Travel Costs in Ecuador
All figures are approximate estimates in USD for comparison.
- Budget / day
- $35
- Mid-range / day
- $85
- Luxury / day
- $220
- Budget meal
- $3.5
- Coffee
- $2
- Local transport
- $0.35
- Budget hotel
- $15
- Mid-range hotel
- $55
Overview
Ecuador is one of the more affordable destinations in South America, using the US dollar as its official currency which simplifies budgeting for American travelers. Costs vary significantly by region, with the Galápagos Islands being dramatically more expensive than the mainland due to park fees, limited supply chains, and regulated tours. On the mainland, cities like Quito and Cuenca offer excellent value, with cheap street food, low transport costs, and a wide range of budget accommodations.
Notes
Eat at set-lunch spots called 'almuerzos' which typically offer a full multi-course meal for $2–4 and are popular with locals. If visiting the Galápagos, booking a last-minute cruise from Guayaquil or Puerto Ayora can yield significant discounts over pre-booked packages.