For more infoclick here. For the full panorama, take the TelefriQo gondola up the Pichincha volcano, but give yourself a day or two to acclimatize to Quitos lofty altitude before venturing to the high ground. Best place to stand in two hemispheres at once. Best road trip for volcano-spotting. A bit of trivia: the closest point on Earth to the sun is in Ecuador. 101 in an emergency. The perfect 2-3 week Galpagos & mainland Ecuador travel itinerary Here are our top tips on getting around. Here are our top tips on getting around. The backbone of the countrys road network is the Pan-American Highway, which broadly follows the Avenue of Volcanoes; a chain of eight snow-capped peaks that runs down the spine of Ecuador. Ecuador Travel Guide: See, Do, Costs, & Save (Updated 2023) After four months as an expat, Josef Zimet has learned somethings about life in Ecuador. Ecuador has a very good bus system linking all major towns in the country, making itthe most popular way to travelEcuador. This is a great time for rafting near Tena, but the highlands are chillier and wetter.Key Events: Carnaval, Book well ahead for transport and accommodations during Semana Santa (Holy Week), which can spill into April. Best place to discover pre-colonial Ecuador. Aerogal (tel. How long do you have? August is prime time for an escape. One very interesting option is to use Rent 4WD.com (tel. The only way to get to Baos is by bus or private car, but you can bus from multiple locations around Ecuador. Taxis are common in all big cities and towns. 1800/883-567 toll-free nationwide; www.icaro.aero), and Tame (tel. There is a distinct lack of signage and there are often lots of potholes, although the major Pan-American Highway is usually in fairly good condition. While southern Ecuador is less traveled than other parts of the country, a road trip here will take you through historic highland towns and mountain ranges, avoiding the crowds. 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. Virtually all travelers to the Galapagos arrive by air via mainland Ecuador. If you're short on time, I recommend flying, which is cheap and efficient. Options for Touring Ecuador | kimkim December usually means sunny weather in the Oriente, with refreshing warm days and afternoon rain showers along the coast. 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. Here's our menu of top meals to try. 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 . If you're involved in a breakdown or accident, you should contact the police. These routes depart from Guayaquil, which is the closest city to the islands, a quick 1.5-hour flight. For the best food in town, head to the suburb of Urdesa, northwest of the center; for nightlife, try Las Peas, immediately north of downtown. The tourist police may be of help, and are more likely to have someone on hand who speaks English. Heading south from the capital on route E35, the route veers off on the E30 before snaking its way up toward the volcano. From the U.S. and Canada there are plenty of flights to Ecuador, though youll likely need to transfer domestically or in South America. If not, the bus can fill up with ticket holders and others, which means you may have to stand until a seat becomes available. Biking and walking are easy and affordable means of getting around tourist areas. Andean peaks and impenetrable rainforests present formidable obstacles to travel in Ecuador. Many of South Americas greatest hits can be found in Ecuador from Andean peaks and the Amazon to tropical beaches. Getting around in Ecuador - Lonely Planet Your trip through Ecuador will depend on your answers to these two questions. Take it slowly to acclimatize; herds of vicua, a wild relative of the domesticated llama, will keep you company on the way. Head to La Ronda, a former red-light district turned entertainment quarter, which has live music and lots of cozy bars. Cheap Flights To Ecuador - Flights | CheapTickets Most travelers fly into the capitol of Quito as a starting point. Here's how best to plan your visit. Whenever you come, some special facet of Ecuadors diverse beauty will shine through, making your trip memorable. So you have the convenience of a car without the stress of driving. Getting to Ecuador | How to travel to Ecuador | Rough Guides Called the Sierra, the mountainous regions of Ecuador are made up of valleys, volcanoes, and expansive plains. And once you get off the beaten path, you may not encounter any signs or indications as you pass intersection after intersection. The US airlines fly via their respective hubs (see above), while Iberia routes via Madrid, and KLM via Amsterdam. Catching a bus in the bus terminals is quite easy. 5 best road trips in Ecuador - Lonely Planet Be aware, too, that scams are common spurious stories along the lines of the road is closed or there are protests can be ploys to get travellers into the scammers vehicles or to an isolated place with the aim of robbing them. 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. 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. Buses are one of the most common ways to get around Ecuador. Ecuador is a small country, and getting around it is quite easy and inexpensive. Avianca and Copa Airlines have indirect flights via cities such as Bogot, Panama City and San Salvador (El Salvador). Youve serviced the car. Still, for relatively short distances, buses are your best and cheapest option. See you in paradise! This is a considerably more expensive option than flying, but its also much more scenic and allows you to see more wildlife on your way to the islands. Be careful when using overhead storage. While the journey on a bus is likely to be quite hair-raising, there are buses available to take you to almost any destination you require. A dorm bed will run you about 8$-12$. 11 Mind-Blowing Things to Do in Baos, Ecuador (on a budget) International travelers fly into either Quito, the capital, or Guayaquil, the countrys largest city. The Ecuadorian capital is a fascinating melange of cultures and a living museum of Spanish-era architecture. The hardest part is deciding which part to visit first. Here are the best ways to travel around in Ecuador Villamilk / Getty Images. Here are a few helpful tips to planning a journey to one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. This picturesque little town is home to one of the largest permanent markets in South America. Johannesburg to So Paulo with South African Airlines is a ten-hour flight costing from ZAR6000. From Argentina to Vietnam, our worldwide network of local experts can plan your trip from arrival to departure, so you can spend less time poring over train timetables and more having the best experiences possible. 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. Percy Coll knows Ecuador well and was extremely helpful and easy to communicate with. Fare usually costs around $1 not bad, but dont be afraid to haggle especially if youre traveling longer distances. The frigid Andes feel a long way away when youre sipping a cocktail on Ecuadors Pacific shore, which boasts a whole host of excellent beaches. Avenue of the Volcanoes. Ecuador is too small to warrant its own airpass, but is included in larger networks, such as the LAN airlines Airpass, which links LAN destinations and offers further discounts if you have a transatlantic ticket with them. Unless you have lots of time and money at your disposal, youll need to fly to get to the GalpagosIslands and probably also the Amazon rainforest (although long-distance buses can take you to some areas). Ricardo and Jose were excellent, knowledgeable guides fo Book with Anywhere! Throughout Ecuador, you can reach the police by dialing tel. It is possible to enter Ecuador by bus from Peru via Macar, Huayquillas and La Balsa, or from Colombia via Tulcn. Shorter jaunts are often standing room only, and if youre traveling to very remote locales, dont be surprised to find yourself on the roof of a coach or in the bed of a truck. To rent a vehicle, youll need to be at least 21 and have a credit card. Flying around Ecuador is pretty affordable. Sometimes they hope to keep the extra dollar as a tip, using the excuse that they don't have change. They usually charge a bit more, but if it saves you from taking two taxis, it should be worth it. Galapagos Islands Transportation | U.S. News Travel 02/2543-983. This still seems to keep them watchful that everyone gets their own bags. The Andean landscape is pockmarked with volcanoes that tumble towards the jungle, which makes for quite a spectacle when seen from above (providing the clouds play ball). ), then a bus, shuttle, rental car, or car and driver may be your best bet. DAY 20-21: BAOS. They'll also point out evolutionary marvels that you would otherwise miss. Official driving rules are often ignored. The quality of the roads is improving all the time, but outside the main cities youll almost certainly encounter unpaved roads at some point; keep that in mind when choosing your rental car type. Your journey begins in Quito, home to the Middle of the World. Because Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America, traveling from one end to the other is not too difficult. Read our Privacy Policy. Discover Ecuador for your next vacation or make it your home! From the E30, the route up the volcano is well marked; youll cut through open countryside and fields as you make your way towards Quilotoa. The coast is nearing the end of its high season, but the beaches still see significant amounts of sunshine and surf.Key Events: Founding Day of Cuenca, May represents the tail end of high season in the Galpagos, while the coast is beginning to cool off under gray skies. Buses are the main form of transportation for most Ecuadorians, and will likely be the most convenient for those getting flights to Ecuador. You should only take registered taxis. Expect stunning views over the surrounding hills and valleys on the way as you approach the caldera. Ask for a price before you get in. Quitos markets are another must-see. Getting around Ecuador is a little trickier than getting around at home. More laidback and less developed is the ramshackle beachfront village of Montaitaits cheap digs, decent waves and party vibe attract a steady stream of bronzed backpackers. You can expect to pay around 700900 return in low season and 8001100 in high, though prices can vary widely. Running alongside some of the best surf beaches on South America's Pacific coast, the route is a firm favorite for fans of surfing, scuba diving, fishing and water sports. Read our Privacy Policy. Sun-screen Ecuador is on the equator (hence the name), and that means it's closer to the sun. For many journeys, taking a taxi or hiring a driver makes more sense both in terms of safety and cost than renting a car. Travel Ecuador from north to south? Approximate flying times from the US to Quito without stops are around four hours from Miami, and around five hours from Houston and Atlanta. 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. Most buses show a movie or two depending on the length of the trip. Getting Around Ecuador: Transportation Tips - SmarterTravel Its main draw is the menacing Tungurahua volcano, which has been belching lava and ash since the nineties, periodically forcing residents to flee. Alternatively, head to the nearest public bus station with your Spanish phrasebook and go it alone. At press time, Localiza was temporarily closed -- and may still be by the time you read this. Well, the volcano also heats the thermal baths that the town is named after and revered for. Most of the main highways are in good repair, but road conditions deteriorate significantly when you peel off onto minor roads, so consider hiring a 4WD. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. Planning to travel here? Tame.com.ec. Most drivers DO have change. If you can't get on a flight it can be worth going to the airport and putting your name on a waiting list. Larger vans are also available at the airports by making a reservation. Higher prices are likely in the July to September high season and during December. Mariscal Sucre in Quito is located 8km (5 miles) north of the New Town. Getting around Ecuador as a solo traveler With roads rough and poorly signposted and GPS unreliable, Ecuador isn't the best place to rent a car. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. The Solo Traveler's Guide to Ecuador - Culture Trip Avoiding wet seasons is dependent upon where you intend to go within the country more than anything else. On Da de los Difuntos (All Souls Day) on 2 November, it's a highland tradition to eat a special baby-shaped bun and sip colada morada a purple corn-based drink that is only consumed on this day.Key Events: Da de los Difuntos, Independence of Cuenca, Christmas and New Years Eve, both public holidays, are big events in Ecuador. Traveling by bus is still the most popular way to see Ecuador. Getting to Ecuador By air Ecuador has two international airports, at Quito (Mariscal Sucre) and Guayaquil (Jos Joaqun de Olmedo). 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. Renting a bike from local companies like Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental will likely set you back about $15 a day . Better rates may be found with Latin American company Localiza or local agency Simon Car Rental. Ecuador's incredible landscapes are just waiting to be explored on four wheels. 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 could be forgiven for arriving on the islands of the Galpagos archipelago and wondering what all the fuss is about. By bus. Sign up for our free newsletter. Explore a trio of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in this Machu Picchu and Galapagos tour package! Here's our menu of top meals to try. Visitors should note that Ecuador's currency is the American dollar. Avianca, and LATAM/LAN also fly to major cities. Anywhere.com did an exceptional job of planning this trip. The coastal town of Salinas spills out onto a fine stretch of shoreline, and it has a decent nightlife, making it popular with locals and tourists. If you want to take a domestic flight, you can also fly to and from Lago Agrio, Loja, Macas, and Coca. Checkpoints throughout the country will require you to present your passport. Just walk in and 90% of the time you'll find a bus leaving for you destination within the hour. Getting Around Ecuador Safely. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. It's very easy to get around historic Quito and downtown Cuenca on foot, but you should not walk around these cities at night. Baos is the place to go if you like living dangerously. Remember to keep your eyes on the road the scenery is pretty spectacular! Most of Ecuador's major cities and tourist destinations are serviced by regular and reliable commuter air traffic. Easiest decision you'll have to make. Direct flights to Ecuadors international airports in Quito and Guayaquil depart from a relatively small number of places outside of Latin America. 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. 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. Here's our menu of top meals to try. Most people advise against renting a car, but it is available and may be a convenient way for some to travel Ecuador. Travel Ecuador from north to south? In Quito, for example, the "trolebus," a trolley-like bus that runs on separate tracks, will take you around . Australia: 12-Night Melbourne, Cairns & Sydney Rome to Istanbul: Luxe, 11-Night Mediterranean Pennsylvania: Daily Car Rentals from Pittsburgh. Buses are modern and quite comfortable. Best place for experiencing a unique ecosystem. The Ecuador constitution requires that all employees receive 15% of the profits made by a company, to be paid in April.
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