20-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Ecuador
Ecuador is a backpacker's paradise where the US dollar goes incredibly far if you stick to local habits. This 20-day itinerary is designed for the 'ultra-lean' traveler, prioritizing $2.50 'almuerzos' (fixed-price lunches), public bus transport that costs roughly $1 per hour of travel, and free entry national parks.
From the colonial heart of Quito to the volcanic craters of the Andes and the cultural soul of Cuenca, you will traverse the spine of the continent. By staying in shared dorms and utilizing the extensive network of 'terminal terrestres', you can experience the diversity of South America without breaking the bank.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Quito, Ecuador - Arrival & Old Town Basics
Check into Quito Old Town
Arrive at Mariscal Sucre Airport and take the 'Aeroservicios' bus or a local green bus to the city center. Check into a budget hostel near Plaza de la Independencia.
Walking Tour of Centro Histórico
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site on foot. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and enjoy the colonial architecture for free.
Street Food Dinner at Plaza del Teatro
Grab a $2 'tripa mishqui' (grilled tripe) or a 'morocho' drink from local street vendors for a truly authentic and cheap meal.
Hostel Social Hour
Meet fellow travelers in the common room to swap tips on the upcoming Quilotoa Loop.
Day 2: Quito, Ecuador - Heights and Panoramas
Hike up El Panecillo
Avoid the taxi and walk up the stairs to the Virgin of Quito statue for a 360-degree view of the sprawling city.
Mercado Central Lunch
Head to the food stalls for a massive plate of 'Hornado' (roasted pig) for under $4.
Basilica del Voto Nacional
Admire the neo-Gothic architecture. While there is a small fee to climb the towers ($2), viewing the gargoyles (iguanas and tortoises) from the street is free.
La Mariscal Night Walk
Walk through the 'Gringolandia' district to see the nightlife, but stick to happy hour deals if you want a cheap beer.
Day 3: Quito, Ecuador - The Middle of the World
Public Bus to Mitad del Mundo
Take the 'Metrobus' north to the Ofelia station, then transfer to the Mitad del Mundo bus. Total cost is less than $1.
Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve
Skip the expensive monument and hike down into the crater of this extinct volcano nearby; entry is free.
TelefériQo Base Station
Walk around the base of the cable car for views, or if budget allows, take the ride up for spectacular Andean vistas.
Grocery Run for Tomorrow
Visit a Supermaxi supermarket to buy snacks and water for the bus journey north.
Day 4: Otavalo, Ecuador - Market Culture
Bus to Otavalo
Head to Terminal Carcelén in Quito and catch a $2.50 bus to the famous market town of Otavalo (2 hours).
Plaza de Ponchos
Browse the largest indigenous market in South America. Browsing is free, and the colors are a photographer’s dream.
Almuerzo at the Food Market
Find the '28 de Mayo' market for a set lunch including soup, juice, and a main for $2.50.
Peguche Waterfall Hike
A gentle 45-minute walk from town leads to these sacred falls. Entrance is free, though a small donation is often requested.
Day 5: Otavalo, Ecuador - Crater Lakes
Local Bus to Quiroga
Take a small local bus to the village of Quiroga, then a shared truck (camioneta) to Laguna Cuicocha.
Hiking the Cuicocha Rim
The 5-hour hike around this volcanic crater lake is completely free and offers stunning views of Cotacachi Volcano.
Cotacachi Leather Village
Stop by this nearby town on your way back to Otavalo to see high-quality local craftsmanship.
Evening Street Corn
Grab 'choclo con queso' (corn with cheese) from a street cart for a $1 dinner.
Day 6: Latacunga, Ecuador - Transit to the Loop
Bus South to Latacunga
Take a bus back through Quito to Latacunga (approx. 4 hours, $5 total). This is the gateway to the Quilotoa Loop.
Hostel Luggage Storage
Check into a hostel and arrange to leave your main backpack there while you do the loop with a smaller daypack.
Explore Latacunga Center
Visit the quiet municipal park and the local cathedral while preparing for high-altitude trekking.
Chugchucaras Dinner
Try the local specialty of Latacunga: a platter of pork, hominy, and plantains. A shared plate is very budget-friendly.
Day 7: Quilotoa, Ecuador - The Emerald Crater
Bus to Quilotoa Village
Catch the direct bus from Latacunga terminal ($2.50). The drive through the Zumbahua canyon is breathtaking.
Hike into the Crater
Walk down to the shore of the turquoise lake. The hike back up is strenuous at 3,900m altitude!
Mirador de Cristal
Visit the glass viewing platform for an aerial view of the lake (small fee may apply).
Homestay Dinner
Stay in a basic hostel in the village. Most include a hot soup dinner and breakfast in the $10-$15 price.
Day 8: Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador - Adventure Capital
Bus to Baños
Take the bus back to Latacunga, then transfer to a Baños-bound bus ($4 total).
Arrival and Hostel Check-in
Baños is nestled between lush mountains and an active volcano. Hostels here are high quality and cheap.
Virgin of the Holy Water Church
Visit the beautiful basilica filled with paintings of the Virgin saving the town from volcanic eruptions.
Local Hot Springs
Visit the 'Termas de la Virgen' at night. For about $4, you can soak in volcanic heated pools with the locals.
Day 9: Baños, Ecuador - The Waterfall Route
Rent a Bicycle
Rent a mountain bike for $5 for the day and ride the downhill 'Ruta de las Cascadas' towards Puyo.
Pailón del Diablo
The 'Devil’s Cauldron' is one of the world's most powerful waterfalls. Entry is about $2, and the spray is exhilarating.
Tirolesa (Ziplining)
If your budget allows one splurge, ziplining over the Pastaza River is significantly cheaper here than elsewhere.
Truck Ride Back
Put your bike on the back of a 'camioneta' for $2 to get back up the hill to town.
Day 10: Baños, Ecuador - Swing at the End of the World
Hike to Casa del Arbol
Save money by hiking up the steep trail from town (2 hours) instead of taking the bus.
The Famous Swing
For $1, you can ride the swing over the edge of the mountain with Tungurahua volcano in the background.
Lunch at the Market
Head to Mercado Central for a 'Llapingacho' (potato patties with peanut sauce and sausage) for $3.
Sugar Cane Candy
Watch 'Melcocha' (sugar cane taffy) being made in shop doorways and buy a bag for $0.50.
Day 11: Baños, Ecuador - Relaxation and Hikes
Hike to Mirador Bellavista
A free, moderate climb that offers a stunning bird's-eye view of the Baños valley.
Picnic by the River
Buy bread, cheese, and fruit at the market and eat by the Pastaza River.
San Martin Zoo
Visit this zoo dedicated to local Andean species (small entry fee) or walk the nearby canyon bridge for free.
Salsa Lesson
Many hostels offer free or very cheap salsa lessons in the evenings.
Day 12: Baños, Ecuador - Free Day
Bridge Jumping Watching
Head to the San Francisco bridge to watch the daring locals bungee jump—it's free to watch!
Vegetarian Budget Eats
Baños has many cheap vegetarian options catering to international backpackers.
Plan Next Stop
Visit the bus terminal to confirm times for the journey to Riobamba.
Craft Beer Sample
Try one local craft beer at a taproom—it's the one luxury that fits the $15 daily budget if you skip a meal!
Day 13: Riobamba, Ecuador - Heart of the Andes
Bus to Riobamba
A short 2-hour bus ride ($2) takes you to this high-altitude city surrounded by four volcanoes.
Parque Maldonado
Admire the architecture of the Cathedral and the municipal buildings in the center of the city.
Mercado La Condamine
Famous for its fruit juices and the traditional 'Hornado'. You can eat extremely well here for $3.
Loma de Quito
A small park with a viewpoint and a mural depicting the history of the city.
Day 14: Riobamba, Ecuador - Chimborazo Base Camp
Bus to Chimborazo Reserve
Take the bus heading towards Guaranda and get off at the entrance to the Chimborazo Reserve ($1.50).
Hike to Refugio Whymper
Hike from the first refuge (4,800m) to the second (5,000m). It is free to enter the park, and you are standing at the point on Earth closest to the sun.
Vicuna Spotting
Keep your eyes peeled for the wild vicunas that roam the paramo landscape.
Warm Soup Dinner
Riobamba gets cold at night; find a local 'caldo de gallina' (chicken soup) for $2.
Day 15: Cuenca, Ecuador - Colonial Elegance
Long Bus to Cuenca
The 6-hour journey ($7) offers some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the country.
Check-in at Bauhouse
Cuenca is often called the most beautiful city in Ecuador. Check into a historic district hostel.
Walk the Tomebamba River
The grassy banks of the river are perfect for a free afternoon stroll under the willow trees.
Dinner at Calle Larga
This street is the heart of the backpacker scene with many cheap eateries.
Day 16: Cuenca, Ecuador - Cathedrals and Hats
New Cathedral (Catedral de la Inmaculada)
Admire the iconic blue domes. Entry to the main floor is free.
Panama Hat Museum
Learn that the 'Panama' hat actually originated in Ecuador. Entrance to the Homero Ortega museum is free.
Flower Market
Visit the plaza next to the Old Cathedral, ranked as one of the best outdoor flower markets in the world.
Pumapungo Archeological Park
Explore these Incan ruins and the botanical gardens right in the city center for free.
Day 17: Cuenca, Ecuador - Cajas National Park
Bus to Cajas
Catch a bus from the main terminal ($1.50) to the park entrance. Cajas is famous for its hundreds of lakes.
Hiking the Toreadora Trail
The park is free to enter. Register at the ranger station and follow the well-marked loop around the lake.
Trout Lunch
Many small restaurants near the park exit serve fresh mountain trout for about $5.
Evening Coffee
Cuenca has a great coffee culture. Enjoy a cup for $1.50 in a local café.
Day 18: Cuenca, Ecuador - Turi Viewpoint
Hike up to Turi
Walk the stairs up to the Mirador de Turi for the best panoramic view of the red-tiled roofs of Cuenca.
Market Lunch
Try 'Mote Pillo' (hominy with eggs) at the Mercado 10 de Agosto for $2.50.
Museum of Modern Art
Located in a former temperance house, this museum is free and features excellent local contemporary art.
Hostel Trivia Night
Participate in free hostel activities to meet other long-term travelers.
Day 19: Guayaquil, Ecuador - To the Coast
Bus to Guayaquil
Descend from the Andes to the tropical coast (4 hours, $8). The change in temperature is dramatic!
Malecón 2000
Walk along the 2.5km riverfront boardwalk. It’s clean, safe, and completely free to enjoy.
Las Peñas & Santa Ana Hill
Climb the 444 steps to the lighthouse. The colorful houses and views of the Guayas River are iconic.
Seafood Street Dinner
Enjoy a 'Encebollado' (tuna soup), Guayaquil’s famous hangover cure and staple, for $3.
Day 20: Guayaquil, Ecuador - Iguana Park & Departure
Parque Seminario (Iguana Park)
See hundreds of land iguanas roaming freely in this city park. It’s a surreal and free experience.
Mercado Central Souvenirs
Pick up last-minute coffee or chocolate to take home at local prices.
Bus to Airport
The airport is very close to the bus terminal; take a local bus for $0.35 to finish your ultra-budget trip.
Final Departure
Reflect on 20 days of Andean peaks and coastal heat on a shoestring budget.
Best Time to Visit Ecuador
Ecuador can be visited year-round due to its equatorial location, but the best time for this itinerary is the dry season from June to September. This is ideal for hiking the Quilotoa Loop and Chimborazo as you'll have clearer skies and less mud. The coast (Guayaquil) is wetter and hotter from January to April, but the mountain regions remain relatively consistent in temperature throughout the year.
Currency & Money
Ecuador uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency. Cash is king, especially for budget travelers. You will need small denominations ($1, $5, $10) for buses and street food, as vendors rarely have change for a $20 bill. Tipping is not expected at local 'almuerzo' spots, but rounding up the bill in small cafes is appreciated. ATMs are widely available in cities, but always carry backup cash for the Quilotoa Loop.
Getting Around Ecuador
Public buses are the lifeline of Ecuador and the best way to travel on a budget. Every major city has a 'Terminal Terrestre' where buses depart frequently to almost any destination. For city travel, Quito has an efficient trolleybus system, while Cuenca has a modern tram. Always keep your bags on your lap or in the under-bus storage with a tag; never put valuables in the overhead bins.
