Mid-Range Travel Guide: Ecuador

Accommodation

$35-80 per night

Private rooms in mid-range hotels, boutique guesthouses, eco-lodges with private bathrooms

Food & Dining

$25-50 per day

Mix of local restaurants and tourist-oriented establishments, occasional fine dining, hotel breakfasts

Transportation

$15-35 per day

Mix of public transport and private taxis, occasional domestic flights, tourist shuttles

Activities

$30-75 per day

Guided tours, national park entries, cultural attractions, adventure activities, cooking classes

Eat almuerzo (set lunch menus) at local restaurants instead of tourist areas - typically 60-70% cheaper than dinner portions

Use public buses for intercity travel instead of tourist shuttles - usually 70-80% less expensive

Stay in smaller towns and day-trip to major attractions rather than staying in tourist centers - accommodation typically 40-60% cheaper

Buy snacks and water at local tiendas rather than tourist shops - generally 50-80% savings on basic items

Join group tours instead of private tours - typically 60-75% cost reduction per person

Travel during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) for 25-40% savings on accommodation

Use local markets for breakfast and lunch ingredients if staying somewhere with kitchen facilities - can reduce food costs by 70-80%

Only eating in tourist zones like Mariscal in Quito or near the main plazas - typically costs 100-200% more than local neighborhoods

Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning the bus system - can cost 300-500% more for daily transportation

Booking Galapagos tours last-minute instead of advance planning - often 40-80% more expensive than early bookings

Staying only in major cities without exploring smaller towns - missing significant accommodation and food savings of 30-60%