Traveling to quito is an exciting goal for many people around the world. Whether you’re drawn to quito’s historical landmarks, vibrant streets, cultural gems, or food scene, there’s something in quito for everyone. But just like many popular destinations, quito can get expensive—fast.
That’s why this comprehensive guide is here to show you how to explore quito on a budget without compromising the quality of your experience. With a bit of planning and some local savvy, you can enjoy the best of quito without emptying your wallet.
1. ✈️ Budgeting for Flights to quito
Your journey to quito usually starts with booking a flight. Depending on where you’re coming from, this can be the biggest upfront expense of your trip to quito.
How to Find Cheap Flights to quito:
- Book Early: Generally, booking your flight to quito 6–8 weeks in advance (for domestic travel) or 2–4 months ahead (for international trips) gives you the best chance of scoring a deal.
- Use Price Trackers: Tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Hopper allow you to monitor flight prices to quito and book at the right time.
- Fly on Cheaper Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often offer the cheapest routes to quito.
- Consider Alternate Airports: If quito is served by multiple airports, compare prices to find the most budget-friendly option.
- Be Flexible: Flexibility with your travel dates and airports near quito can reduce your costs significantly.
Estimated Budget:
- Domestic Flights to quito: $100–$350
- International Flights to quito: $400–$900
2. Affordable Accommodation in quito
Lodging in quito ranges from luxury hotels to local hostels, boutique stays, and homestays. Your goal is to find a clean, comfortable, and safe space in quito that fits your budget.
Where to Stay in quito on a Budget:
- Hostels: Great for solo travelers and groups visiting quito on a tight budget. Many hostels offer free breakfast, shared kitchens, and group tours of quito.
- Budget Hotels: Smaller hotels in quito may offer big savings, especially if located just outside the city center.
- Short-Term Rentals: Apps like Airbnb offer rooms or apartments in quito at competitive rates.
- Guesthouses: These are common in many cities and offer a cozy, often family-run alternative in quito.
Pro Tip: Choose accommodation in quito close to public transportation. This saves both time and money getting around.
Estimated Budget:
- Hostels in quito: $20–$80/night
- Budget Hotels in quito: $50–$150/night
- Airbnb/Guesthouse in quito: $30–$100/night
3. Getting Around quito on a Budget
Once you’re in quito, transportation can eat into your daily budget—or be incredibly affordable depending on your choices.
Best Transport Options in quito:
- Public Transportation: Most large cities like quito have reliable buses, subways, or trams.
- Daily or Weekly Transit Passes: If you’re staying in quito for more than 2–3 days, a transit pass usually saves money.
- Walking: Exploring quito on foot is not only budget-friendly, but also the best way to soak in local life.
- Bike Rentals: In some areas of quito, public bike systems are inexpensive and eco-friendly.
Avoid rental cars in quito unless you’re planning to visit rural or outlying areas—parking in central quito is often expensive.
Estimated Budget:
- Public Transport Pass quito: $5–$15/day
- Bike Rentals in quito: $5–$12/day
4. ️ Eating Cheap and Well in quito
Tasting the local food is one of the highlights of any trip to quito—and the good news is, you don’t have to spend a lot to eat well in quito.
Where and What to Eat in quito on a Budget:
- Street Food: Whether it’s food trucks or local market stalls, quito is likely to have affordable and delicious street food options.
- Ethnic Neighborhoods: Often, the most flavorful and authentic meals in quito are found in immigrant-run eateries and food stands.
- Supermarkets & Bakeries: Buy snacks or picnic-style meals in quito and eat in a public park.
- Lunch Specials: Many restaurants in quito offer affordable set menus during lunch.
Pro Tip: Avoid tourist traps around landmarks in quito—the food is often overpriced and underwhelming.
Estimated Daily Food Budget in quito:
- Budget: $20–$35
- Mid-range: $35–$60
- Splurge meal in quito: $40–$100
5. ️ Sightseeing and Attractions in quito for Less
Even if you’re traveling to quito on a tight budget, you can still enjoy many of its world-famous attractions.
Free and Affordable Things to Do in quito:
- Parks and Green Spaces: Almost every city has a public park where you can relax, people-watch, or picnic.
- Museums with Free Entry: Many museums in quito offer free admission on specific days or hours.
- Cultural Landmarks: Walking tours, historical buildings, and public squares in quito are usually free.
- Free Events: Look for local events, concerts, and festivals taking place during your visit to quito.
Budget Tours and Experiences:
- Consider tip-based or “pay-what-you-want” tours in quito.
- Some cities offer all-inclusive passes (e.g., city cards) to major attractions in quito for a discounted rate.
Estimated Budget for Attractions in quito:
- Free to $10/day (for low-cost experiences)
- $30–$50/day if including premium attractions
6. ️ Smart Souvenir Shopping in quito
It’s tempting to shop when visiting quito, but souvenirs don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful.
Souvenir Tips in quito:
- Visit Local Markets: These offer handmade, affordable souvenirs unique to quito.
- Buy Local Snacks or Spices: Small and inexpensive gifts from quito that travel well.
- Avoid Airport Shops: Prices in quito’s airports are usually much higher.
Estimated Souvenir Budget in quito: $10–$40
7. Sample 5-Day Budget for quito
| Category | Estimated Cost |
| Flights to quito | $150–$900 |
| Accommodation in quito | $250–$600 |
| Transport in quito | $25–$50 |
| Food & Drinks in quito | $100–$250 |
| Attractions in quito | $30–$100 |
| Souvenirs in quito | $20–$40 |
| Total | $575–$1,940 |
This flexible range reflects different travel styles—from ultra-budget to moderate comfort—while keeping your experience in quito affordable.
8. Final Budget Travel Tips for Visiting quito
- Travel off-season: You’ll find cheaper flights, lower hotel rates, and fewer crowds in quito.
- Use a travel budgeting app: Tools like TravelSpend or Trail Wallet help you track daily spending in quito.
- Ask locals for tips: Residents of quito can often direct you to hidden gems or affordable restaurants.
- Carry a reusable water bottle: Many cities like quito have drinkable tap water—save money and the planet.
- Learn basic local phrases: This helps you haggle at markets or understand menus in quito.
Conclusion: Enjoying quito on a Budget
Visiting quito doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. By following the strategies in this guide, you can experience the heart of quito—its culture, cuisine, neighborhoods, and people—without sacrificing quality or comfort.
With thoughtful planning, local exploration, and some budgeting wisdom, quito can offer you a rich and rewarding experience, even on a modest budget.
So wherever your wanderlust takes you, know this: quito is waiting—and you don’t need a fortune to discover it.