Quick answer: As of 2026, Ecuador uses the US dollar. Quito sits at 2,850 m (9,350 ft). The Galápagos National Park fee is $200 for foreign adults, plus a $20 Transit Control Card. Mainland national parks are free to enter. Most visitors get 90 days visa-free per year. Mainland time is UTC-5 and Galápagos time is UTC-6. Plugs are types A and B at 120 V, 60 Hz. A backpacker budget runs about $30 to $55 per day, and mid-range travel about $60 to $120 per day.
This page collects the numbers travelers ask us most often, in one place, as of September 2026. We are local guides at Community Adventures Ecuador, based in Quito’s Old Town, and we update these figures as fees and fares change. Each table has a short source note with links to official or primary sources. For definitions of local terms such as almuerzo, páramo or TCT, see our Ecuador travel glossary. To learn who we are, read about Community Adventures Ecuador.
What are the key Ecuador travel numbers in 2026?
These are the eight figures travelers ask about most, as of 2026.
| Item | Figure (as of 2026) |
|---|---|
| Currency | US dollar (USD) |
| Altitude of Quito | 2,850 m (9,350 ft) |
| Galápagos National Park fee | $200 per foreign adult (12+), plus $20 Transit Control Card (TCT) |
| Mainland national park entry | Free (registration with passport at the gate) |
| Visa-free stay | 90 days per 365-day period for most nationalities |
| Time zones | UTC-5 mainland; UTC-6 Galápagos; no daylight saving time |
| Electricity | 120 V, 60 Hz; plug types A and B |
| Daily budget | About $30–55 backpacker; $60–120 mid-range (excluding Galápagos) |
Sources: Galápagos National Park Directorate · Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador (Cancillería) · our 2026 budget guide
What are the basic facts about Ecuador?
Core country facts for travelers, as of 2026.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capital | Quito (2,850 m) |
| Largest city | Guayaquil (coast) |
| Population | 16.9 million at the 2022 census; roughly 17–18 million in 2026 |
| Currency | US dollar since 2000; Ecuadorian centavo coins circulate alongside US coins |
| Time zones | Mainland UTC-5 (Ecuador Time); Galápagos UTC-6; no daylight saving time |
| Electricity | 120 V, 60 Hz; plug types A and B (same as the US and Canada) |
| Emergency number | 911 (ECU 911 integrated service: police, ambulance, fire) |
| Languages | Spanish is official; Kichwa and Shuar are official languages of intercultural relations; English is common in tourism |
| Country dialing code | +593 |
| Tap water | Not recommended for drinking; use bottled, filtered or boiled water |
| Driving side | Right |
| Regions | Four: Sierra (Andes), Coast, Amazon (Oriente) and Galápagos |
Sources: INEC, Censo de Población 2022 · ECU 911 · our Ecuador packing list
How much are entry fees in Ecuador in 2026?
Visa rules and attraction fees for foreign adults, as of 2026; reduced rates apply to children, seniors and residents.
| Item | Fee or rule (foreign adult, 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist entry (visa) | No visa for most nationalities; 90 days per 365-day period | Counted from the first entry date; one extension to 180 days total is available for a fee; passport should be valid 6 months |
| Galápagos National Park fee | $200 foreign adult (12+); $100 foreign child under 12 | Paid in cash on arrival at Baltra or San Cristóbal airport |
| Galápagos park fee, CAN/Mercosur | $100 adult; $50 child under 12 | CAN is the Andean Community (Bolivia, Colombia, Peru); Canadians pay $200 |
| Galápagos park fee, Ecuadorians and residents | $30 adult; $15 child, senior 65+ or disability | Children under 2 are exempt in all categories |
| Transit Control Card (TCT, ex-INGALA) | $20 | Bought at Quito or Guayaquil airport before check-in |
| Isabela Island pier fee | $10 foreigners; $6 Ecuadorians | Paid on arrival at Puerto Villamil |
| Mainland national parks (Cotopaxi, Cajas, Antisana, etc.) | Free | Register with passport; Cotopaxi vehicle entry about 08:00–15:00 |
| TelefériQo cable car, Quito | $9 adult; $7 child | Mon–Thu 10:00–18:00; Fri 08:00–18:00; Sat–Sun 08:00–19:00 |
| Ciudad Mitad del Mundo | $5 adult; $2.50 reduced | Open daily; 09:00–17:00 weekdays, 09:00–18:00 weekends |
| Quilotoa community fee | About $2 per person | Collected by the local community at the crater rim; the amount varies by source |
| Ingapirca archaeological complex | $2 adult | Wed–Sun 08:00–16:30; guided visit included |
| Pailón del Diablo waterfall, Baños | About $2–5 | Price depends on which entrance and trail you use |
| Devil’s Nose train (Tren Nariz del Diablo), Alausí | $30 foreign adult; $15 child 5–11 or senior 65+ | Plus VAT and service fee; Thu–Sun and holidays, 08:00, 11:00 and 14:00; about 2 h round trip; running again since June 2026 |
| Termas de la Virgen hot springs, Baños | $4 natural pools; $6 renovated complex | Children and seniors pay less; swim cap required |
Sources: Galápagos National Park, tributo de ingreso · TelefériQo Quito · Ciudad Mitad del Mundo · Ticket Éxito, Tren Nariz del Diablo · Baños Chamber of Tourism · INPC (Ingapirca)
Local tip: Carry the Galápagos park fee in cash, in small US bills. The TCT is paid in Quito or Guayaquil before you check in, so arrive at the airport early. More detail is in our guides to Galápagos on a budget and the Devil’s Nose train.
How high are Quito and other places in Ecuador?
Altitudes above sea level for common destinations, as of 2026; figures for refuges and passes vary slightly by source.
| Place | Altitude (m) | Altitude (ft) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quito (historic center) | 2,850 | 9,350 | City |
| Quito airport (Tababela) | about 2,400 | about 7,900 | Airport |
| TelefériQo top station (Cruz Loma) | about 3,945 | about 12,940 | Viewpoint |
| Cuenca | 2,560 | 8,400 | City |
| Otavalo | 2,530 | 8,300 | Town |
| Baños de Agua Santa | 1,820 | 5,970 | Town |
| Mindo | about 1,250 | about 4,100 | Cloud forest town |
| Tena | about 510 | about 1,670 | Amazon town |
| Quilotoa crater rim | about 3,900 | about 12,800 | Crater lake rim |
| Papallacta pass | about 4,000–4,100 | about 13,100–13,450 | Mountain pass |
| José Rivas refuge, Cotopaxi | 4,864 | 15,958 | Mountain hut |
| Cotopaxi summit | 5,897 | 19,347 | Volcano |
| Whymper refuge, Chimborazo | 5,000 | 16,404 | Mountain hut |
| Chimborazo summit | 6,263 | 20,548 | Volcano, highest in Ecuador |
| Cayambe summit | 5,790 | 18,996 | Volcano |
| Antisana summit | 5,758 | 18,891 | Volcano |
Sources: Instituto Geofísico (IG-EPN) · TelefériQo Quito · our altitude sickness guide
Local tip: Spend one or two easy days in Quito before going above 4,000 m. The Cotopaxi refuge and Quilotoa rim feel much harder on day one than on day three. See how to prevent soroche.
How long does it take to travel from Quito to other destinations?
Typical travel times and one-way fares from Quito, as of 2026; bus times depend on traffic and stops.
| Destination | Bus: terminal, time, fare | By car or tour | By air |
|---|---|---|---|
| Otavalo | Carcelén; 2–2.5 h; about $2.50 + $0.20 terminal fee | 1.5–2 h | No |
| Mindo | La Ofelia (Flor del Valle); about 2 h; $3–4 | About 2 h | No |
| Cotopaxi National Park | Quitumbe to the Control Caspi turnoff; 1.5–2 h; $3–4 (then pickup to the park) | About 2 h to Limpiopungo | No |
| Quilotoa | Quitumbe to Latacunga 2 h, $3–4; Latacunga to Quilotoa about 2 h, $2.50–3 | 3.5–4 h | No |
| Baños | Quitumbe; 3–3.5 h; $4–5 | About 3–3.5 h | No |
| Tena | Quitumbe; about 5 h; about $7–10 | About 4 h | No scheduled flights |
| Lago Agrio (for Cuyabeno) | Quitumbe or Carcelén; 7–8 h, often overnight; $10–12; then about 2 h to Cuyabeno Bridge | 7–8 h | Service irregular; check schedules |
| Coca (Puerto Francisco de Orellana) | Quitumbe or Carcelén; about 5.5–8 h; $10–11 | About 5–6 h | About 35 min |
| Alausí | Quitumbe (Patria); about 5 h; about $7 | About 4.5 h | No |
| Cuenca | Quitumbe or Carcelén; 8–10 h; $10–25 depending on company | About 8 h | About 1 h |
| Guayaquil | Quitumbe or Carcelén; 7–9 h; $12–13 | About 7 h | About 50 min |
| Montañita | Quitumbe or Carcelén; 9–12 h, usually via Guayaquil or Jipijapa; $11–20 | About 9 h | Fly to Guayaquil, then 2.5–3 h by bus |
| Galápagos (Baltra or San Cristóbal) | Not applicable | Not applicable | About 3–4 h total, usually with a stop in Guayaquil |
Sources: Ecuadorbus, Quito–Guayaquil · Ecuadorbus, Quito–Cuenca · Ecuadorbus, Quito–Coca · Ecuadorbus, Quito–Alausí · Ecuadorbus, Quito–Montañita · Cooperativa Flor del Valle (Mindo)
For step-by-step routes, see how to travel to Cotopaxi independently, the Quilotoa Loop guide, Cuyabeno from Quito and getting from the airport to Quito.
What do things cost in Ecuador in 2026?
Typical prices in US dollars, as of 2026; tourist areas and the Galápagos cost more.
| Item | Typical price (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quito city bus, Trolebús or Ecovía | $0.35 | Rises to $0.40 on 1 January 2027 |
| Quito Metro | $0.45 | Line 1, Quitumbe–El Labrador, 15 stations |
| Taxi across central Quito | About $3–8 | Use metered or app taxis; more at night |
| Taxi, Quito airport to the city | $25–30 | Official airport cooperatives, 24/7 |
| Airport bus to El Labrador Metro | About $2 | Then $0.45 Metro into the city |
| Almuerzo (set lunch: soup, main, juice) | $3–6 | Served around 12:00–15:00 |
| Market meal (hornado, locro, fried fish) | About $3–8 | Quito’s Mercado Central is a good example |
| Local beer (bottle) | About $1.50–3.50 | Shop price at the low end, bars at the high end |
| Coffee (café or espresso) | About $1.50–3.50 | Specialty cafés at the high end |
| Hostel dorm bed | $6–18 per night | Quito, Baños, Cuenca |
| Mid-range double room | About $50–100 per night | Higher in the Galápagos |
| Prepaid SIM with data | About $1–5 for the SIM + about $9 for 12 GB/30 days | Movistar, Claro or CNT; passport required |
| Intercity bus | About $1–3 per hour of travel | See the travel times table above |
| Domestic flight, mainland one-way | About $60–150 | Quito to Guayaquil, Cuenca or Coca |
| Flight to the Galápagos, round trip | About $350–600 | From Quito or Guayaquil; Guayaquil is often cheaper |
Sources: Metro de Quito · Quito International Airport · our 2026 Ecuador budget guide · our Mercado Central guide
What is the weather like in each region of Ecuador?
Typical temperatures and seasons by region, as of 2026 climate averages; altitude matters more than month.
| Region | Typical temperatures | Wetter months | Drier months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra (Quito, Cuenca, Cotopaxi) | Quito about 10–22 °C (50–72 °F); near 0 °C above 4,000 m | October to May (afternoon showers) | June to September |
| Coast (Guayaquil, Montañita) | About 23–31 °C (73–88 °F) | December to May (hot, sunny spells, heavy rain) | June to November (cooler, often overcast) |
| Amazon (Cuyabeno, Tena, Yasuní) | About 22–32 °C (72–90 °F), humid | Rain all year; heaviest roughly April to July | Somewhat less rain roughly December to February, varies by area |
| Galápagos | Warm season air about 22–31 °C; cool season about 19–26 °C; water 19–26 °C | December to May (warm season, short showers) | June to November (cool, dry, garúa mist, rougher seas) |
Sources: INAMHI (national weather service) · our Galápagos season guide · Cuyabeno vs Yasuní
What tours does Community Adventures Ecuador run?
Our main tours from Quito and in the Galápagos, with published prices as of September 2026.
| Tour | Duration | From (per person) | Departures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Walking Tour Quito | 3 h | Free (tip-based) | Mon–Sat 10:30 and 14:30; Sun 10:30 |
| Cotopaxi Bike & Hike | 1 day | $63 | Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun |
| Quilotoa Crater Lake | 1 day | $57.50 | Tue, Thu, Sun |
| Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 2 Day Adventure | 2 days / 1 night | $170 | Wed–Thu, Thu–Fri, Sat–Sun |
| Mindo Cloud Forest | 1 day | $57.50 | Fridays |
| Otavalo Indigenous Market | 1 day | $57.50 | Tue, Sat |
| Cuyabeno Jungle Tour | 3D/2N, 4D/3N or 5D/4N | $310 | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri |
| Galápagos island hopping on a budget | 5, 7 or 8 days | Ask us for the current price | Daily on request |
| Bartolomé Island day tour | 1 day | $310 | On request |
| North Seymour day tour | 1 day | $270 | On request |
Source: Community Adventures Ecuador tours (prices as published September 2026). Park fees, the TCT, community fees and flights are not included unless stated on the tour page.
Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 2 Day Adventure · from $170 · 2 days / 1 night · Wed–Thu, Thu–Fri, Sat–Sun
Two of the highest-altitude sights in the tables above, with transport, meals, a lodge night and a bilingual local guide.
Related guides
- Ecuador travel glossary
- Ecuador visa and entry requirements
- Is Ecuador safe to travel in 2026?
- Ecuador itinerary for 7, 10 and 14 days
- Things to do in Quito
- Cotopaxi and Quilotoa guide
- About Community Adventures Ecuador
Found a figure that has changed? Tell us on WhatsApp at +593 97 953 3832 or by email at info@communitytravel.ec, and we will update this page. You can also visit our office at Pedro Fermín Cevallos N6-78 y Olmedo in Quito’s Old Town.
Frequently asked questions
What currency does Ecuador use?
Ecuador uses the US dollar, which replaced the sucre in 2000. US bills and coins circulate alongside Ecuadorian centavo coins of the same value. Small bills are easier to use, because many shops, taxis and buses cannot change $20, $50 or $100 notes. ATMs are common in cities but scarce in rural areas and on smaller Galápagos islands, so carry some cash.
How much is the Galápagos entry fee in 2026?
As of 2026, the Galápagos National Park fee is $200 for foreign visitors aged 12 and over and $100 for foreign children under 12. Citizens of Andean Community and Mercosur countries pay $100 per adult. Children under 2 are free. Every visitor also buys a $20 Transit Control Card (TCT) at Quito or Guayaquil airport, and Isabela Island adds a $10 pier fee for foreigners.
Do I need a visa for Ecuador?
Most visitors, including citizens of the US, Canada, the UK and the EU, do not need a visa for tourism. They can stay 90 days within a 365-day period counted from their first entry, and can apply once for an extension up to 180 days in total. Citizens of a short list of countries need a visa in advance. Check the Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry before booking.
What is the altitude of Quito?
Quito’s historic center sits at about 2,850 m (9,350 ft) above sea level, which makes it one of the highest capital cities in the world. The airport at Tababela is lower, at about 2,400 m. Many visitors feel mild altitude symptoms such as headache or shortness of breath on the first day, so plan an easy first day with water and light meals.
How long is the bus from Quito to Baños?
The bus from Quito to Baños takes about 3 to 3.5 hours and costs about $4 to $5 one way as of 2026. Buses leave frequently from Quitumbe terminal in the south of Quito throughout the day. Take a taxi or the Metro to Quitumbe, and keep your bag with you on the bus rather than in the overhead rack.
Do you pay to enter national parks in mainland Ecuador?
No. As of 2026, mainland national parks and reserves such as Cotopaxi, Cajas, Antisana and Cayambe-Coca charge no entry fee. Visitors register with a passport at the gate. Some sites inside or near parks charge separately, such as the Quilotoa community fee of about $2. The Galápagos is the exception, with a $200 park fee for foreign adults.
What plugs and voltage does Ecuador use?
Ecuador uses 120 V, 60 Hz electricity with plug types A and B, the same as the United States and Canada. Travelers from the UK, Europe or Australia need a plug adapter and should check that their chargers accept 100–240 V. Most phone and laptop chargers do, but hair dryers and some appliances do not.