Quito, Ecuador
A UNESCO colonial old town at 9,000 feet, with the equator a short drive away.
Daily budget baseline: $50 USD. Andean history and equator novelty stops
How much does a trip to Quito cost?
A practical midrange budget for Quito is about $50 USD per traveler per day. For a 7-day trip for two people, ground costs land around $548 USD before long-haul flights—usually cheapest in October and November.
- Daily budget baseline: $50 USD / traveler
- 7 days for 2 people: ~$548 USD ground costs (2nd traveler ≈ 62% of daily rate, shared room)
- Usually cheapest: October and November
- Busiest months: January, February, and March
Sample food prices
- Locro de papa — avg $4.00 USD
- Fritada — avg $7.00 USD
- Empanada de viento — avg $1.50 USD
- Ceviche ecuatoriano — avg $8.00 USD
Ground-cost planning assumptions dated July 2026. Use the calculator to personalize origin, dates, and group size. See how group size affects cost.
When is the best time to visit Quito?
Travelers chasing value often prefer October and November, but the sweet spot for conditions is typically June, July, August, and December. Expect denser crowds in January, February, and March.
What are the top things to do in Quito?
- Quito Old Town — Best-preserved colonial center in Latin America.
- Basílica del Voto Nacional — Neo-Gothic basilica with tower climbs.
- TelefériQo — Cable car up the slopes of Pichincha volcano.
- Mitad del Mundo — Monument marking the equatorial line.
- Plaza Grande — Central square ringed by the presidential palace.
What's the food and dining like in Quito?
Must-try food in Quito usually includes Locro de papa, Fritada, Empanada de viento. Typical plates below help you budget meals before you go.
- Locro de papa — Creamy potato-and-cheese soup with avocado. (avg $4.00)
- Fritada — Fried pork served with hominy and plantain. (avg $7.00)
- Empanada de viento — Cheese-filled fried pastry dusted with sugar. (avg $1.50)
- Ceviche ecuatoriano — Citrus-marinated seafood, served with popcorn. (avg $8.00)