Quito is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Quito?
You should plan to spend around $66 per day on your vacation in Quito. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $34 on meals
- $6.99 on local transportation
- $44 on hotels
A one week trip to Quito for two people costs, on average, $924. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$462
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2 Weeks
Per person
$924
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One Month
Per person
$1,980
-
One Week
For a couple
$924
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,848
-
One Month
For a couple
$3,960
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Quito cost?
A one week trip to Quito usually costs around $462 for one person and $924 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Quito on average costs around $924 for one person and $1,848 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Quito will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Quito on average costs around $1,980 for one person and $3,960 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Quito expensive to visit?
Quito is a smaller destination that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Quito can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $27 per day, mid-range travelers spend $66 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $163 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Quito.
Within South America, Quito is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to San Miguel de Tucuman or Lake Titicaca (Puno).
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Quito Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Quito?
The average Quito trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Quito travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Quito cost?
Quito on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$9.16
|
$22
|
$49
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$2.36
|
$6.99
|
$23
|
|
Food2
|
$14
|
$34
|
$85
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$6.24
|
$16
|
$45
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$3-10
|
$9-26
|
$23-68
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Quito. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $27 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Quito offers plenty of hostels such as The Secret Garden Quito, Community Hostel, and Vibes Aurik. You can find budget-friendly dorm accommodation here, paired with a social atmosphere, but expect limited amenities.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most guests in Quito will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $66 per person, per day.
Quito offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Casa El Eden is an excellent option for kids, and Hotel Casa de Hacienda LA JIMENITA is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Quito here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $163 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the destination with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Day Tour of Quito and Middle of the World - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Quito
The hotel prices in Quito might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $42, but during peak season, expect to pay around $78. Prices vary from $20 to $166, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Quito for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $44. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $22 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Quito? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Quito include:
- Casa El Eden starting at $144
- JW Marriott Hotel Quito starting at $127
- Wyndham Quito Airport starting at $88
- San Jose De Puembo Quito Airport An Ascend Hotel Collection starting at $81
- Holiday Inn Express Quito starting at $78
By avoiding the peak season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Quito
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $6.99 per person, per day, on local transportation in Quito. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Quito is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$6.99
Getting around Quito isn't too difficult with three different, independent public bus systems – El Trole, Metrobus and Ecovia. The ride is inexpensive and there is a stop located at many tourist hotspots.
Taxis are everywhere and relatively inexpensive compared to many other international cities. Most tourist destinations are fairly close together. In general, you should always stay with the yellow taxis, and be sure your driver turns the meter on so you don't get ripped off. Carry small denominations and have exact change because many drivers will claim to not have any change.
Renting your own car is an option, but not particularly recommended for getting around the city. With cheap taxis, the effort to rent a car is simply not worth it. If you don't speak Spanish, avoid this option altogether as it's an easy to swindle travelers out of more money.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfers / Discover Mindo: Full Day of Adventure Tour for $110 details
- Private Transfers Quito to Tena for $65 details
- Transfer from or to Airport Mariscal Sucre (one way) for $23 details
How much does it cost to go to Quito? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Quito will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Listed below are some transit expenses in Quito, taken from reports by other travelers. These costs offer a snapshot of transportation prices in the city to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that your costs may differ, especially if you opt for more expensive options like taxis, which typically cost more than public transportation.
Food Budget in Quito
One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Quito can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Quito is $34 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$34
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Quito is around $34 ($34) per person, with previous travelers spending from $14 to $85. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Quito are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $10
- Lunch: $5 to $14
- Dinner: $10 to $24
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
This international destination caters to every taste bud out there. Restaurants in Quito offer every flavor, but you'll definitely want to sample the fresh seafood and fish. Order the potatoes, plantains and tropical fruits.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also better for the environment.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Quito, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Ecuador Food Tour for $69 details
- Quito historical, markets and street food tour for $120 details
- Authentic Andean Cooking Class in Quito for $85 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Quito
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Quito typically cost an average of $16 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$16
Quito is full of countless museums and cultural centers to immerse yourself in the local history and traditions. From gold works of art to galleries full of local art to re-enacted scenes of social history, Quito has enough museums to keep any traveler engaged for days.
Just outside of Quito is the spot where it was first discovered the world is round. The spot where the measurements were made are marked with a monument known as "Mitad del Mundi," or middle of the world.
At such a high elevation, you may already feel on top of the world, but the best view is from the top of the world's second-highest cable car. Travel up the 4,000 meters to see volcanoes and the entire city below.
For the more leisurely traveler, an afternoon wandering the old city is just the ticket. The mixture of colonial and independence era architecture is a gorgeous backdrop, and if you're there during Christmas or Easter you'll see a number of events and processions. Browse craft shops, cafes, and hotels for an afternoon of sightseeing,
If you're up for a bit more adventure, you may be interested in a mountain biking tour. There are several operations offering tours of volcanoes, lakes and valleys. Better yet, try some horseback riding. Local ranches have horses equipped for riders of all experience levels.
A nice way to explore destinations in Quito is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Middle of the World shuttle Tour for $14 details
- Looking for a Relax Day? Papallacta's Termal Springs Private Tour for $90 details
- Full Day Quito (City Tour + Middle of the World + Teleferico) for $80 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Quito, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
Nightlife Budget in Quito
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $17 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Quito per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$17
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Quito. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Ecuador Spirit Craft Brewery Tasting and Latitude 0 Private Tour for $130 details
- Half-day tour to high altitude vineyards and wine tasting for $45 details
Below are some common prices for alcohol and nightlife in Quito, based on actual traveler experiences. While these numbers offer an idea of what you might spend, your costs will vary depending on how often you drink and the amount you order. If you're aiming to save money, cutting back on alcohol is a great way to lower your travel expenses.
Travel cost data last updated: Mar 29, 2025
Traveling in Quito
La Ronda, Quito, Ecuador
Nestled between two mountain ranges lies the world's highest capital city, Quito, Ecuador. For history lovers, Quito is a very desirable destination as it's home to the Quito Historic Center – one of the largest and best-preserved historic centers in the Americas.
Even though Quito is full of people – in fact, it's the second most populous city in the country – very few of its inhabitants speak English. Luckily, however, the citizens of Quito tend to speak a slower and more clear Spanish than surrounding areas. This is the perfect place to practice what you read in your Intro to Spanish book.
Before visiting Quito, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, give yourself a few days to grow accustomed to the elevation. Staying 9,350 feet above sea level takes some getting used to. Second, don't be fooled into thinking that just because you're visiting a town on the equator that you'll need all your summer clothes. Because of the city's elevation, the area keeps a relatively cool climate year round.
Neighborhoods & Around
The city is divided into four sections. The south is a mostly working class area with most of the city's population. Thins in the south tend to be cheaper, and the main train and bus stations are located down there. The north is the "modern Quito." This is where the rich come to play. With high rises and boutiques, there is also a sophisticated culture complete with museums, art galleries and world-class restaurants. The Old City is Quito's main attraction. With the colonial and independence architecture of forty churches and seventeen plazas. It's the perfect area for wandering. The surrounding valleys make up the fourth district. They're good for a weekend getaway, and even better for experiencing the real Ecuadorian cuisine.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.