Ecuador Transportation Tips for Mid-range Travelers

By Christopher Minster

As mid-range travelers, you'll have more options than budget travelers, but unless you're with a tour company, buses are still probably your best option.

Even if you can afford a rental car, it's a bad idea. Quito and Guayaquil are terrible cities to drive in – there are no street signs, one-way streets are not always labeled, and there are some truly bizarre traffic rules, such as: it is legal to turn left on red if no one is coming. Guayaquil is worse than Quito. After a few minutes on the road in Guayaquil, you will wonder who left the asylum door open and let all of the lunatics out. Even when you're not in the city, there are no road signs, so you may come upon an intersection in a remote location with no indication of which way you need to go. Roads are bad, and breakdowns, flat tires, and other automotive problems are very common.  

As an option, buses are pretty easy and comfortable and allow you to rest between adventures. An even more comfortable option is a tour, which are pretty affordable in Ecuador. In cities, take taxis because they're safe and cheap. See our taxis in Ecuador section for tips on dealing with cabbies.