How Much Does Quito Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Quito offers high-altitude adventure and colonial grandeur without the high price tags of neighboring South American capitals. Daily budgets in the city are quite flexible, ranging from $35 for those staying in hostels to $648 for luxury travelers enjoying heritage estates. While the UNESCO-listed Historic Center is remarkably affordable, costs rise when organizing specialized mountain expeditions or traveling to the cloud forests. Most city attractions, such as the famous 'Gold Church,' are priced for accessibility, making it an excellent hub for value-conscious explorers. Overall, the city serves as a cost-effective gateway to the Andes for those who prioritize nature and history over modern extravagance.
Is Quito expensive to visit?
Quito is a budget-friendly destination with daily costs typically ranging from $35 to $648 depending on your accommodation and dining choices.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Quito
$35
per person /day
$159
per person /day
$648
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $105 | $478 | $1,943 |
| 5-Day Trip | $174 | $797 | $3,239 |
| 7-Day Trip | $244 | $1,116 | $4,535 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% buffer to cover the 22% combined tax and service charge often excluded from mid-range restaurant menus. Additionally, set aside roughly $4.48 per ATM transaction to account for local bank fees that may apply to international withdrawals.
How Does It Compare?
See how Quito stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Quito
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Menu del Dia (Local Budget Lunch) In local markets (Mercado Central), you can find full lunches for ~$3.48. | $3.48 |
| Mid-range Dinner for one (inc. drink) Based on per-person cost with a drink and service charge. ~$25. | $25 |
| Artisanal Coffee in La Floresta Ecuador produces world-class beans. ~$3.48. | $3.48 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Metro de Quito Single Trip The new subway system. Fast and safe between Old and New Town. ~$0.45. | $0.45 |
| Official Airport Taxi (Flat Rate) Safe, regulated option. Rates are higher (~$30) at night. | $25 |
| Public Airport Bus (to Rio Coca Terminal) Cheapest but slowest option. Requires local transfer from terminal to hotel. ~$1.99. | $1.99 |
| App-based Ride (Uber/Cabify) Short Trip Generally safer and more reliable than hailing yellow taxis on the street. ~$3.48. | $3.48 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed in a highly-rated hostel (Old Town) Popular social hostel. Includes access to a rooftop terrace with views. ~$15. | $15 |
| Mid-range Boutique Hotel room (Historic Center) Renovated historic house. Prices often exclude 22% in taxes and service. ~$88. | $88 |
| Luxury Hotel Room (Casa Gangotena) Quito's premier luxury hotel. Includes afternoon tea service. ~$419. | $419 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| La Compañía de Jesús Church Entry The 'Gold Church'. No photos allowed inside. ~$4.98. | $4.98 |
| TelefériQo Cable Car (International Adult) Rides up to 4,050 meters. Bring a jacket; it is much colder at the top. ~$8.97. | $8.97 |
| Basílica del Voto Nacional Towers Steep stairs and ladders, but the best view in the city. ~$3.99. | $3.99 |
| Mitad del Mundo Monument (Full Pass) Includes the monument and the various pavilions. ~$4.98. | $4.98 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Local SIM Card + 10GB Data (Claro) Best coverage in rural areas. ~$15. | $15 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Quito revolves around the 'Menu del Dia,' a multi-course lunch found in local markets like Mercado Central for just $3.48. While street food and market stalls are staples for budget travelers, the neighborhood of La Floresta offers mid-range dining experiences for approximately $25 including a drink. High-quality artisanal coffee, grown in the surrounding mountains, is widely available for around $3.48 per cup.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Mercado Central
$2.99–$5.98Old Town · Street market
Try the 'Corvina' (sea bass) fried fish. It is a legendary Quito lunch for ~$4.98.
Heladeria San Agustin
$4.48–$12Old Town · Local chain
Famous for traditional fruit ice cream and 'Colaciones' sweets since 1858. ~$4.48 for a snack.
Las Tripas de la Vicentina
$2.5–$4.98La Vicentina · Street food area
The ultimate local experience; grilled chitterlings served in a public park. ~$2.5.
Los Cebiches de la Rumiñahui
$7.97–$15Multiple · Local chain
Reliable, clean chain for trying Ecuadorian ceviche (served with popcorn and plantain chips). ~$9.46.
Café Águila de Oro
$1.99–$4.98Old Town · Bakery
Historic spot for coffee and 'humitas' (steamed corn cakes). Great for a quick breakfast. ~$1.99.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
The most efficient way to navigate the city's long, narrow geography is the Metro de Quito, which costs just $0.45 per trip and avoids the heavy surface traffic. For reaching the outskirts or the airport, public buses are the cheapest option at $1.99, though app-based rides are safer and more convenient for short trips at roughly $3.48. Official taxis from the airport are regulated at a flat rate of $25 during the day, providing a secure transit option for those with heavy gear.
Accommodation Overview
Hostels in the Old Town provide exceptional value with dorm beds around $15, often featuring rooftop terraces with volcanic views. Mid-range travelers can find boutique hotels in restored colonial mansions for roughly $88, while the premier luxury experience at Casa Gangotena averages $419 per night. Staying in the Historic Center offers the best balance of cultural immersion and proximity to major landmarks.
Accommodation Budget in Quito
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Eat at Mercado Central or Mercado Santa Clara to find a full 'almuerzo' lunch for only $3.48.
- 2 Use the Metro de Quito for $0.45 to travel between the Historic Center and the northern business district quickly.
- 3 Avoid airport taxis by taking the public bus to Rio Coca Terminal for $1.99, then transferring to the metro.
- 4 Visit the Basílica del Voto Nacional for $3.99 to get the best panoramic views of the city without paying for expensive rooftop bars.
- 5 Carry a reusable water bottle and fill it at hostels; Quito's high altitude requires constant hydration which can get expensive if buying bottled water.
- 6 Book a local SIM card from Claro for $15 to use ride-hailing apps like Cabify, which are often cheaper than street taxis for short $3.48 trips.
- 7 Withdraw cash from Banco del Austro ATMs to avoid the higher $4.48 fees charged by other local banks like Banco Pichincha.
- 8 Explore the 'Calle de la Ronda' in the evening for free atmosphere and window shopping rather than expensive tourist districts.
- 9 Pack warm layers from home to avoid buying overpriced emergency clothing at the 4,050-meter summit of the TelefériQo.
- 10 Purchase groceries at Supermaxi or Akí if staying in a hostel to prepare your own breakfast and snacks for hikes.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec
+25-30%
Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
-15-20%
Sep, Jan
Quito has an 'eternal spring' climate. June–August is driest for hiking. Dec–Jan offers festive atmosphere but higher prices. ~$12–$24/night difference in boutique hotels.
Events to Watch
- ● Semana Santa (Easter week): +40% for lodging in Old Town
- ● Fiestas de Quito (Early Dec): +30% for central hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Parque La Carolina: A massive urban park perfect for people-watching and local sports.
- 2 Changing of the Guard: Every Monday at 11:00 in front of the Carondelet Palace in Plaza Grande.
- 3 Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua: Extensive hiking trails with views of the Cotopaxi and Cayambe volcanoes.
- 4 Itchimbía Park: Offers some of the best sunset views over the Old Town from its grassy slopes.
- 5 Guápulo Viewpoint: A scenic overlook featuring a beautiful church and a bohemian neighborhood vibe.
- 6 Walking the La Floresta Street Art: A self-guided tour of the neighborhood's vibrant murals and galleries.
- 7 San Roque Market: A bustling local market where you can observe traditional commerce and herbal medicine stalls.
- 8 Hiking to Rucu Pichincha: While the cable car costs $8.97, the actual 3-4 hour hike from the summit station is free.
- 9 The Cultural Center of the Pontificia Universidad Católica: Often hosts free art and historical exhibitions.
- 10 El Panecillo: Walking the hill is free, providing an up-close look at the winged Virgin Mary statue (taxi recommended for safety).
- 11 Plaza de San Francisco: A historic square perfect for observing colonial architecture and local life at no cost.
- 12 Centro Cultural Metropolitano: Offers free entry to various rotating art exhibits and its historic library.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Gourmet Tasting Menu at Urko
One of Latin America's top restaurants, focusing on hyper-local Andean ingredients. ~$85.
Full-day Private Tour to Cotopaxi National Park
Avoid the crowds and reach higher altitudes with a professional mountain guide and door-to-door transport. ~$159.
Staying at a Treehouse with Jacuzzi in Mindo
Sleep in the cloud forest canopy with luxury amenities and birdwatching from your balcony. ~$130.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Quito
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Quito and what they cost
Cotopaxi National Park
$15 by bus / guided van
Free
$65
Otavalo Indigenous Market
$7.97 by public bus
Free
$45
Mindo Cloud Forest
$12 by bus
$4.98
$60
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
US Dollar (USD)
Yes
Widely accepted in malls, hotels, and upscale restaurants; cash is essential for street food, markets, and taxis.
Restaurants add 10% (servicios) to the bill. Extra tips are not required but leaving ~$1.18–$2.35 is appreciated. Tip taxi drivers by rounding up ~$0.59.
Always use ATMs located inside banks or malls. Banco Pichincha and Banco del Austro are most common. Avoid street ATMs after dark.
Expected in Otavalo Market and for street crafts in Quito. Never bargain in supermarkets, pharmacies, or restaurants. A ~15-20% discount is typical in markets.
Connectivity
eSIM: $14–$29 for 5GB–10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $14–$18 at the airport for a traveler pack.
WiFi: Excellent in most cafés (especially in La Mariscal and Old Town) and mid-range hotels.
Buy a local Claro SIM at a 'tienda' in the city for the best price, or use Airalo eSIM for immediate arrival data.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Quito.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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