Getting There & Getting About

International Airports

• Quito (UIO): 5 km from the city
• Guayaquil (GYE): 5 km from the city.
• Full list of airports in Ecuador with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

Flying is the usual mode of transport between cities, with frequent services connecting Guayaquil, Quito and other destinations throughout the country. There are also daily flights to the Galápagos Islands from both Guayaquil and Quito. Boats, yachts and cruisers may all be used to travel between the Galápagos Islands.

Although Ecuador's rocky coastline means that coast-hopping is an inefficient and even hazardous means of transport for visitors, boats may be used to travel the navigable rivers flowing eastwards into the Amazon basin. In the northwest coastal regions and Oriente jungles, dugout canoes (holding up to 25 people) are a useful means of transport.

Much of the railway network enjoys spectacular views. However, lack of funding and frequent landslides have meant that the railway system has almost ground to a halt, with just one service offered by the Ecuador State Railways. This is the famous Nariz del Diablo (Devil's Nose) route, which makes a spectacular mountain descent on its route from Riobamba down to Sibambe on the Pacific coast.

Although there is an extensive network of roads spreading out from the main north-south axis of the Panamericana (Pan-American Highway), road conditions remain variable as a result of frequent earthquakes and flooding. Cracks in the road and potholes are sometimes sizeable. There also tends to be lack of signage and road markings, and so driving at night is best avoided. Drivers over the age of 25 may hire a car; 4-wheel drive vehicles may be necessary for some areas. The national speed limit is around 50 kph (30 mph) in urban areas and 100 kph (63 mph) on highways, unless otherwise indicated.

Long distance buses are inexpensive, although tickets should be bought well in advance in order to secure a seat. Busetas (minibuses) and converted pick-up trucks may also be used to travel between cities. Police checks are common and it is advisable for travellers to keep their passports with them at all times, and their luggage in sight. Travel at night is not recommended.

Taxis are relatively cheap and fares should be negotiated in advance, other than in Quito, where they are metered. Taxi drivers do not expect tips. In Quito and Guayaquil, buses and minibuses operate within the city at flat fares.