Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Bring a filtered water bottle to avoid buying plastic bottles, which adds up in both cost and waste.

Can I use credit cards for everything?

No. Carry small denominations of US dollars (the official currency). ATMs charge high fees, so withdraw the maximum allowed once to save on transaction costs.

Backpacking Ecuador on $25 a Day

To stay under $25 a day, stick to local markets for meals, travel exclusively by public bus, and sleep in shared hostel dorms. Avoid organized tours in favor of self-guided hikes and free city walking tours.

Master the bus system. Never use private shuttles. Long-distance public buses cost roughly $1.50 per hour of travel. Always pay on the bus or at the official terminal window to avoid markups.
Eat at 'Almuerzos'. Look for restaurants advertising 'Almuerzo' between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. You get a soup, a main dish (meat, rice, lentils), and juice for $2.50 to $3.50.
Choose low-cost hostels. Book hostel dorm beds in advance via apps like Hostelworld to lock in rates between $8 and $12 per night. Always verify that a communal kitchen is included so you can cook your own dinner.
Limit alcohol and nightlife. A single beer in a tourist bar can cost $4. Drink local 'pilsener' from a shop if you must, but keeping your nightly spend at $0 is the easiest way to stay on budget.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?: No. Bring a filtered water bottle to avoid buying plastic bottles, which adds up in both cost and waste.
Can I use credit cards for everything?: No. Carry small denominations of US dollars (the official currency). ATMs charge high fees, so withdraw the maximum allowed once to save on transaction costs.