How Much Does A Trip To Ecuador & The Galapagos Cost?

Keith

Keith Crockford

Budgeting Your Dream Trip To Ecuador And The Galapagos Islands: A UK Traveller's Guide

Landed here because you’re wondering about Ecuador travel costs? You’re in the right place!

Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are a treasure trove of experiences, with jewels (metaphorical, of course) waiting round every corner.

From the vibrant colonial cities and lush rainforests to an archipelago teeming with unique wildlife that you really do have to see to believe, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are a bucket list destination for a reason.

And who knows bucket list destinations better than us here at the Bucket List Company? 

But for all the lush greenery, wonderful wildlife and sights to see, there’s a big question at play…

How much does a dream trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands cost? 

Is it affordable, are there hidden costs you need to be aware of, and what else do you need to consider when you’re building your bucket list trip…?

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How Much Do Flights To Ecuador And The Galapagos Islands Cost?

Getting to Ecuador from the UK typically involves a stopover flight to Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito or José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil. 

Flights range from £600 to £1000 depending on what season and how early you book your flights, with cheaper deals often available from airlines such as KLM or Iberia. 

For trips to the Galapagos, you take a domestic flight from either Guayaquil or Quito to Baltra or San Cristobal, with a return trip costing in the £300 – £400 range. 

As flights are often a significant portion of the cost of a trip like this, given the distance to South America, it’s worth planning your trip well in advance to give yourself the best chance of getting a good deal on your flights.

How Much Does Accommodation cost In Ecuador And The Galapagos Islands?

Ecuador has a wide range of accommodation options for every budget and every need – whatever you’re after, you’ll find it. 

If you’re travelling on a budget, you’ll find hostels starting from £10 per night, with mid-range hotels coming in around £40 – £60 per night. Luxury hotels will cost significantly more, though, with popular areas such as Quito and Cuenca often costing anything up to £250 per night.

The Galapagos Islands are a bit more of a unique proposition when it comes to accommodation because of the remote location.

That, coupled with a limited number of hotels and places to stay mean that prices are higher than in Ecuador, with budget accommodation beginning at about £50 per night and upscale eco-friendly lodges costing upwards of £300 per night.

Is Food And Drink Cheap In Ecuador And The Galapagos Islands?

South America is famous for its seafood and meat dishes, with Ecuador itself famed for ceviche, which differs from a Peruvian ceviche and is traditionally served cold.

Featuring shrimp, mussels, oysters and prepared in a citrus marinade, it’s a delicious and refreshing taste of South American flavours. 

Not only that, but fish stews, slow roasted pigs, pan-seared potato balls, spicy pork, plantain, and if you’re feeling particularly adventurous… guinea pig are all specialities.

Prices are reasonable too – expect to pay around £2 – £3 for market stall food, while mid-range restaurants are around £15 – £20 for a three-course meal.

More high-end dining experiences in the bigger cities will set you back a little bit more, with costs from around £30 much higher. 

If you’re thinking about travelling for a while, a food budget of around £20 per day is a reasonable place to begin.

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How Much Do Activities And Excursions Cost In Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands?

Attractions in Ecuador are relatively cheap on the main, with entrance fees for most tourist attractions in the region of £5 – £10. 

Specialist activities, including excursions in the Amazon, will cost significantly more though – expect costs of about £200 – £300 (possibly higher in peak seasons) for a three-day trip, including meals, accommodation and transportation costs.

Tours in the Galapagos Islands are more expensive with island-hopping tours costs around £100 per person, with a £160 entrance fee for the National Park, which helps to maintain the natural habitat and fund key projects to ensure the future of the islands. 

How Much Does Travel Around Ecuador And The Galapagos Islands Cost?

Getting around Ecuador is relatively simple, with a well-established network of local and long-distance buses.

A three-hour bus journey will cost you between £3 – £5, while local taxis will be a bit more pricey at around £20 for a journey from Quito airport to the city centre, and £5 for short rides. 

What Should My Ecuador and Galapagos Island Trip Budget Be?

When you’re budgeting for a 2-week dream trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, keep in mind that flights will cost around £1400, accommodation £700 – £1,500, food and drink £200 – £400, activities £200 – £500, internal transport £50ish, and that’s towards the more budget-conscious end of things.

So you’re looking at between £3500, and £4,500 for a fairly basic trip, while a more luxurious adventure might set you back £5,000+.

Naturally, costs will vary depending on when you travel and what you’re looking for but if you’re looking for small-group travel with a tightknit team who love adventure, then a trip with The Bucket List Company to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands might just be the thing for you!

Our small group adventures mean we can get you the best bang for your buck and reduce your costs dramatically, with the added bonus of manageable monthly payment plans.

Click HERE to find out more about our Ecuador adventure itinerary, chuck any questions you have in our direction, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime!

If you don’t book it now… Will you ever?

 

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