Daily costs per person in US dollars. Quito is one of the most affordable capital cities in South America — your dollar stretches remarkably far here, especially on food and transport.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: USD (US Dollar) (Ecuador uses the US dollar)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8–15 | $25–50 | $70+ | Dorm beds → private rooms → boutique hotels |
| Food | $8–15 | $15–30 | $40+ | Almuerzo sets → restaurants → fine dining |
| Transport | $1–5 | $5–15 | $20+ | City buses → taxis → private transfers |
| Activities | $5–15 | $20–50 | $60+ | Self-guided → group tours → private guides |
| Entry Fees | $3–8 | $8–15 | $15–25 | Churches and museums are affordable |
| Daily Total | $25–50 | $75–160 | $205+ | Budget backpacker → comfortable mid → luxury |
Money-saving tips
Eat almuerzo set lunches
Local restaurants serve a complete almuerzo (soup, main, juice, dessert) for $2.50–3.50. This is how Ecuadorians eat lunch — filling, fresh, and incredibly good value. Look for handwritten signs in doorways.
Use the Trole and Ecovía buses
Quito's integrated bus system costs $0.25 per ride and covers the entire city. The Trole, Ecovía, and Metrobus lines run north-south through the valley and connect to the intercity terminals.
Stay in La Mariscal
The Mariscal neighbourhood has the highest density of hostels and budget accommodation in Quito. Dorm beds cost $8-15 and private rooms $20-35. The area is walkable with restaurants, bars, and laundry services.
Book day trips direct
Book Cotopaxi, Otavalo, and Mindo trips directly through your hostel or a local agency in the Mariscal — prices are 30-50% cheaper than international booking platforms. Compare a few agencies.
Ecuador uses USD
Ecuador's official currency is the US dollar, eliminating exchange rate risk and fees for American travellers. ATMs dispense dollars and cards are accepted in most tourist areas.
Free walking tours
Several companies offer free (tip-based) walking tours of the Historic Centre that are excellent introductions to the city. Community Hostel and Free Walking Tour Ecuador both run daily departures.
