6-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Ecuador
Ecuador is a backpacker's paradise where your dollars (the official currency) stretch incredibly far if you stick to the 'Sierra' route. This 6-day itinerary focuses on the high-altitude heart of the country, moving from the historic colonial streets of Quito to the emerald crater of Quilotoa and the waterfall-drenched valley of Baños.
By utilizing the extensive network of public buses—known affectionately as 'chicken buses'—and eating at local markets, you can experience the best of the Andes for roughly $15 USD per day. Expect cozy hostel dorms, stunning volcanic vistas, and the best street-side empanadas you've ever tasted.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Quito, Ecuador - Colonial History & Markets
Plaza Grande Exploration
Start in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Wander through the Independence Square to see the Carondelet Palace and the Cathedral. Entry to the square is free and perfect for people-watching.
Mercado Central Lunch
Head to the local market for an 'Almuerzo Completo.' For about $2.50, you'll get soup, a main dish (usually rice, beans, and meat), and a fresh juice juice.
Basilica del Voto Nacional
While the interior is beautiful, the real draw is climbing the towers for just $2. It offers the best panoramic view of the Panecillo hill and the sprawling city below.
Evening at La Ronda
Walk down this historic cobblestone street. While dinner at the restaurants can be pricey, the atmosphere is free, and you can grab a 'Canelazo' (hot spiced cinnamon drink) from a street vendor for $1.
Day 2: Quito, Ecuador - Volcano Views & The Equator
TelefériQO Hike
Take a taxi or local bus to the base of the cable car. To save money, enjoy the views from the base or pay for the ride up to 3,900m and hike toward Pichincha Volcano for free.
Bus to Mitad del Mundo
Catch the 'Ofelia' bus from the city center for 40 cents. Skip the expensive official monument and visit the Intiñan Site Museum nearby for a cheaper, more interactive experience of the equator line.
Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve
Located just minutes from the Equator, this is one of the only inhabited volcanic craters in the world. The viewpoint (mirador) is free and offers spectacular cloud forest views.
Street Food in La Mariscal
Head to the 'Gringolandia' district but stick to the street stalls. Look for 'Tripa Mishqui' (grilled tripe) or 'Morocho' (sweet corn drink) for a filling meal under $3.
Day 3: Latacunga, Ecuador - The Gateway to Quilotoa
Bus to Latacunga
Head to Quitumbe Bus Terminal and catch a south-bound bus ($2.50). The 2-hour journey offers great views of 'Volcano Avenue,' including the snow-capped Cotopaxi on a clear day.
Quilotoa Crater Descent
Take a local bus from Latacunga to the village of Quilotoa. The entrance to the crater is free. Hike down to the emerald-green lake; the walk back up is steep but rewarding.
Explore Quilotoa Village
Walk around the rim for different photographic angles of the lagoon. Browse the local wool markets where prices are often lower than in the bigger cities.
Hostel Dinner
Most hostels in this high-altitude region include a basic communal dinner and breakfast in their $10-$12 nightly rate. Enjoy a warm soup and meet fellow hikers.
Day 4: Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador - Adventure Capital
Transfer to Baños
Take the bus from Latacunga to Baños ($3.00). You will drop in altitude as you enter the lush, tropical valley that serves as the gateway to the Amazon.
Pailon del Diablo
Take a local blue bus (25 cents) to Rio Verde. Pay the $2 entry fee to witness one of the world's most powerful waterfalls. Be prepared to get soaked!
Casa del Arbol
Take the $1 bus up the mountain to the 'Swing at the End of the World.' For a $1 entrance fee, you can swing over the edge of a cliff with Tungurahua Volcano in the background.
Termas de la Virgen
Join the locals at the public hot springs at the foot of a waterfall. For $3, it's the most authentic and cheapest way to relax your muscles after a day of hiking.
Day 5: Baños, Ecuador - Ruta de las Cascadas
Cycling the Waterfall Route
Rent a bike for $5 and ride the 18km downhill route toward Puyo. You'll pass dozens of waterfalls. You can take a truck back to town for $2 so you don't have to cycle uphill.
Manto de la Novia
Stop at this massive waterfall along the route. For $2, you can take a 'tarabita' (cable car) across the canyon for a thrilling perspective of the falls.
Local Taffy Tasting
Watch 'Melcocha' (sugar cane taffy) being beaten against wooden pegs in shop doorways. Samples are usually free, and a pack costs only $1.
Baños Market Dinner
The central market serves incredible 'Llapingachos' (potato patties with peanut sauce and chorizo) for $3.00. It's the ultimate budget comfort food.
Day 6: Quito, Ecuador - Last Bites & Views
Morning Bus to Quito
Board the return bus to Quito Quitumbe station ($4.50). Use the trolleybus (35 cents) to head back toward the historic center or the Mariscal area.
Itchimbia Park
Walk up to this hilltop park (free) for one final look at the city. The glass palace and the giant 'QUITO' sign are great for final photos.
Mariscal Artisanal Market
Finish your trip at the Mercado de Artesanías La Mariscal. It's the best place to find cheap souvenirs like alpaca blankets or chocolate without the high prices of hotel gift shops.
Farewell Almuerzo
Find a local 'Chifa' (Ecuadorian-Chinese fusion) for a massive, cheap portion of Chaulafan (fried rice) to end your journey.
Best Time to Visit Ecuador
Ecuador can be visited year-round due to its equatorial location, but for this Andean route, the best time is the dry season from June to September. During these months, you'll have the clearest skies for viewing volcanoes like Cotopaxi and Tungurahua. The 'wet' season from October to May usually involves sunny mornings and heavy afternoon showers, which can still work for budget travelers who plan their activities for early in the day.
Currency & Money
Ecuador uses the United States Dollar (USD) as its official currency. Cash is king, especially for budget travelers. Small denominations ($1, $5, $10) are essential, as many local vendors and bus drivers will not have change for a $20 bill. Tipping is not mandatory at small eateries (comedores) or for street food, though rounding up the bill at sit-down restaurants is appreciated. ATMs are widely available in cities, but always carry enough cash when heading to smaller villages like Quilotoa.
Getting Around Ecuador
Public buses are the lifeblood of Ecuadorian travel and are incredibly affordable, generally costing around $1.00 to $1.50 per hour of travel. In Quito, the 'Trole' and 'Metrobús' systems are efficient and cost only 35 cents per ride. While there are no regular passenger trains for long-distance travel, the bus network covers every corner of the country. For safety, always keep your bags inside the bus cabin (on your lap) rather than in the overhead bins.
