(the greenish line on the Ecuador map is the Andes)
Prologue
.........What goes up must come down
Spinnin' wheel got to go 'round
Talkin' 'bout your troubles it's a cryin' sin
Ride a painted pony let the spinnin' wheel spin........
- Lyrics by Blood, Sweat and Tears
....which aptly sums up the challenges that this Andes inspired country presents traveling through it on the 'painted ponies' we call buses......
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Transport in Ecuador
Traveling on local transport during our time in Ecuador has generally been painless. So..we thought we'd provide some overall tips n suggestions.
Buses and bus stations are everywhere throughout the country...from 1st class buses/bus stations to 'stations' that are in an empty lot...buses are efficient, on time and cheap.
Most rides cost about $1US (the currency of Ecuador) per person, per hour. Some buses have had decent WiFi......most do not have a baño. Different companies/different buses all go to the same destinations. On longer hauls they even have movies running on big screens...
All buses have vendors coming onto them selling anything from magazines to children's toys to home cooked meals, water, candy jewelry and personal hygiene products.
While distances may not seem great in Ecuador....the mountain ascents/descents and windy, switchback roads make for slow go.
We've rarely bought a ticket at a sales window....instead, were pointed in the right direction by ticket sellers/drivers....and....just found the right bus, hopped on and paid onboard at some point.
On some routes, the buses do get crowded, and sometimes hot, and people may have to stand until someone gets off. Passengers just have to ring a bell or say 'gracias' or "pare" and the driver will stop wherever you want him to. So efficient!!
One of the largest bus stations we have ever been in was at Guayaquil where there were 90 bays for the buses that were all on the 2nd of 3 floors in the station. It felt like we were in an airport with escalators, vendors, restaurants, shops... It was right beside the airport and metro station...so efficient!
Taxis (usually yellow), are a good deal within large cities like Quito, Cuenca, Salinas etc....in smaller villages, 'taxis' are usually pickup trucks....that are either just for you or shared....easy to get around in....
Tuk-tuks are great. They are motorcycles with a sitting area attached to the back of them which sits anywhere from 2 - 10 people. They are fast, efficient, sometimes bumpy depending on the roads, and, they can go many places cars cannot. They are open air and cheap!!! Here in Ecuador your cost is usually $1 US.
Car renting is possible.....most people we've talked with have said driving outside main cities is doable...apart from drivers driving without headlights, passing on corners and poor road conditions in some regions....
Boats....and when/if you go to the Galapagos....you have boat/ferries to shuttle people between the islands. Usually, speedboat size and rides can be bumpy...(more in our Galapagos blog...).
Anyway.....hope this helps....and makes it seem that a DIY tour of Ecuador is, indeed, possible... Happy travels!
Epilogue
......Did you find the directing sign on the
Straight and narrow highway
Would you mind a reflecting sign
Just let it shine within your mind
And show you the colors that are real......
-Lyrics by Blood, Sweat & Tears
Hasta Luego
Shayne y Yvonne
No banos on bus. I will have to find alternative transport but no burros.
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