Transportation to Ecuador

Transportation

V!VA User‘s Description

By Plane

A number of airlines offer regular international flights to and from Ecuador. The high seasons, from the beginning of July to the beginning of September and December to mid-January, bring a bump in ticket price and extremely limited availability. Try to travel outside of these times, but if you can’t, be sure to reserve your ticket well in advance. If you purchase your ticket in Ecuador, call the airline or travel agency where you purchased your ticket 72 hours before your flight to confirm, or you may be bumped from the flight. Departure Tax V!VA

Update: As of June 18, 2007 Ecuador raised its departure tax. Every time you leave Ecuador, you will be charged $37.00 in cash after checking your bags and before going through migration. This tax rises from time to time so having a few extra dollars in case is always a good idea.

By Land 

While there is no road connecting Central to South America because of the zone of untamed rainforest between Colombia and Panama, many travelers make their way by bus once they are in Ecuador. This is entirely possible, perfectly safe and often cheaper than flying. Remember, though, South America is huge and multi-day bus rides are the norm if you are traveling through countries. Most major cities have international bus stations.

Border Crossings

The two border crossings from Ecuador to Peru are at Huaquillas, by the Río Zarumilla, and Macará. Both borders are open 24 hours. The border at Tulcán/Rumichaca is the best place to cross into or out of Colombia. The Ecuadorian town of Rumichaca is where the border patrol will stamp your passport and Tulcán is the border town 6 km away on the Colombian side. Tip: change money in a large Ecuadorian city before crossing any border. The money-changers at the border often pass false bills and will rip you off badly on the exchange rate.