Quito on a budget: how to do it well
Short answer
Yes, Quito is excellent on a budget. Allow about US$38 a day per person for a hostel, almuerzo lunches, one paid sight and public transport.
A realistic daily budget
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$15 | US$45 | US$120 |
| Food & drink | US$12 | US$30 | US$65 |
| Sights & tickets | US$8 | US$20 | US$50 |
| Local transport | US$3 | US$10 | US$30 |
| Per person, per day | US$38 | US$105 | US$265 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Quito day-cost table.
Free things to do
- Plaza Grande and the Old Town's colonial streets
- Plaza de San Francisco and its church exterior
- Parque La Carolina and Parque El Ejido
- La Ronda street, with its colonial houses and cafés
- The Saturday Otavalo market (bus fare only)
- Viewpoints in Itchimbía Park
Cheap eats
- Almuerzo set lunch: about $3–5
- Empanadas de viento: $2–3
- Locro de papa (potato soup): about $3–5
- Hornado (roast pork) at a market: about $4–6
- Fresh fruit juice: about $1–2
Where to sleep for less
Budget travellers stay in hostels in the Old Town and La Floresta, with dorm beds roughly $10–18.
Getting around cheaply
Use the Metro, Trolebús and Ecovía for about $0.45 a ride. From Mariscal Sucre airport, buses to the Río Coca terminal are cheaper than a taxi (about $25–35).
A sample budget day
- Morning: Old Town walk, Plaza Grande and La Compañía ($6)
- Lunch: almuerzo, about $4
- Afternoon: Basílica del Voto Nacional towers ($2–4) and La Ronda (free)
- Evening: empanadas and canelazo, about $3
- Total: about $38 including a hostel bed
More ways to save
- Plan the TelefériQo for a clear morning to get the best views for your money.
- Take public buses to Mitad del Mundo and Otavalo.
- Buy fruit and snacks at the Mercado Central.
- Choose hostels with kitchens and free breakfast.
- Join a free walking tour (tip-based) of the Old Town.
- Avoid tourist-menu restaurants near Plaza Grande; walk a block or two away.
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Common questions
How much do I need per day?
About $38 per person: $15 for a bed, $12 for food, $8 for sights and $3 for transport.
What is the cheapest way to eat?
The set almuerzo lunch, soup, main and juice for about $3–5.
How do I get from the airport cheaply?
Take the airport bus to the Río Coca terminal; taxis cost about $25–35.