danhelmstadter wrote:Anyone know how much it costs to do a multi peak trip in Ecuador cheapo style, all expenses included, but no guide?
I just got back from 15 days in Ecuador--2 trekking peaks and three big mountians. The bulk of my cost was the plane ticket. Mid range hotel, decent restaurants ($2-15 per person per meal wine or beer included), hut fees, driver, tips etc was done around $1600. Breakfast is included in most hotel costs. With cheaper hotels and places to eat and local bus transport you could spend $20-25 a day and live well! Hit the local markets for cheap fruit and veggies.
Our team of 3 shared rooms and the driver/van so some costs would be higher if you are solo or only 2.
Guide is not needed on Cotopaxi. Guide or driver/guide is needed to drop you off and get into the park though. We climbed unguided two weeks ago and met several groups that were doing the climb unguided.
everydayexplorer wrote:Once you have all your gear, how do you budget for extended international trips? How do you estimate your expenses?
Fixed costs such as air, permits, visa etc are easy. Then I use guidebooks to estimate living costs-food, hotel and transport. Add in some extra for surprises and to buy gifts. SP is a great place to ask as well as the thorntree board on lonelyplanet.com.
Enjoy Ecuador. Its an amazing country.
Cheers!