Tips and Tricks for Ecuador (As Of 2012)

Banos:

Getting There – Taxis in Quito are very expensive. We took an $8 taxi, called from our hostel, to the Southern Terminal. The bus ride to Banos was easy and cost $3.70 each including the terminal tax.

Staying – We would highly recommend Princesa Maria Hostal. The place is super clean and run by the nicest family. A private room was $14.

Eating – Café Sativia was our favorite spot for fresh coffee and veggie burgers. The menu is limited but the food is really great and the owners are super nice.

Getting Around – Renting a bike is the best way to see the amazing scenery, $5 for the day plus $2 back in a truck to town…doesn’t get better than that!

Cuenca:

Getting There – We walked to the terminal to catch the bus to Riobamba for $2 each then had to change buses for our trip onward to Cuenca, the 2^nd bus cost $6. Upon arrival a taxi to the center in Cuenca will run $2 if you grab one outside of the terminal.

Staying – We stayed at Posada Rio II, it was a nice place with friendly owners and very centrally located. We paid $18 for a private room with shared bath.

Eating – Any of the Hookah places have some good falafel. We also heard the Indian place is amazing but didn’t try it!

Getting Around – We used our own two feet, the taxis are very reasonable though.

Vilcabamba:

Getting There – From Cuenca, you’ll need to get a bus to Loja first for $7.10, again including the terminal tax. From Loja it’s a quick ride and only costs $1.40. The buses to Vilcabamba leave very frequently and run all day.

Staying – We stayed at Izhcayluma based on other traveler’s recommendations. The place is beautiful and very relaxing. The breakfast is well worth the steep dorm price coming in at $10 per bed.

Eating – Load up on the breakfast if you are staying at Izhcayluma, the rest of the food there is super pricey and we didn’t think very good. In town, things are somewhat over priced as well. We ate mostly sandwiches with avocado, tomato and onion.

Getting Around – Four wheel drive pick-up trucks will take you anywhere you need to go. A ride to Izhcayluma will cost somewhere between $1-$2 depending if you have an honest driver or not.

Otavalo:

Getting There – From Pasto- take a taxi for 3500COP to terminal, then a car to Ipiales 8,000COP per person. Going to the church in Las Latas- Taxi was 4,000COP per person round trip and baggage storage 2,000COP per big backpack. Ipiales to border- we took a collective for 1,500COP each to the border from the bus terminal. After getting the appropriate stamps, we jumped in a collectivo for $.75 for the short ride to the Tulcan terminal. From Tulcan terminal, it was $3.00 each to Otavalo.

Staying – Hostal Maria seems to be one of the cheapest places in town coming in at $14 for private room with private bath and kitchen use.

Eating – For close to $3 you can get a local lunch around the plaza. There is also a hookah bar called Bohemiem (sp?) where you can get falafel.

Getting Around – You can get a taxi anywhere in town for $1, including to and from the terminal.

Quito:

Getting There – From Otavalo it will cost you $2 per person. A taxi will run you $8 from the terminal to your hostel. Be sure to ask around because the first driver quoted us $15.

Staying – Hostal Guayunga (across from Secret Garden) was a nice family run place. It cost us about $9 each for a dorm bed. There are many different dorm rooms here so you might even be able to get a dorm room all to yourself if you like.

Eating – There is a decent Chinese place close to Hostal Guayunga/Secret Garden where you can get a massive portion of food for under $4.

Getting Around – We paid total $.80 each roundtrip to visit Mitad del Mundo taking the local metro bus. Taxi to the southern terminal is also $8 for a reputable taxi, highly recommended in Quito! Also, a taxi from Mariscal to Old Town it will run you about $5. Keep in mind cabs are a bit pricey in Quito.