Ecuador Travel Guide - Getting Around

TAME (EQ) (website: www.tame.com.ec) flies frequently between Guayaquil, Quito and other destinations throughout the country. A number of small airlines serve the coast and eastern part of the country. Flying is the usual mode of transport for intercity travel.

Galápagos Islands: There are daily flights to the Galápagos Islands on national airlines from both Quito and Guayaquil; note that there is a national park admission charge, payable in cash only.

12% of the ticket price, paid with the ticket.

Ecuador’s rocky coastline makes coast-hopping an inefficient and even dangerous means of transport for visitors. Several navigable rivers flow eastwards into the Amazon basin. Dugout canoes, which carry up to about 25 people, are widely used as a means of transport in roadless areas, particularly in the Oriente jungles and in the northwest coastal regions. Tourist boats, luxury cruisers, converted fishing boats and hired yachts can all be used to travel between the Galápagos Islands.

Frequent landslides and lack of funding are some of the causes of the railway system becoming almost completely redundant. The only service run by the Empresa de Nacional Ferrocarriles del Estado (Ecuador State Railways) to remain is the famous Nariz del Diablo (Devil's Nose), which makes a spectacular mountain descent on its route between Riobamba (train station tel: (03) 961 909) and Sibambe.

Traffic drives on the right. An extensive network of roads spreads out from the main north–south axis of the Panamericana (Pan-American Highway). Roads can have variable conditions, particularly in the highlands, due to the terrain and weather; potholes and cracks in the road are sometimes sizeable. There is a lack of road markings and signage, so driving at night is particularly best avoided.

Bus: Long-distance buses leave from the terminal terrestre (central bus station). Tickets are inexpensive and should be bought in advance to secure a seat. Long-distance coaches can be very comfortable and air-conditioned. Other modes include busetas (minibuses that travel long distances quickly) and converted pick-up trucks. The standards of buses decrease in rural areas. Travellers are advised to keep their passports with them at all times as police checks are common. Keep luggage within sight. It is not recommended to travel at night.

Taxis: These are widely available, particularly in larger cities and towns. Fares tend to be low but should be negotiated in advance. Taxis are metered in Quito, but rarely elsewhere. Taxis may be hired for a whole day. Drivers do not expect tips.

Car hire: International and local car hire companies operate in Ecuador. 4-wheel drive is necessary for some areas. Drivers need to be at least 25 years old and have a major credit card for the deposit.

Regulations: The national speed limit is 100kph (63mph) on highways and around 50kph (30mph) in urban areas, unless otherwise indicated. There are strong penalties for even the most minor driving offences.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is not required, but insurance is.

Guayaquil and Quito have bus and minibus services operating at flat fares. Buses usually have a board in the window displaying their route.

The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Quito to other major cities and towns in Ecuador.

	Air	Road	Rail
Guayaquil	0.50	7.00	7.00
Cuenca	1.30	9.30	-
Esmeraldas	1.00	7.00	-
Puerto Ayora	2.30	-	-