In general, I don’t recommend renting a car in Ecuador. For the most part, the roads are in bad condition; and because signs are nonexistent, it’s very easy to get lost. For short-distance journeys, it’s much more economical to take a bus, or even a taxi.
Contents
What is the best way to get around Ecuador?
All Things Transport
- Plane. Traveling by air is a good option in Ecuador — it’s often the safest and most affordable way to travel.
- Boat. Cruises are a common way to get to the Galápagos islands.
- Bus. Buses are one of the most common ways to get around Ecuador.
- Rental Car.
- Taxi.
Is it hard to drive in Ecuador?
Driving Distances
Ecuador is a compact country that makes getting around a pretty easy task. Driving to Canoa on the coast from Quito usually takes less than 6 hours. To Guayaquil it is about 7 hours. To Otavalo in the north is just over an hour and a half, and getting to Cotopaxi National Park takes just over 1 hour.
Can tourists drive in Ecuador?
Tourists and temporary visitors are allowed to drive for 30 days in Ecuador on a valid U.S. driver’s license and the passport showing the entry date stamp. Permanent residents of Ecuador need to apply for an Ecuadorian driver’s license in: Agencia Nacional de Tránsito.
Is car insurance required in Ecuador?
Auto insurance in Ecuador works just like it does in the United States, except that it’s not required by law. Since other drivers may not have insurance, it’s even more important that you do so that accidents will be covered.
Is there Uber in Ecuador?
Uber has spread its reach to yet another Latin American country, now offering its services to Ecuador´s two largest cities, Quito and Guayaquil.
What is Ecuador famous food?
Ecuador Food and Drink
- Cuy: Roast guinea pig.
- Locro: Soup of potatoes, corn, cheese and avocado.
- Empanadas: Corn pasties stuffed with meat, cheese or vegetables.
- Llapingachos: Cheesy potato cakes.
- Seco de chivo: Goat stew usually served on special occasions.
- Ceviche: Raw seafood ‘cooked’ in lime and chilli.
Does Ecuador require an international driver’s license?
The Law. By law, if you live in Ecuador, to drive you must get an Ecuadorian drivers license. Some have tried to get around this by getting an international drivers license, but Ecuador will only accept this license for six months (180 days).
Can you drive from NY to Ecuador?
New York is located around 4568 KM away from Ecuador so if you travel at the consistent speed of 50 KM per hour you can reach Ecuador in 91.36 hours. Your Ecuador travel time may vary due to your bus speed, train speed or depending upon the vehicle you use.
How long does it take to drive around Ecuador?
Even in fine conditions, rough terrain means travelling around Ecuador’s highland regions is often much slower than you might expect: going the length of the country by bus from the Colombian border to Peru, a distance of 818km on mostly paved roads, takes around 18 hours – an average speed of 45kmh.
Is renting a car in Ecuador safe?
In general, I don’t recommend renting a car in Ecuador. For the most part, the roads are in bad condition; and because signs are nonexistent, it’s very easy to get lost. For short-distance journeys, it’s much more economical to take a bus, or even a taxi.
Can you drive from California to Ecuador?
California To Ecuador travel time
California is located around 1039 KM away from Ecuador so if you travel at the consistent speed of 50 KM per hour you can reach Ecuador in 20.78 hours. Your Ecuador travel time may vary due to your bus speed, train speed or depending upon the vehicle you use.
Which side of the road do you drive on in Ecuador?
right hand
General Ecuador driving information, laws rules and regulations: Driving in Ecuador is on the right hand side of the road. Seat belts when driving a hire car in Ecuador are mandatory.
What cars do they have in Ecuador?
Chinese auto brands selling in Ecuador include BAIC, Brilliance, BYD, Changan, Changhe, Chery, Lifan, Foton, Great Wall, JAC, JMC, and Shineray. Last year saw Chinese SUVs in most demand, and Great Wall top sales with 8,380 units, compared to 6,792 the year before.
How do I import a car to Ecuador?
Getting Your Used or Salvage Car Through Ecuadorian Customs
- Your Passport.
- Your Resident Visa (For the Country from which You’re Returning)
- Proof of Transportation Insurance.
- Original Receipt of Purchase for the Vehicle.
- An Original Certificate of Title.
- Proof of Departure Port Inspection.
- An Import Permit.
Can you drink the tap water in Ecuador?
Drinking tap water is not advisable anywhere in Ecuador, so drink only bottled or boiled water or soft drinks. If you are unable to find bottled drinks or to boil water, you can make water safer by both using a water-purifier that removes both bacteria and viruses and adding iodine tablets to the filtered water.
Is it safe to walk around Quito?
Quito is considered as safe as any capital city in South America which attracts a large amount of visitors, however, tourists should always be vigilant and use common sense in public areas as pick pocketing is common in this region.
What shots do I need to go to Ecuador?
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Ecuador: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. Recommended for travelers to most regions.
What can you not eat in Ecuador?
Unless you fancy having your gall bladder removed (very regular in Ecuador, not in Europe). Guinea pig is a no-no! Ecuadorian food in general is far too salty, and sweet if a pudding. Most Ecuadorians don’t like spicy food and eat far too much red meat (pork and steak).
What is the national drink of Ecuador?
Pinol
Pinol (also known as pinolillo) is the national drink of Ecuador, made with ground toasted barley flour, panela (unrefined sugar), mixed spices, and milk.
What animals do Ecuadorians eat?
In the mountains, pork, chicken, beef, and cuy (guinea pig) are served with a variety of carbohydrate-rich foods, especially rice, corn, and potatoes. A popular street food in mountainous regions is hornado (roasted pig), which is often served with llapingacho (a pan seared potato ball).
