getting around ecuador

Buses are one of the most common ways to get around Ecuador. Thank you anywhere.com for giving my family an extraordinary, epic trip to the Galapagos / Ecuador. Fastline.com.ec (Spanish only), You May Also Like Even the major highways and tourist destinations are only sporadically marked with up-to-date signs and markers. We have actually come to enjoy driving in Ecuador and do rent a car whenever we have to money to do so. These routes depart from Guayaquil, which is the closest city to the islands, a quick 1.5-hour flight. However, with such wildly differing environments, the timing of the busy and quiet seasons can vary widely depending on which part of the country you visit. But compare the price of a bus to the price of flying it may be cheaper to fly, depending on your destination. East to west? If you take an unregistered taxi you have a much higher risk of being robbed or cheated. They get you out to some spectacular scenery in the shortest possible time, with hotel and airport transfers included. Here are our top tips on getting around. The bus routes are comprehensive. There are no direct flights from Canada to Ecuador; Canadian travellers generally have to travel via the US or Mexico, with Aeromxico. You'll find various degrees of luxury, from extendable coach . By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. 02/2544-719; www.rent-4wd.com), which gets you a large, modern four-wheel drive vehicle, unlimited gas and mileage, and driver, for just $150 (100) per day. By Plane. It's up to you. What to Bring to Ecuador 1. In other words: you should put sun-screen on any bits of skin that are exposed, no matter where you are, no matter if it's cold or cloudy. If you're going to be in the country under six months this all you need. At press time, Localiza was temporarily closed -- and may still be by the time you read this. Best road trip for exploring the coastEsmeraldasHuaquillas; 850km (530 miles); 7 days. Many travelers will find that this requires little more than: Being located on the equator, Ecuador enjoys pleasant weather practically year-round. With the exception of the Galpagos, which is quite expensive, most flights cost between $50 and $90 (33-60) for a one-way fare. Resources: Flying around Ecuador is pretty affordable. So, future students, professors, and study abroad advisors, here are my tips for all the main ways of getting around Quito, Ecuador: Walking I walk absolutely everywhere I can. The only way to get to Baos is by bus or private car, but you can bus from multiple locations around Ecuador. Travel smarter and safer! Spanish colonizers would later reduce the place to rubble, but enough remains to give a sense of its former grandeur. Even smaller towns have drivers available that will be willing to take you where you need to go. Spectacular vistas unfold on all sides when you travel round Ecuador by car Getty Images, The 5 best road trips in enchanting Ecuador. Ecuador's incredible landscapes are just waiting to be explored on four wheels. Avianca, and LATAM/LAN also fly to major cities. Unlike North America and many parts of Europe, Ecuador buses are generally very comfortable and offer Wi-Fi, movies, snacks, and more, making it a great and popular way to travel. Finally, although not rampant, there have been reports of folks being robbed by seemingly friendly good Samaritans who stop to feign assistance. Taking in the vast majority of Ecuadors beautiful coastline, the Spondylus Route runs the length of the country, from Esmeraldas in the north to Huaquillas on the border withPeru. How long do you have? We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. Enjoy the scenery while traveling by bus - Riobamba Ecuador. SimonCarRental.com. Its still rainy in the highlands, but it's worth enduring a little wet weather to experience Quitos processions on Good Friday.Key Events: Semana Santa (Holy Week; can extend into April), Its beginning to look a lot like rain in most parts of Ecuador, but the showers fall mainly in the afternoons, and the levels of rainfall vary widely from region to region. If you do rent a car, you can find rental agencies in the airports in Guayaquil, Cuenca, and Quito. This article was first published December 2021 and updated March 2023. Be sure to arrive early; once a bus is full, it will leave. Until recently, passengers were allowed to ride on the roof of the train, but for safety reasons that practice is no longer allowed. For short-distance journeys, it's much more economical to take a bus, or even a taxi. Checkpoints throughout the country will require you to present your passport. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. The natural assets that make. Travelers are also sometimes asked to provide proof of yellow fever . Here are the best ways to travel around in Ecuador Villamilk / Getty Images. Exceeded our expectations! Transportation in Ecuador is generally inexpensive, particularly if you stick to the buses, though prices ramp up dramatically if you include the Galpagos on your itinerary. Heading south from the capital on route E35, the route veers off on the E30 before snaking its way up toward the volcano. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. LatinBus.com does provide a helpful star system, signifying the quality of the coaches, and also indicates which buses provide faster express service. Buses that travel longer distances are usually fairly large and comfortable. However, the region around the border with Colombia is unsettled and may be unsafe check the latest security situation before attempting this route. Planning to travel here? You can choose from small yachts and larger cruise ships. 1800/883-567 toll-free nationwide; www.icaro.aero), and Tame (tel. These buses are relatively quick and affordable. August to November is the best time for cruising down the Ro Napo to a jungle lodge in the Oriente, while June to September is the best time for trekking in the Andes and enjoying Ecuador's highland cities. This is also the prime season for surfers to enjoy consistent northwest swell at surf spots such as Montaita, while beach lovers can set up camp in whichever beachside fishing village or coastal party town suits their mood. The pueblo isn't all that big, and getting around is easy. After four months as an expat, Josef Zimet has learned somethings about life in Ecuador. Avenue of the Volcanoes. The steamy spas are highly restorative after a day of trekking, rafting or mountain biking through the surrounding forests. Direct flights to Ecuadors international airports in Quito and Guayaquil depart from a relatively small number of places outside of Latin America. This steamy hotbed of biodiversity is where the cloud forests that flank the Andes plunge into the Amazon. You could take the long journey (400 mi/646km) on the bus, which can take 14-15 hours. Meanwhile, local charters and small-scale companies operate on the coast and in the Oriente region. Given how extensive and affordable the buses are, its unlikely that youll be taking a taxi for intercity travel. Characterized by warm, sunny days with some tropical downpours in the afternoons, the wet season is actually a good time for expeditions to the Galpagos Islands and spending time on the beach. One very interesting option is to use Rent 4WD.com (tel. Few long-distance buses are wheelchair accessible, so you may need to forego travel by road and take to the skies instead to traverse the country. And it's easy to reach from Quito by local bus (two hours each way). With so much to see on route, its best to leave plenty of time (ideally a week or more) to take in all the Ecuadorian coast has to offer. Here's our menu of top meals to try. Read our Privacy Policy. To rent a car you'll need your passport, a credit card and your home country driver's license. It is possible to enter Ecuador by bus from Peru via Macar, Huayquillas and La Balsa, or from Colombia via Tulcn. Starting in Quito, Ecuador's capital, this road trip takes you south down and across the spine of the Andes, following the volcano-lined corridor that was memorably dubbed . Cruises are a common way to get to the Galpagos islands. Read our Privacy Policy. Where to Stay in Ecuador: Lodging Tips In general, I don't recommend renting a car in Ecuador. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Petrol is cheap by international standards, but bear in mind that some roads have tolls, which can drive up costs. Go tailor-made! Starting inQuito, Ecuadors capital, this road trip takes you south down and across the spine of the Andes, following the volcano-lined corridor that was memorably dubbed The Avenue of the Volcanoes by German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt in 1812. Percy Coll knows Ecuador well and was extremely helpful and easy to communicate with. Transit is easier on the mainland wherever there are roads, you can pretty much guarantee that there'll be a spluttering local bus to take you to your next destination. Famous amongst the backpacker community for being inexpensive, Ecuador is a great pick for student travelers looking to make the most out of their trip and is one of the best countries in South America to visit on a budget. The views are one of the perks of flying in Ecuador, although the melting glaciers below may persuade climate-conscious travelers to stick with the buses. Best road trip for volcano-spotting. For more information, see Lonely Planet's Accessible Travel Resources. The brutalist Museo Pumapungo proves Cuenca also has a modern outlook, housing a fine collection of contemporary art. However, most towns and cities have them and they can be useful for exploring and for short hops out of town to outlying sights. If you have a ticket you'll get a seat. Our most popular trips include Galapagos cruises. A 3 course lunch can be $4-$8. We worked with Percy to get thru the reservations. Local bus and truck drivers show limited respect for road rules and the country has one of the highest rates of road accidents in Latin America; traveling by motorbike is only for the brave and experienced. Getting Around Ecuador It's pretty easy to get around Ecuador so you can visit multiple regions in one trip. Aerogal (tel. Australia: 12-Night Melbourne, Cairns & Sydney Rome to Istanbul: Luxe, 11-Night Mediterranean Pennsylvania: Daily Car Rentals from Pittsburgh. From Quito, you can find a bus to every corner of the country, but don't expect to get anywhere quickly. the best surf beaches on South America's Pacific coast, Tried and tested tips for a trouble-free road trip, How to get the most out of a trip to the Ecuadorian Amazon, Postcard from the Andes: My trip to Ecuador in pics, 11 incredible spring break destinations for 2023, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Check out the MAAC Theater for plays, concerts and film but dont expect much in English. Locals often drive aggressively get used to the beeping and driving at night is strongly discouraged. Why do they come back? One of the cheapest ways of getting around Ecuador is to take the local bus, which also offers you a slice of local life. If you do decide to drive, follow all traffic signs and be very cautious. The most convenient way to solo travel is to choose your hubs - Quito and Cuenca in the mountains, a lodge in the Amazon, a beach town like Montaita - and take excursions from there. I prefer to buy a ticket at the terminal whether I plan to catch the bus there or not. It's a great sampling platter of what Ecuador has to offer. Cost of Backpacking in Ecuador. Its main draw is the menacing Tungurahua volcano, which has been belching lava and ash since the nineties, periodically forcing residents to flee. Ecuadors most beautiful city, Cuenca, has a springlike climate year-round and some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in South America. International flights land in Baltra and Santa Cruz in the Galpagos. You can also take the train and travel in the northern highlands via the Ibarra to Primer Paso route. Quito has a bus service called trolebus that runs on its own track, much like a trolley. Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Most people advise against renting a car, but it is available and may be a convenient way for some to travel Ecuador. Best road trip for volcano-spottingQuitoGuayaquil; 840km (520 miles); 7 days. Its ornate buildings, leafy plazas and blue-domed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception helped the city earn a rightful place on Unescos World Heritage List. If you do choose to fly to the Galpagos, youll want to hire a boat to travel around the islands once you arrive. Suggested Ecuador itinerary 1 week. Here are our five favorite road trips in Ecuador. Every tour was exceptional! Watch shamanic healers ply their trade at Mercado San Francisco before sampling local specialties such aslocro de papas (potato stew), roast guinea pig and cows feet soup. If there are, place them as a warning for approaching traffic, arranged in a wedge that starts at the shoulder about 30m (98 ft.) back and angle gradually toward your car. Better rates may be found with Latin American company Localiza or local agency Simon Car Rental. Many inexperienced and daredevil drivers speed everywhere. Notable festivals include the Fiesta de la Mam Negra in Latacunga, a joyous syncretization of Catholic, indigenous and African elements. Here are the best places to visit. See you in paradise! All Rights Reserved. If you are a AAA member, contact the local affiliate Aneta (tel. Here are the five best routes for a road trip in Ecuador. Quitos new airport opened in February 2013 and has the same name as the old airport, Mariscal Sucre International. From volcanic islands to sublime city breaks, these top spring break destinations are just what you need for 2023. Coming with a guide will bring color and context to a tour of the ruins; agencies in Cuenca run regular trips to the site. This article was first published January 2022 and updated February 2023. Need some hand-holding before jumping onto a local bus? Whenever you come, some special facet of Ecuadors diverse beauty will shine through, making your trip memorable. Bus travel costs $2/hour or travel. Even if you book a flight from Quito, it will stop in Guayaquil for 30 minutes to pick up additional passengers. Know that roads are often in a state of disrepair, and you should approach public transportation with caution. Once you understand the layout, getting around Quito is simple. As is often the case in the Americas, bus travel offers some colorful insights into the lives of ordinary Ecuadorians. Here are the five best routes for a road trip in Ecuador. On the mainland you can find airports with international commercial flights in Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Esmeraldas, San Cristbal, Salinas, Manta, Santa Rosa, and Tulcn. Other types of buses in Ecuador include the busetas (22-seater and the fastest choice) and the autobus, its more comfortable and air-conditioned sister. Only use registered taxis, which in most places are yellow with an identification number on the side. travel experts. or Riobamba (under 4 hr. If youre nervous about being overcharged, ask your hotel what the price should be or have staff call you a reputable cab. Getting Around Ecuador Air Ecuador is a small country and internal flight times are usually less than one hour, making air travel a quick and easy way to get around. For many journeys, taking a taxi or hiring a driver makes more sense both in terms of safety and cost than renting a car. If you really scrimp, you can do a two week trip to Ecuador, flights from the US included, for under $1000. Prepare yourself for the epitome of adventure and prestige with not one but two Unique Lodges in Ecuador into the lush and captivating nearby cloud forest to discover Mashpi Lodge. If you enjoy the freedom of the open road and being in charge of your own destiny, you could always rent a car in Ecuador. Youll be able to identify them by their orange license plates, yellow bodies, and registration stickers in their windshields. Begin this journey in one of the first cities to be given the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site Quito, Ecuador! This means low water levels and excellent conditions for spotting colorful birds and other active wildlife, with less risk of getting soaked in the process. The good news? So you're here, now where do you begin. If youre here to catch some surf and sun on the coast, aim for January through March. Best one-day road tripQuitoLaguna Quilotoa; 110 miles (180km); one day. So having something to pass the time can be a life saver, more like a sanity saver. North of Quito, another worthwhile day trip is Tren de la Libertad, which takes passengers between the two charming towns of Ibarra and Salinas. Other possibilities include taking a flight to a South American hub, such as Bogot or Lima, from where connections to Ecuador can be made. Best place to stand in two hemispheres at once. Getting around in a city is one of the first things to figure out as a new expat. Taxis in Ecuador look like this. This is also a good time to visit the Central Highlands youll beat the crowds during this slow season, with the added bonus of lower prices for accommodations and tours.

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