Transportation

Planes

Fly over the Andes on your flight into Quito and fly over them again as you travel the country in a matter of minutes.For the most up-to-date fare and scheduling information, it is always best to check with:

TAME: flights to almost all destinations in the country including: Guayaquil, Quito, the Galapagos, Bahía, Esmeraldas, Manta, Portoviejo, Machala, Cuenca, Loja, Tulcán, Coca, Lago Agrio, and Macas.

Icaro: now flies to most major destinations and is in the process of expanding its service.

While prices vary depending on the destination and the season, non-national tourists can expect to pay under USD 50 each way for mainland flights (with the exception of flights to and from jungle destinations in the Oriente which tend to be a little more expensive) and between USD 300 and USD 380 for a round-trip flight to the Galapagos from Guayaquil or Quito.

Buses

As more and more roads are paved in Ecuador, buses are becoming the preferred means of travel. All of Ecuador's top travel spots are within a day's ride from Quito and prices are very low.

The Terminal Terrestre de Cumandá in Quito is where many bus companies have their offices and where most buses traveling within the country depart from. The terminal is located in the old town, close to Plaza Santo Domingo at 3077 Maldonado. The terminal and the area around it are breeding grounds for thieves so keep a close eye on your bags at all time. There are a few bus companies that leave from the new town.

Rent a Car

If the idea of long bus rides and erratic schedules doesn't appeal to you, you may choose to rent a car in Ecuador and travel the country, designing your itinerary as you go along.

To hire a car in Ecuador you need to be at least 25 years of age, hold a valid driver's license, and carry an internationally recognized credit card. Realize, however, that car rental in Ecuador is vastly different from that in the USA or Europe, mainly because there is no CDW (Collision Damage Waiver). Practices differ from company to company, so you need to make sure you understand fully the details of the contract and your responsibilities.

Taxis

In Quito, yellow taxis are ubiquitous. All of them are required to use a taximeter and most of them do, but on occasion you will be asked to agree on a price instead. The same laws apply in Guayaquil and Cuenca. Everywhere else they either don't have one or don't use it. Know the approximate price of your trip before you get into the taxi and make sure that you and the driver agree on a price before you go anywhere. If the price he quotes you is too high you can negotiate it down a bit, something you won't be able to do once he has already driven you to your destination, or just get out and get an honest taxi driver.

Any taxi ride in Quito should cost between USD 1 and USD 5, including the ride in from the airport. Pay no more than double these prices for late night rides. Taxis can also be hired for several hours or the whole day. In many cases this is cheaper than renting a car and also means you don't have to navigate Ecuadorian roads or deal with unpredictable Ecuadorian drivers. Most main hotels can arrange to get you a taxi for the day. Most trips out of Quito cost about USD 50-70 dollars per day.

Taxi Numbers:

Central Radio Taxis 2500600
Teletaxi 2220800\2222222
Co-op de taxis Brasilia 2550493
California 2400411
Colón 2543071
CC Inmoquito 2441183
Dammer 263404-152, 2241948
Cumanda 217572-654
El Rosario 2533878, 2531578

Boat travel

Boat travel is a popular and necessary means of transportation in Ecuador. Travel down Amazonian rivers in canoes or sail between the Galapagos Islands in luxury cruise ships.

Train Travel

Taking the train in Ecuador should be thought of less as a means of transportation than as an adventure. Mudslides and flooding have severely damaged the railroads and a lack of government money has left them in disrepair. Take the train to experience riding on the roof, ducking under tunnels and the famous autocarril, basically a bus fitted to the tracks.

Others

Experience every bump in the road or change in weather by riding in the back of a truck. This may be your only option if traveling to very remote areas, but it offers great views and a chance to get really close with the locals who will admire your sense of adventure.

Hitchhiking is not a very popular means of transportation in Ecuador. Most people who pick you up will expect some payment and with the safety concerns inherent in hitchhiking, it makes more sense to take a bus.

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