As of November 12, 2026, Ecuador is cheaper than Colombia for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $71 in Ecuador against $96 in Colombia, a gap of 34.0%. Over the past year Ecuador has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+1.6% after inflation, against −14.4%). Ecuador carries the lower US advisory (Level 2 against Level 3). Colombia is the easier of the two to travel.
| Measure | Colombia | Ecuador |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $96 | $71 |
| Lean day | $41 | $33 |
| Comfortable day | $233 | $163 |
| Real change, 12 months | −14.4% | +1.6% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | −12.4% | 0.0% |
| Versus 5-year average | −28.3% | +7.0% |
| US advisory | Level 3 · Reconsider travel | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 3.9 · Well set up | 3.5 · Workable |
| Index score | 37 | 66 |
| Best months | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Jul, Aug | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Shoulder months | Jun, Sep | May, Oct, Nov |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
Mountains, Caribbean coast and coffee country, with a peso that rewards timing.
The catchThe advisory reflects crime and kidnapping risk that is strongly regional. Stick to established routes and never accept drinks from strangers.
Andes, Amazon and the Galápagos in a country the size of Colorado.
The catchSecurity deteriorated sharply on the coast after 2023; several provinces carry higher advisories. The highlands are calmer.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.