Ecuador Tour Tips for Budget Travelers

By Christopher Minster

If you're on a super-tight budget, chances are you won’t be able to afford a long, extended tour. There may be some exceptions, however. If you want to take a big-ticket tour, like a visit to a jungle lodge or even Galápagos, you can consider going last-minute. Travel agencies in Quito often have last-minute deals to lodges and Galápagos cruises. If the lodge or cruise has not filled up two or three days before a scheduled tour, they'll often dramatically cut their prices, sometimes by as much as half. Obviously, this option is more likely in low tourist seasons. Sometimes, you can do a web search and find last-minute deals, too.

In addition to last-minute deals, you may want to look into day trips such as horseback riding, whitewater rafting or mountain biking. These day trips can cost anywhere from $35-$80 or so, and if you go with a reputable company you're sure to have a good time.