What budget for activities and outings Ecuador?

Ecuador is not an expensive destination if you live like a local:almuerzos (daily menu) for around US$3.50 everywhere, cabs for US$1 or 2 in the city center.

Discounts are available on many public services (museums, transport, etc.) up to age 12 and from age 60.

For your visits and tours, don't hesitate to check the operators' websites, which often offer great last-minute promotions.

If you're a jogger, Quito's parks and gardens are the perfect place to indulge in your favorite sport! If you prefer mountain hiking, the Quilotoa loop is also a must. Expect to pay around US$500 for a 4-day trek in the foothills of Chimborazo and around US$400 to discover the Altar and its high-altitude lakes in 2 or 3 days.

And if you like swimming, there's no need for a pool in most parts of the country. The beaches of the Pacific are immense, the lagoons in Amazonia with their very fresh water are very pleasant and the thermal springs all over the Andes replace them advantageously and free of charge. Many municipal spas, such as the one in Papallacta, welcome you for a modest entrance fee of around US$10 for the day, but always check beforehand, as some thermal establishments can be prohibitively expensive.

Shopping in Ecuador is not a great bargain, as import taxes are high. You're likely to find pretty, typical clothing at low prices in the markets. Cigarettes are also much cheaper than in Europe. The best bargain: a real Panama super fino hat for US$150 - they're worth a fortune in Europe!

In the markets, while it's nice to get a small discount on souvenirs, too much haggling would be inappropriate.

Expect to pay around US$10 for entry to a nightclub. Drinks are around US$5-10 a glass.

What budget to eat Ecuador?

A daily menu with drinks usually costs around US$3.50 in small local restaurants. Plan for a European budget if you're going to lunch or dinner in a specialty restaurant. All restaurants offer take-away service for excess food. If you wish to bring your own bottle of wine, you'll usually only be asked to pay a small corkage fee.

Expect to pay between US$1 and US$2 for a coffee, US$3 for a beer in a bar and between US$6 and US$12 for a cocktail. Wine is quite expensive, and it's hard to find a bottle for less than US$20 in a bar or restaurant.

What is the budget for accommodation Ecuador?

Expect to pay around €50 per night for a double room in mid-range hotels. Depending on the town, you'll find small structures where you can spend the night for around twenty dollars for two people, with breakfast often included. In the Galapagos, the situation is different, with prices around 50% higher than in the continent's major cities. It's hard to find decent accommodation there for less than €50 for a double room.

Travel budget Ecuador and cost of living

Dollarization (which dates back to March 2000) has caused an increase in the cost of living in Ecuador, but the destination is still fairly inexpensive. The budget ideas below are per day and per person, and take into account meals, accommodation and transport.

Plane ticket: between €800 and €1,500 depending on the season.

Low budget: 25 to 40 US$ per day (night in dormitory, eating out, public transport, unpaid excursions).

Medium budget: 50 to 70 US$ per day (night in private room, good and inexpensive restaurant, outings, cafés, museums, inexpensive excursions).

Big budget: from US$100 per day (overnight stay in a luxury or boutique hotel, good restaurants, cabs and outings to cafés, bars and excursions (up to US$150 for some full-day excursions: volcanoes, diving, etc.).

Haggling. Haggling is a common practice in craft markets and small stores for tourists. While it's nice to get a small discount on souvenirs, too much haggling would be inappropriate.

Lodges : Whether in the Galapagos or the Amazon, expect to pay a minimum of €250 per person full board for a night in a top-of-the-range lodge.