19-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Ecuador
Ecuador is a backpacker's paradise where your dollar stretches incredibly far. This 19-day odyssey takes you from the high-altitude colonial charm of Quito through the volcanic peaks of the Andes, down into the adventure hub of Baños, and finally to the cultural jewel of Cuenca and the coastal breeze of Guayaquil.
By sticking to local intercity buses, sleeping in highly-rated hostel dorms, and feasting on 'Almuerzo' (set lunch) specials found at local markets, you can experience the diversity of South America for as little as $15 a day. Embrace the 'slow travel' vibe and let the dramatic landscapes of the Equator take your breath away without breaking the bank.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Quito, Ecuador - Arrival & Historical Immersion
Arrival at UIO
Land at Mariscal Sucre Airport and skip the taxi; take the green public bus to the Rio Coca station for a fraction of the cost.
Hostel Check-in in Mariscal
Drop your bags at a budget-friendly hostel in the 'La Mariscal' district, the heart of the backpacker scene.
Free Walking Tour
Join a local-led walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town to get your bearings and see the Plaza de la Independencia.
Street Food Dinner
Head to the Parque de las Tripas (Vicente Rocafuerte) for famous and cheap grilled tripe or local empanadas.
Day 2: Quito, Ecuador - Heights and History
Telefériqo Quito
Take the cable car up the Pichincha Volcano. The views are free once you reach the top, and the hike further up is spectacular.
Basilica del Voto Nacional
Explore this neo-Gothic masterpiece. For a few dollars, you can climb the towers for the best skyline view of Quito.
Panecillo Hill Walk
Walk up (or take a cheap $1 bus) to the Virgin of Quito statue for a panoramic view of the north and south of the city.
La Ronda Stroll
Walk through the oldest street in Quito, enjoying the artisanal shops and free live street music.
Day 3: Quito, Ecuador - Standing on the Line
Mitad del Mundo Journey
Catch a local bus from the Ofelia station to the Middle of the World monument for less than a dollar.
Intiñan Solar Museum
Visit the interactive museum next door to the main monument for fun physics experiments on the actual equator line.
Pululahua Crater
Hike to the lookout of this inhabited volcanic crater, one of the few in the world where people live inside.
Central Market Dinner
Return to Quito and eat a 'Corvina' fish plate at the Mercado Central for a massive, cheap meal.
Day 4: Otavalo, Ecuador - The Great Market Day
Bus to Otavalo
Take a 2-hour bus from Carcelén Terminal. The ride through the mountains is beautiful and costs under $3.
Plaza de los Ponchos
Wander the most famous indigenous market in South America. Even if you don't buy, the colors and atmosphere are free.
Cascada de Peguche
Walk or take a 25-cent bus to this sacred waterfall and enjoy the surrounding eucalyptus forest.
Pie Shop Visit
Stop by 'Shenandoah Pie Shop' in the plaza for a famous slice of mora (blackberry) pie.
Day 5: Otavalo, Ecuador - Crater Lakes
Laguna Cuicocha Hike
Take a bus to Quiroga and then a cheap truck to the lake. The 5-hour loop trail around the rim is free and stunning.
Cotacachi Leather Village
Visit the nearby town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather goods and tranquil park.
Return to Otavalo
Catch the local commuter bus back to Otavalo to enjoy the evening market setup.
Street Food Almuerzo
Find a street stall selling 'Hornado' (roasted pig) for an authentic and filling $3 meal.
Day 6: Latacunga, Ecuador - The Volcano Gateway
Southbound Travel
Take a bus from Otavalo back to Quito, then transfer to the Quitumbe station for a bus to Latacunga.
Latacunga Orientation
Drop your gear at a base-camp hostel. Many allow you to store your big bags for free while you hike the loop.
Plaza de Armas
Explore the quiet streets and churches of Latacunga's colonial center.
Chugchucaras Dinner
Try the local specialty 'Chugchucaras', a hearty plate of pork, hominy, and plantains that fuels hikers.
Day 7: Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador - Giant of the Andes
Cotopaxi Day Trip
Shared transport from your hostel is the cheapest way to reach the Jose Rivas Refuge at 4,864m.
Refuge Hike
Hike from the parking lot to the refuge. The air is thin, but the view of the glacier is world-class.
Limpiopungo Lagoon
Walk around the lagoon at the base of the volcano to spot wild horses and Andean gulls.
Return to Latacunga
Rest up and organize your small pack for the upcoming 3-day Quilotoa Loop trek.
Day 8: Isinlivi, Ecuador - Quilotoa Loop Day 1
Bus to Sigchos
Take the early morning local bus from Latacunga to Sigchos, the starting point of the trek.
Trek to Isinlivi
Follow the trail markers through the Toachi Canyon. This 3-4 hour hike offers incredible rural scenery.
Hostel Relaxation
Check into a cozy hostel that includes dinner and breakfast in their nightly rate—best value for backpackers.
Communal Dinner
Enjoy a home-cooked meal with other hikers, sharing stories and trail tips.
Day 9: Chugchilán, Ecuador - Quilotoa Loop Day 2
Canyon Crossing
Descend into the canyon and climb back up toward Chugchilán. This is the hardest but most rewarding leg of the trek.
Picnic with a View
Eat your packed lunch (usually provided by your hostel) overlooking the winding river below.
Chugchilán Village
Arrive in this sleepy mountain village and explore the local cheese factory if time permits.
Wood-Fired Pizza
Many hostels here have wood-fired ovens. Enjoy a cheap, hot meal in the crisp mountain air.
Day 10: Quilotoa, Ecuador - The Emerald Crater
Final Ascent
Hike from Chugchilán to the rim of the Quilotoa Crater. The first sight of the turquoise water is unforgettable.
Crater Rim Walk
Walk a portion of the rim for different perspectives of the caldera before heading to the village.
Bus to Baños
Catch a bus from Quilotoa back to Latacunga, then immediately board a bus to the adventure capital, Baños.
Baños Arrival
Check into your hostel and enjoy the warmer, humid air of the subtropical cloud forest.
Day 11: Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador - Waterfalls & Hot Springs
Pailón del Diablo
Take a $0.50 local bus to the 'Devil’s Cauldron'—one of the most powerful waterfalls in South America.
Market Lunch
Eat at the Mercado Municipal in Baños. Try the 'Caldo de Gallina' for just $2.50.
Thermal Baths
Visit the Termas de la Virgen at the base of a waterfall. Entrance for locals and tourists is very affordable.
Melcocha Tasting
Watch artisans stretch 'Melcocha' (cane sugar taffy) in shop doorways and buy a piece for a few cents.
Day 12: Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador - The Waterfall Route
Ruta de las Cascadas
Rent a mountain bike for $5 for the day and ride downhill towards Puyo, passing dozen of waterfalls.
Tarabita Rides
Stop along the way to ride a 'Tarabita' (cable car) across the Pastaza River gorge for a few dollars.
Truck Ride Back
Don't bike back uphill! Catch a 'Camioneta' (truck) that ferries bikers and their bikes back to town for $2.
Hostel Rooftop Chill
Many Baños hostels have hammocks and social areas. Spend the evening swapping tips with other travelers.
Day 13: Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador - The Edge of the World
Casa del Arbol
Take the 'Swing at the End of the World'. The bus up the mountain is cheap, and the entry fee is only $1-2.
Hike Down
Instead of the bus, hike back down to Baños through the lush mountain trails for free.
Spa Treatment
Baños is famous for cheap massages. You can find a full-hour massage for under $20 if you look around.
Nightlife in 'Zona Rosa'
Enjoy a cheap 'Pilsener' beer at one of the local bars where travelers and locals mingle.
Day 14: Cuenca, Ecuador - Journey to the South
Long-Haul Bus
Prepare for a 7-hour scenic bus ride from Baños to Cuenca. Buy snacks at the station to save on road-stop food.
Cuenca Check-in
Arrive in Cuenca, known as the most beautiful city in Ecuador. Check into a historic center hostel.
River Walk
Walk along the Tomebamba River. It's a free, relaxing way to see the city's unique architecture.
Plaza de San Sebastian
Eat at a local 'Chifa' (Ecuadorian-Chinese fusion) for a massive portion at a low price.
Day 15: Cuenca, Ecuador - Colonial Charm
Flower Market
Visit the Plaza de las Flores, cited by many as one of the best outdoor flower markets in the world.
New Cathedral (Catedral de la Inmaculada)
Marvel at the giant blue domes. Entry to the main floor is free, and the view is spectacular.
Panama Hat Museum
Visit the Homero Ortega museum to see how the world-famous (and misnamed) hats are made for free.
Turi Lookout
Take a $1 bus to the Turi viewpoint for a sunset view over the entire valley of Cuenca.
Day 16: Cajas National Park, Ecuador - High Altitude Lakes
Cajas Public Bus
Take the bus from the main terminal towards Guayaquil and ask to be dropped at the Cajas ranger station.
Toreadora Loop
Register for free and hike the well-marked trails around the tundra-like landscape and mirror lakes.
Trout Lunch
Eat fresh trout at a roadside shack near the park entrance—affordable and locally sourced.
Return to Cuenca
Flag down any returning bus to get back to the city for a couple of dollars.
Day 17: Guayaquil, Ecuador - The Pearl of the Pacific
Bus to Guayaquil
Enjoy a 4-hour descent from the mountains to the coast. Watch the landscape change from paramo to banana plantations.
Malecón 2000
Walk the 2.5km riverside boardwalk. It's safe, clean, and completely free to explore.
Parque de las Iguanas
Visit the Parque Seminario where dozens of land iguanas roam free. A must-see free attraction.
Dinner at the Market
Try 'Encebollado' (tuna soup), the coastal hangover cure and favorite budget meal.
Day 18: Guayaquil, Ecuador - Colors of Las Peñas
Santa Ana Hill
Climb the 444 numbered steps to the lighthouse. Each step is a bit of history in the colorful Las Peñas neighborhood.
Artisan Stroll
Walk through the colonial-style streets of the lower Las Peñas area, home to many local artists.
La Bota
Visit this cultural area for free outdoor theater or live music performances in the evening.
Farewell Dinner
Find a local 'Picantería' for a final Ecuadorian feast of seafood rice.
Day 19: Guayaquil, Ecuador - Departure
Last Minute Souvenirs
Visit the Mercado de Transferencia for the cheapest coffee and chocolate to take home.
Metrovía to Airport
Use the Metrovía bus system to reach José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport for under $1.
Airport Check-in
Check in for your flight home, having completed the ultimate Ecuadorian loop.
Departure
Bid farewell to the land of volcanoes and vibrant cultures.
Best Time to Visit Ecuador
Ecuador can be visited year-round due to its location on the equator. However, for the Highlands (Quito, Cuenca, Cotopaxi), the dry season from June to September is ideal for hiking. In the Coast (Guayaquil), the rainy season from December to April is actually the warmest and sunniest time, though you should expect afternoon downpours.
Currency & Money
Ecuador uses the US Dollar ($) as its official currency. This makes it very easy for many travelers. Cash is king, especially in small denominations ($1, $5, $10). Most budget hostels and street stalls will not accept credit cards, and many will struggle to give change for a $20 bill. Tipping is not mandatory at budget eateries but rounding up a dollar for good service is appreciated.
Getting Around Ecuador
The most efficient way for budget travelers to get around is the extensive public bus network. 'Terminal Terrestre' (bus stations) in every city are well-organized. Expect to pay roughly $1 to $1.50 for every hour of travel. While a train system exists, it is currently limited to high-end tourist excursions and not a viable method for budget intercity transit. Within cities, local buses and the 'Metrovía' or 'Trole' cost around $0.35 per ride.
