Ecuador How Much Does Quito Cost? (2026)
From budget $25/day to luxury $140/day — full daily expense breakdown
Quito Travel Cost — Quick Answer
Updated Jun 2026Per person, per day, in USD — daily cost summary for Quito.
- Budget / day
- $25
- Mid-range / day
- $55
- Luxury / day
- $140
- Biggest expense
- Accommodation ($22/day)
- 7-day total (incl. flights, mid)
- $490
- Est. round-trip flight
- $500-1,200 from US (UIO direct from JFK/MIA on Latam/Avianca); $1,500-2,500 from Asia (UIO via LAX or Madrid)
As of 2026, a day in Quito costs about $25 on a budget, $55 mid-range, and $140 for luxury travel. Accommodation is the single largest cost, and a 7-day mid-range trip including flights totals around $490.
Quito can be done on a wide range of budgets. Hostels, local restaurants, and public transport keep daily costs around $25. A 3-star hotel with sit-down meals averages $55. Luxury travelers in 4-5 star hotels with fine dining should expect $140+ per day. Below: detailed breakdown by category, total budgets for 3/5/7-day trips, and local saving tips.
How much should you budget per day in Quito?
Per person, per day for Quito in three travel styles · 2026 figures.
- Accommodation$10
- Food$8
- Transport$3
- Activities$4
- Accommodation$22
- Food$15
- Transport$8
- Activities$10
- Accommodation$70
- Food$30
- Transport$12
- Activities$28
Quito is among cheapest South American capitals. Stay in Old Town for atmosphere or La Floresta for safer hipster. Cotopaxi day tour $80. Mitad del Mundo $40 day tour. Pre-book Galapagos cruise 6+ months ahead.
How much does each category cost in Quito?
Per person, per day in USD · 2026 figures.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10 | $22 | $70 |
| Food | $8 | $15 | $30 |
| Transport | $3 | $8 | $12 |
| Activities & Attractions | $4 | $10 | $28 |
| Daily Total | $25 | $55 | $140 |
How much does a 3, 5, or 7-day Quito trip cost?
Including round-trip flight estimate · per person · estimated flights: $500-1,200 from US (UIO direct from JFK/MIA on Latam/Avianca); $1,500-2,500 from Asia (UIO via LAX or Madrid)
* Flight prices vary widely by origin and booking timing. Numbers above are average return economy fares.
Is Quito expensive compared to other cities?
Mid-range daily cost compared to other popular destinations.
* Exchange rates as of April 2026. Mid-range daily cost per traveler.
Cash or card — how should you pay in Quito?
How to pay and what to know about money in Quito.
USD (Ecuador uses USD officially since 2000).
Universal at hotels + tourist restaurants. Cash for street food + small shops.
10% at sit-down restaurants.
Banco Pichincha + Banco Pacífico free with most foreign cards.
Recommended Tours & Activities
Booking tours in advance is typically 15-30% cheaper than walk-up rates.
Quito Hotel Search
Find rooms in your style — budget $10 to luxury $70+ per night.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a day in Quito cost?
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Why you can trust cost guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.