Transportation to Ecuador

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 November 2008, Ecuador raised its departure tax. Every time you leave Ecuador, you will be charged $40.80 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

Ecuador is well-connected by roads to the rest of South America, so travelers can catch a bus between Quito and most major cities on the continent. Ecuador borders Colombia and Peru, and arranging land transportation to or from either of these countries is especially simple. One can enter or exit Colombia through the border crossing at Tulcán or take a long-distance bus to or from Quito. In the south, many buses connect the cities of northern Peru with Cuenca and Guayaquil. Travelers can also take local transportation to Huaquillas and cross the Peruvian border there. The borders are also open to private vehicles.

Border Crossings

The two border crossings from Ecuador to Peru are at Huaquillas, by the Río Zarumilla, and Macará. Both borders areopen 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 kilometers 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.