Domestic flights usually cost around $50 to $90 USD, although flights to the Galpagos are considerably more expensive. In contrast to Ecuadors extensive bus services, train travel in the country is very limited. You should note, however, thats easier and cheaper to take a taxi or a bus. In Quito, for example, the "trolebus," a trolley-like bus that runs on separate tracks, will take you around . During the drier months of October and November, youll be able to traverse the jungle without so much boot-sucking mud, avoiding the curtains of heavy rain that descend on trekkers at other times of the year. For many journeys, taking a taxi or hiring a driver makes more sense both in terms of safety and cost than renting a car. To rent a car in Ecuador, you must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver's license and a major credit card in your name. While showers are frequent, the rain doesnt last long, and when the sun comes back out, the air feels cleansed and refreshed. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. What To Know Before Your Ecuador Vacation - Wolters World The good news? Ecuadors most beautiful city, Cuenca, has a springlike climate year-round and some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in South America. Expect to pay at least around A$2000 from Australia, and NZ$2100 from New Zealand. How to Get Around When to Go How to Stay Safe Best Places to Book Your Trip Related Blogs on Ecuador Click Here for City Guides Top 5 Things to See and Do in Ecuador 1. Driving Rules -- A current foreign driver's license is valid for the length of your 90-day tourist visa. The rugged Andes and tracts of impenetrable rainforest present formidable barriers to overland travel in Ecuador. Percy was incredibly helpful with the planning of our itinerary and our guides Diana and Ricardo were amazing. She brought home few memories and a few photos, too. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. And you'll find in Ecuador, transportation to fit your needs. How To Move To Ecuador: Your FREE Guide | ImmiGuides Why do they come back? 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. Johannesburg to So Paulo with South African Airlines is a ten-hour flight costing from ZAR6000. All rights reserved. Keep in mind that local buses make frequent stops and may take a long time to reach their destinations. Check out the MAAC Theater for plays, concerts and film but dont expect much in English. Keep copies of your passport in a separate place in case of loss. You can also travel by boat to destinations in the Amazon. In all the years and "millions" of bus rides, I've never lost a bag. The public square known as the Malecn offers a masterclass in urban renewal; this rebooted riverside promenade is lined with sculptures, gardens and restaurants and is home to the quirky Museo en Miniatura, which tells the history of the city using miniature dioramas. Read his honest opinion of his experience to date. Heading south from the capital on route E35, the route veers off on the E30 before snaking its way up toward the volcano. In Cuenca, Ecuador an excellent and affordable option is to take the bus. You may get on if someone doesn't show. Mar 12, 2023 5 min read Here are the best ways to travel around in Ecuador Villamilk / Getty Images The rugged Andes and tracts of impenetrable rainforest present formidable barriers to overland travel in Ecuador. Road signage is generally poor; a GPS or good map is essential. Many travelers will find that this requires little more than: Being located on the equator, Ecuador enjoys pleasant weather practically year-round. travel experts. From raucous festivals to wildlife encounters, historic cities to Inca ruins, colorful markets to dramatic train journeys, it has something for everyone. Book onto a cruise and let resident naturalists provide the context to help you understand this remarkable, one-of-a-kind ecosystem. Official driving rules are often ignored. It's a part of the Andes mountain range, which starts in Venezuela and goes down many miles into Argentina/Chile. Here are a few helpful tips to planning a journey to one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Renting a bike from local companies like Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental will likely set you back about $15 a day . In Quito, for example, the trolebus, a trolley-like bus that runs on separate tracks, will take you around the city. Even if you book a flight from Quito, it will stop in Guayaquil for 30 minutes to pick up additional passengers. With the exception of the Galpagos, which is quite expensive, most flights cost between $50 and $90 (33-60) for a one-way fare. Cheap Flights To Ecuador - Flights | CheapTickets Best time to visit Ecuador - Lonely Planet Some even have air conditioning. Fastline.com.ec (Spanish only), You May Also Like Direct flights to Ecuadors international airports in Quito and Guayaquil depart from a relatively small number of places outside of Latin America. As is often the case in the Americas, bus travel offers some colorful insights into the lives of ordinary Ecuadorians. East to west? Best Things to Do in Ecuador | kimkim Ecuador is all about mountain majesty and captivating cultures Sunart Media / Shutterstock. If you're short on time, guided tours are ideal. Despite its modest size, the country packs a mighty punch thanks to its breathtaking terrain, which takes in the Amazon, the Andes and the awesome archipelago of the Galpagos. Home Contact Me Newsletter Advertise Site Search Privacy Policy About Me JWO Ecuador VIP, Copyright 2010-2020 Life-in-Ecuador.com, Build your own website with Solo Build It (I do earn a commission if, after clicking on this link, you decide to build your website with Solo Build It). You can choose from small yachts and larger cruise ships. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and . Youll be able to identify them by their orange license plates, yellow bodies, and registration stickers in their windshields. Visitors should note that Ecuador's currency is the American dollar. So you have the convenience of a car without the stress of driving. However, if you plan to go great distances or to more remote locations, you speak decent Spanish and you have a bit of courage, driving yourself can be a good option. Most one way tickets are under $100; making it easier for you to decide what the best option is for you and what fits your plans. With whatever time you've got to travel, this route-planning guide will help you hit the road and make the most of it. 101 in an emergency. Open Menu Once you understand the layout, getting around Quito is simple. Alternatively, you can travel via the US, or fly to Buenos Aires with Aerolineas Argentinas and pick up a connection from there. The trip was a once in a lifetime experience. or Riobamba (under 4 hr. In most towns and cities, the bus terminal typically called the Terminal Terrestre is on the outskirts, with regular services to almost anywhere. Lonely Planet correspondent Bailey Freeman recently returned from the Ecuadorian Andes. 02/2543-983. Storing your things under the bus is quite safe. From there, the route meanders southward on the E35 to Alaus, where you can stretch your legs along its charming cobbled streets lined with picturesque old buildings. Getting around Ecuador. Your trip through Ecuador will depend on your answers to these two questions. Here are the five best routes for a road trip in Ecuador. At some agencies, you can buy additional insurance to lower the deductible. Evidence of enough money to pay for one's trip. Getting to Ecuador By air Ecuador has two international airports, at Quito (Mariscal Sucre) and Guayaquil (Jos Joaqun de Olmedo). 2023 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy. For more information, see Lonely Planet's Accessible Travel Resources. 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. Buses are one of the most common ways to get around Ecuador. Its also worth noting that cross-border buses are notorious hunting grounds for pickpockets and bag-snatchers; keep a very close eye on your belongings. The entire trip went smoothly, no worries! Most cities have bus depots, but be sure to confirm where to board, as some companies have their own separate terminals. Costs are around $1-$1.50 per hour. Only use registered taxis, which in most places are yellow with an identification number on the side. Its main draw is the menacing Tungurahua volcano, which has been belching lava and ash since the nineties, periodically forcing residents to flee. 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. It's best to avoid driving at night, as very few roads or highways are illuminated. Ask for a price before you get in. In fact, there are many destinations in the Amazon that you can only reach by canoe or speedboat, such as the Cuyabeno National Park. Dont try to do it by yourself. Read our Privacy Policy. With that said, the network is limited, and its appeal is less about arriving at your destination and more about the experience of getting there. A Practical Guide to Getting around Quito - GreenGo Travel To get to Ecuador from South Africa, youre best off flying to a South American hub, such as So Paulo, Buenos Aires, Santiago or Lima, from where there are onward services to Quito. Fare usually costs around $1 not bad, but dont be afraid to haggle especially if youre traveling longer distances. If your car breaks down and you're unable to get well off the road, check to see whether there are reflecting triangles in the trunk. Expect stunning views over the surrounding hills and valleys on the way as you approach the caldera. Its not the highest summit on the planet thats Nepal's Mt Everest but due to a phenomenon known as equatorial bulge, the planet isnt perfectly spherical, and the top of Chimborazo is actually closer to the sun than anywhere else. Biking and walking are easy and affordable means of getting around tourist areas. Sure, the country is hardly one of the bigger nations on the continent, but it more than makes up for its size with its incredible natural beauty. With the exception of routes to the Galapagos Islands, which lie 600 miles off the coast of mainland Ecuador, internal flights in Ecuador are an inexpensive option for travelers short on time or unwilling to navigate the countrys roads. Thanks to big road improvements in recent years, the country has become much safer and more accessible for drivers, though there are still plenty of gravel roads that justify renting a 4WD. These turns are usually where a bus will decide to pass another. Best road trip for exploring the coastEsmeraldasHuaquillas; 850km (530 miles); 7 days. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Resources: Its especially difficult to drive long distances through rural areas. Locals often drive aggressively get used to the beeping and driving at night is strongly discouraged. SimonCarRental.com. More than 1600 bird species are found here, giving voice to one of the most glorious dawn choruses on the planet. Ecuador on a Student Budget: Top Budget Travel Tips - A World in Reach Best one-day road tripQuitoLaguna Quilotoa; 110 miles (180km); one day. These are great for large groups or if you have lots of luggage. We have actually come to enjoy driving in Ecuador and do rent a car whenever we have to money to do so. Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Travel by LiveTheLifeinEcuador 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. Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. All rights reserved. While showers are frequent, the rain doesn't last long, and when the sun comes back out, the air feels cleansed and refreshed. 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. Afterward, just a few hours away, youll head down into the lush cloud forests that surround Quito to experience Mashpi Lodge. Ecuador Transport Guide & Getting Around Ecuador - Anywhere The Ecuadorian capital is a fascinating melange of cultures and a living museum of Spanish-era architecture. Keep passports with you at all timeswhile you travel Ecuador. Sign up for our free newsletter. A bit of trivia: the closest point on Earth to the sun is in Ecuador. Discover Ecuador for your next vacation or make it your home! Big city driving in North America is cake compared to what happens on the roads of Ecuador. Car burglary can be a problem, so always park your car in a secure garage. Taxis in Ecuador look like this. Typically you'll pay about a dollar for every hour of travel. 1. Based on these two separate components of the itinerary, you're looking at anywhere from $1,300USD to $2,000 USD to travel for 18 days around the Galpagos Islands and mainland Ecuador, which equates to about $112AUD or $175AUD per day, respectively.
