Ecuador on a budget

Cheapest months to go

Peak is June, July, August, September, December, January. The weeks either side of that window usually carry most of the weather with much less of the price.

Getting around for less

Realistic options in Ecuador:

• Long-distance buses are cheap, frequent and reach almost everywhere on the mainland
• Domestic flights link Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca and the Galápagos
• Shared shuttles and private drivers are common on tourist routes like Quito–Baños–Cuenca
• Amazon lodges are reached by short flight to Coca or Lago Agrio plus motorised canoe
• In the Galápagos, movement is by inter-island ferry, day boat or live-aboard cruise

Where to base yourself

Fewer bases means fewer paid transfers. Quito, Galápagos Islands, Cuenca cover a lot between them.