see that Wellington 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 Wellington 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 Wellington Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Wellington or Guayaquil?

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

Wellington 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 Wellington or Guayaquil in the Summer?

Both Guayaquil and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Wellington for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. In January, Wellington usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin July. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Wellington 18°C (64°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Wellington or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

Both Guayaquil and Wellington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Wellington in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.

In April, Wellington is generally much colder than Guayaquilin October. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 15°C (58°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Wellington usually gets less rain in April than Guayaquilin October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Wellington 15°C (58°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Wellington or Guayaquil in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Guayaquil. Most visitors come to Wellington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Wellington is much colder than Guayaquil in the winter. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 10°C (49°F) in July, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in January.

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the winter. Wellington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Wellington usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Wellington 10°C (49°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Wellington or Guayaquil in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Guayaquil. The spring months attract visitors to Wellington because of the beaches. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.

In the spring, Wellington is much colder than Guayaquil. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wellington in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Wellington usually gets less rain in October than Guayaquilin April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Wellington 13°C (55°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Wellington

Wellington Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)