Everything You Need to Know for Budget Travel in Ecuador

Ecuador boasts a stunning variety of landscapes, from the vibrant Amazon rainforest and the majestic Andes to the scenic Pacific coast and the famous Galapagos Islands, all packed into a compact area.

With its rich diversity, you can experience multiple geographical regions within just a few hours, making it a highly sought-after destination in South America.

However, since the US dollar is the official currency, Ecuador can be pricier than its neighbors. Fortunately, with these insider tips, you can enjoy an unforgettable trip without overspending.

Daily Expenses in Ecuador

• Hostel accommodation: $8-25 per night

• Standard double room: $35-75 per night

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): $30-55 per night

• One-way public transport ticket: $0.25-$0.50 in the city

• Coffee: $2

• Lunch specials: $2-$5

• Dinner for two: $15-50

• Pint of beer at a bar: $3-7

Consider booking your flight through a Spanish-language website

Ecuador ranks as one of the pricier countries in Latin America for flights. Despite tax and airfare reductions announced in 2023, tickets remain costly compared to its neighbors.

While traveling during off-peak times can be helpful, prices don't fluctuate much; your best bet is to secure great deals by booking your flight well in advance.

A useful tip for traveling in Latin America is to explore flight options on Spanish-language sites. While it’s not a guarantee for a great deal, you might stumble upon discounts that could lead you to the capital, Quito, or the primary port, Guayaquil.

Purchase bus tickets at terminals

Once you’re in the country, traveling to other cities and rural areas by bus is a breeze. Unless you plan to visit the Galapagos Islands, you can skip flying altogether and choose local buses or tailored hop-on/hop-off bus tours.

While some transport companies provide online ticket sales, the easiest way to secure affordable bus tickets is by visiting the central bus terminals (terminal terrestre).

Travel times between cities can range from two to twelve hours, with costs varying from US$3 to $20, depending on your destination. Discover more travel options in our guide to getting around Ecuador.

Try to avoid traveling during national holidays and major festivities

Ecuador's high season spans from June to September and again from December to February. However, the beauty of this enchanting country is that you can have an amazing experience any time of the year.

Located along the Equator, Ecuador enjoys minimal seasonal variation, making it an appealing destination even during the off-peak months.

That said, it's wise to steer clear of traveling during national holidays such as Independence Days, Día de los Difuntos, Holy Week, and major celebrations like Christmas and New Year.

During these peak times, demand for accommodations and transportation rises sharply, and popular spots like beaches and thermal baths tend to get crowded. For insights on seasonal events, refer to our comprehensive guide on the best time to visit Ecuador.

Savor local cuisine at markets and family-owned establishments

While gastronomic delights in Ecuador are abundant and diverse, the best way to enjoy authentic local flavors is by visiting food markets and family-run eateries.

Each region boasts its own unique dishes and culinary traditions, so exploring the markets and visiting huecas (small neighborhood restaurants) will not only save you money but also provide a glimpse into local life.

Most restaurants offer budget-friendly lunch specials (almuerzos) featuring a three-course meal (soup, main dish, and juice or dessert) at a great price. To find the best spots, just follow the locals who flock to lunch venues starting around noon.

Pro tip: In Quito, be sure to visit Mercado Iñaquito, Mercado Central, Mercado Santa Clara, and the quaint eateries in the historic center and plazas for local specialties like locro de papa (potato stew), hornado, and fritada (baked and fried pork).

In Guayaquil, check out renowned huecas such as Cangrejal de Fa and King Cone to savor seafood delights and snacks like encebollado (fish stew), crab, and shrimp-filled green plantain cones.

Prices vary by city, but you can find hearty dishes starting at $2. It's wise to carry small bills, as many of these establishments only accept cash.

Explore local churches and cathedrals

Ecuador boasts Latin America’s best-preserved historic center, making it a fantastic place to admire colonial art and architecture up close. Many gold-capped churches and old-town cathedrals are free to visit, especially in smaller cities like Baños, Otavalo, and Riobamba.

Key cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca feature several churches with free entry. However, accessing domes and museum areas in monasteries usually incurs a fee, typically ranging from $2 to $5.

In Quito, you can visit the famous Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesús for free on the first Sunday of each month.

Choose self-catering accommodations and shop at local grocery stores

To make the most of your food budget, consider staying in self-catering accommodations. These range from shared hostels and private rooms to entire homes, equipped with kitchen facilities to help reduce your dining costs.

While there isn’t a guaranteed method for finding the best deals, traditional travel accommodation apps are typically trustworthy in Ecuador.

For cooking with fresh local ingredients, shopping at local markets and tiendas de barrio (neighborhood grocery stores) is affordable and offers a great selection.

Thanks to Ecuador's varied geography, you can find almost every type of fruit and vegetable year-round, allowing you to sample local specialties on a budget. Avoid large supermarkets and shopping malls to save even more.

Experience Ecuador’s breathtaking natural scenery at no cost.

Ecuador is a land of nature and diversity, which is why many natural attractions like national parks, forests, beaches, lakes, and hiking trails can be accessed for free.

Popular destinations such as Laguna del Quilotoa, Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, and Parque Nacional Machalilla (offering a Galápagos-like experience without the price tag) can be visited without entrance fees.

To enhance your experiences and stay safe, consider visiting these sites with a guide—the money you save on entrance fees can help cover the cost!

Other sought-after natural sites like Yasuní National Park and the Galápagos Islands require entrance fees and travel expenses, so if you want to experience these wonders, be sure to plan your budget and schedule wisely.

Book tours with local guides to enrich your experience.

A great way to explore the country's natural wonders is to book short tours with local companies after your arrival. Operators like Aventuras la Plata and Los Gatitos Equinoccial Adventure provide budget-friendly packages, including sightseeing excursions and brief stays at haciendas near natural attractions.

Booking trips with local providers not only supports the economy but also allows you to engage with locals at generally lower prices.

These tours typically feature knowledgeable guides and include transportation, entry fees, and meals, with prices starting at $25 per person.

Avoid purchasing souvenirs from malls or resellers

While this advice is common for most travels, it holds especially true in Ecuador. The country takes pride in its offerings like chocolate, coffee, textiles, and crafts, so for the best deals, buy directly from the producers and artisan workshops.

In Quito, instead of visiting tourist-targeted craft markets that inflate prices, head to Centro Artesanal Mazapán in Calderón. Here, you can purchase the same traditional marzipan figures that are sold in souvenir shops, but directly from the artisans.

If you're in Cuenca, be sure to visit artisan shops specializing in paja toquilla, such as Economuseo Municipal 'Casa del Sombrero.'

For edible treats like premium chocolate and local beverages, supermarkets will offer better prices than souvenir shops. You can also find traditional candies and snacks at food markets and artisan stores in historic areas.