Is Ecuador Expensive?
Is Ecuador expensive and how much do you need when traveling here?
This extremely diverse country is great to visit for those who don’t have much time to explore larger countries like Brazil or Argentina.
By backpacking Ecuador you can explore everything from tropical beaches and winding mountains to the Amazon Jungle in a relatively short space of time.
Whilst they use US Dollars, Ecuador actually remains one of the cheapest countries in the continent for travelers to head around.
In this guide we’ll look at the typical costs you can expect when traveling Ecuador, such as for accommodation, food and getting around.
As well as recommending some of the best tours you can head on, we’ll also answer your most burning questions in our FAQ section.
Is Ecuador Expensive for Tourists?
Quick Answer: Ecuador is a proven cheapie for travelers to visit in South America.
Travelers can live off a daily budget of $25-30, which includes staying in a really nice dorm room (or budget private room) as well as eating several, hearty local meals.
Things to know before traveling to Ecuador
- Pack a Range of Clothes – Ecuador can really surprise travelers, who may otherwise think it’s just your standard hot Latin country (and by looking at the map it’s pretty understandable). However here we can also find Andean mountains that tower over 6000 meters which are below freezing. For this reason you’ll want to pack a solid range of clothes. You can see our South America Packing List for a full guide on how to prepare properly.
- Stay Flexible with Travel Plans – Most who head to Ecuador are usually on a short trip (3-5 weeks) or are passing through on their way to either Peru or Colombia. However we recommend keeping an open schedule when heading to Ecuador, since there’s many destinations that might surprise you. It’s also the perfect country to learn to surf or enroll in a Spanish school too!
- Safety in Bigger Cities vs Smaller Towns – Aside from Cuenca (which is both a beautiful and safe city), the major cities of Quito and Guayaquil can be really hit or miss in areas, so they require extra planning before heading to. However the smaller towns are much safer in general, and travelers can relax much more when heading to destinations like Baños the beach paradise of Montañita and Otavalo.
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How much does a trip to Ecuador cost?
Budget travelers and backpackers can expect to spend between $20-25 a day in Ecuador, whilst those who want a more deluxe experience (such as private rooms, eating in nicer establishments etc) can budget for around $35-40 a day.
This budget only covers accommodation, food and a few extras (like beers, a walking tour or entrance etc). Other costs such as flights and day tours will need to be planned with a different budget in mind. It is also worth noting that if you’re on a mission to save money, knowing some basic Spanish can go a long way with helping you to avoid Gringo pricing.
Cost of Accommodation in Ecuador
You can find some really great accommodation options for cheap in this country.
Those looking to stick to a low budget can stay at a wide variety of hostels here, which cost anywhere from just $4-7 a night (of course the nicer chains like Selina will cost a bit more).
When in Quito we actually recommend staying in the Selina Hostel, which is located in the more pleasant area of Plaza Foch. As well as organizing daily activities, they also have an on-site bar and social atmosphere.
You can even find some really nice private rooms too without breaking the bank, which are usually located in great areas (try to stay close to a main plaza in the big cities for a safer and more memorable time).
If you’re heading to Baños then we highly recommend staying in this Cozy Suite which is located close to the hot springs in the center of town. As well as having a kitchen and private bathroom, you’ll even have your very own jacuzzi too!
Cost of Food in Ecuador
Eating out in Ecuador also doesn’t have to break the bank, and travelers can indulge often even on a lower budget.
One great example of eating local food in Ecuador is by sampling The Menu Ejecutivo (which is a local set menu that consists of a starter, main and drink) can cost just $1-2.
As well as saving you’ll also get an opportunity to try local Ecuadorian staples and cuisine too. You can find these in local restaurants all over Quito and Guayaquil, and in smaller cities like Cuenca. Why not try this street food tour if you happen to be visiting Cuenca?
We can also find more fancy restaurants and international cuisines all over different destinations, however these are more popular in areas like Montañita and within the upper-class areas of Quito.
A dinner for one person will cost anywhere between $6-12, and of course can go even higher if heading to a more luxurious restaurant.
Cost of Transportation in Ecuador
Distances between destinations are relatively short in Ecuador, where even the longest buses won’t take anymore than 10 hours a leg.
If this sounds a lot, then just remember that in countries like Brazil or Chile they often exceed 20+ hours!
As a result travel costs will be less, which makes it easier for your budget to go on for longer here. For example the bus from Quito to Cuenca will cost between $20-25, whilst from Guayaquil to Montañita just $6.
Flights within Ecuador are pretty cheap too, and will suit those with a more flexible budget (or those with less time). The flight from Quito to Guayaquil costs just $40 without baggage, which is similar prices to the bus.
The advantage here of course is that it takes just an hour to arrive by air, versus the 8-10 hour bus journey. You can also fly to the Galápagos Islands from either Quito or Guayaquil for just $100 each way.
Cost of Tours & Attractions in Ecuador
Local attractions in Ecuador are super cheap, and you can even knock many off using just your usual daily budget allowance.
Things like Museums, Miradores (viewpoints) and Hop-On Hop-Off Buses are great examples, and also give a unique way into learning about different Ecuadorian destinations.
Even day trips can be found for great rates too, so it’s just a case of heading to different tour agencies to compare prices and also to see what extras are included (such as lunch or hotel pick-up / drop-off).
For the bigger experiences like hikes and multi-stop visits, it’s worth heading with a reputable online company who guarantee high standards.
For example when in Quito, hiking enthusiasts will most likely want to see both Cotopaxi Volcano as well as the bright crater lagoon of Quilotoa. If this is you, then we highly recommend joining this full-day tour where you’ll visit both and also have lunch included.
Ecuador FAQs
Here are some questions our readers ask when it comes to visiting Ecuador:
Is Ecuador Expensive for Tourists?
Thanks for reading our practical guide that details how expensive Ecuador is.
Although smaller in size compared to its other South American neighbors, Ecuador packs a real punch and has tonnes going for it.
From its diverse jungle and mountain landscapes to the breathtaking Galápagos Islands, you could easily spend months on end exploring all corners of Ecuador.
In this guide we’ve looked at how much money you’ll need when traveling around Ecuador. This guide focuses more on the minimum needed for low-budget travelers, so of course if you feel like upgrading then by all means go for it!
Be sure to read our Ecuador backpacking itinerary to learn how to best use your time when in this incredible South American nation.
👉🏽 P.S. If you’ve found this guide helpful, buy us a coffee here to say thanks! Or, support us by downloading our South America Travel Bible to get our best content.
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