Things to do in Ecuador

2 destinations in Ecuador, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in Ecuador

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Galapagos: Fly in the low season from May through early July or September through October, when round-trip flights from major US hubs to Guayaquil plus the islands leg can run 20-35% cheaper than the December-January and July-August peaks. Midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) on the mainland-to-islands segment also consistently undercut weekend pricing by $30-60.
Quito: The cheapest months to fly to Quito are typically May through early June and September through October, when you can find round trips 20-35% cheaper than the December holiday peak or the July-August high season. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) consistently shaves an additional $30-60 off fares.

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Galapagos: Tortuga Bay Beach Walk A stunning white-sand beach with marine iguanas, sharks in the lagoon, and zero crowds, completely free to access
Galapagos: Charles Darwin Research Station Grounds Walk the outdoor exhibits and tortoise enclosures without entering the paid areas
Galapagos: Puerto Ayora Fish Market at Dusk Watch pelicans and sea lions mob fishermen cleaning the daily catch, wild Galápagos wildlife in town
Quito: Wander Plaza Grande & Plaza San Francisco The beating heart of colonial Quito, free to stroll and people-watch with stunning church facades as your backdrop.
Quito: Sunday Ciclovía on Avenida Amazonas Every Sunday the city closes major streets to cars and opens them to cyclists and pedestrians, rent a bike or just walk.
Quito: Parque La Carolina Quito's Central Park equivalent, locals jog, play soccer, and relax; there's also a free botanical garden inside.

Mercado Central (Puerto Ayora) in Galapagos, Set lunch (almuerzo), soup, rice, fish, juice Plates $4-6
La Garrapata Restaurant in Galapagos, Fresh ceviche and grilled catch of the day Plates $6-10
Kiosk Row (Av. Charles Darwin waterfront) in Galapagos, Encebollado (fish stew) or empanadas for breakfast Plates $2-5
Mercado Central (Mercado San Francisco) in Quito, Seco de pollo (stewed chicken) with rice and salad, the full almuerzo set lunch Plates $2.50-4
El Maple (vegetarian staple in La Mariscal) in Quito, Daily vegetarian almuerzo with soup, main, juice, and dessert Plates $3-5
Fritadas Amazonas (street stall institution) in Quito, Fritada, crispy fried pork with mote, tostado, and plantain Plates $3-6