Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8–15 | $25–50 |
| Food | $8–15 | $15–30 |
| Transport | $1–5 | $5–15 |
| Activities | $5–15 | $20–50 |
| Entry Fees | $3–8 | $8–15 |
| Daily Total | $25–50 | $75–160 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Most nationalities get 90 days visa-free on arrival
- Keep a digital and physical copy of your passport — police checks happen occasionally in tourist areas
- Ecuador uses USD — no currency exchange needed for US travellers
Health & Safety
- Altitude sickness is common at 2,850m — acclimatise slowly, drink water, avoid alcohol on day one
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential for volcano treks and highland activities
- Tap water is not safe to drink — buy bottled water or use a filter bottle
Getting Around
- Quito's bus system (Trole, Ecovía, Metrobus) is efficient and costs $0.25 per ride
- Taxis are cheap ($1.50–5 within the city) — insist on the meter or agree a price before departure
- Intercity buses depart from two terminals: Quitumbe (south) and Carcelén (north)
Connectivity
- Buy a Claro or Movistar SIM at the airport — $5-10 for a week of data
- WiFi is available in most hostels and cafes but can be slow in budget accommodation
- Download offline maps before day trips — coverage is patchy outside the city
Money
- Currency: USD. ATMs dispense dollars; Visa and Mastercard widely accepted in tourist areas
- Carry small bills ($1, $5) — many small vendors and buses cannot change $20 notes
- Tipping: 10% is standard at restaurants. Tour guides appreciate $5-10 per person per day
Packing Tips
- Layers are essential — Quito can be 20°C at noon and 8°C at night, colder at altitude
- A warm fleece or down jacket for TelefériQo and Cotopaxi trips above 4,000m
- Comfortable walking shoes, rain jacket, sunscreen (UV is intense near the equator), and a reusable water bottle
Cultural tips
Respect Indigenous Culture
Ecuador has a rich indigenous heritage, particularly in the highlands. Ask permission before photographing people, especially at markets and ceremonies. Many Otavaleño and Kichwa communities welcome visitors but appreciate respectful engagement rather than tourist gawking.
Environmental Awareness
Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. Stay on marked trails in national parks and cloud forests. Do not touch or feed wildlife. Carry your rubbish out — many highland trails lack bins. Respect the páramo ecosystem, which is fragile and slow to recover from damage.
Photography Etiquette
Always ask before photographing locals and their crafts, especially at Otavalo market. Some vendors welcome photos as it helps their business, others prefer privacy. Church interiors often prohibit photography. Drone regulations in Ecuador require a permit — check before flying.
Language
Spanish is essential outside the Mariscal tourist district. Learn basic greetings, numbers, and food vocabulary — it transforms every interaction. Ecuadorian Spanish is clear and relatively slow, making it good for learners. In indigenous areas, Kichwa is the first language but Spanish is understood.
Support Local Communities
Choose locally-owned hostels, eat at family comedores, and buy crafts directly from artisans. Your spending has the most impact when it goes into the local economy. Community tourism projects in Otavalo and Mindo offer authentic experiences that directly benefit indigenous and rural communities.
Ecuadorian Time
Ecuador runs on "hora ecuatoriana" — a relaxed approach to punctuality in social situations. Buses and tours generally run on time, but social events and restaurant service may be slower than expected. Embrace it, slow down, and enjoy the pace.
