Ecuador Travel blogs

Ecuador is nestled between Colombia and Peru on the Pacific side of South America. The country’s capital, Quito, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fun and worthwhile city. The Galapagos Islands are the main attraction in the country with most people just jumping from Quito to the islands to revel in the amazing wildlife spotting opportunities. But there is much more to Ecuador than the Galapagos. Adventure lovers will be keen to explore the Ecuadorian Amazon or to climb one of the country’s volcanoes, including the world famous Cotopaxi Mountain. This tiny country packs a lot of punch and this travel guide can help you make the most of your trip.

Typical Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation is inexpensive here. A private room in a hostel will start at $10 USD per person, and a dorm will be about $8 USD per night. Budget hotels are only slightly more expensive at around $18 USD per night.

Food – Meals typically cost between $3-5 USD for cheap local food. You can find food stalls on the street for around $1-2 USD. Western style meals will cost around $10 USD. By eating from the market, you can expect to spend around $15 USD per week.

Transportation – Long-distance buses typically cost from $1-2 USD per hour. Inside the city, a local bus ticket is usually around $0.25 USD. Taxis in Quito have meters and short trips generally don’t cost more than $3-4 USD. For longer trips expect to pay around $10 USD.

Activities – Aside from a trip to the Galapagos Islands, activities are pretty cheap in Ecuador. A ride on the Devil’s Nose train will cost $25 USD roundtrip, while entrance to Ingapirca and most museums costs $6 USD. Day trips to volcanoes and mountain hikes is typically around $30 USD. A trip to the Galapagos Islands is pricey – about $1, 400 USD for 10 days, plus the $100 USD park fee – but if you have room in your budget, it’s incredible.

Money Saving Tips

Hospedajes – These family run guesthouses are all over the country and have rooms for just a few dollars per night. They are very affordable accommodation options

Eat at the markets – This is the place to do your food shopping. 20 bananas and a kilo of apples (2 pounds) works out at just $1.50 USD. You can find meals for just a few dollars. It’s the best way to eat cheap in the country.

Almuerzos – Many restaurants have almuerzos, cheap lunches from the set menu for a couple of dollars that even include a drink!

Carry small change – Forget about carrying any bills over $20 USD as you’ll have trouble changing them and even $20s can be difficult to break in small towns.

Book last minute tours – Galapagos Island cruises are can expensive. By booking your cruise in Quito last minute, you can save up to 40% off the cost of the trip.

Top Things to See and Do in Ecuador

Galapagos Islands – There are few places in the world which offer wildlife spotting opportunities as good as those on the Galapagos Islands. The islands lie 600 miles from the coast of Ecuador and are the most popular attraction in the country. My trip here was amazing – everything people say and more. I’ve never seen so much wildlife in my life. Simply breathtaking. .