Expat Community > Ecuador

jmagill01
Joined 2011
Posts: 12

Taking the bus

13 years ago

I will be visiting Ecuador for the first time in about 3 weeks - spending a week first in Quito and then a week in Cuenca. Flights from the US being much cheaper round trip to Quito, I was going to then fly domestically from Quito to Cuenca and back to Quito for my return flight to the US. But then I thought it would be a more fun idea to take a bus down to Cuenca and the fly back to Quito. That way I can see the countryside by both land and by air. So it would of course be a day trip by bus.
My questions are - -
Is there a bus service that someone might recommend? If possible, could you please include a phone # or link?
I would have a large suitcase that I would want to store in the bottom of the bus and a backpack that I would keep with me on the bus. Am I correct to assume that the bus can accommodate that luggage arrangement?
Is this something that I should book now from the US? Or is it fine to book it once I get to Quito since the bus trip would still be a week away?
Lastly (for now), is a bus the right way to do this? I don't mind it being an 8-10 hour trip, and being the only foreigner on the bus is fine with me. That is as long as I can expect busses to be a safe way to travel for a foreigner? For me, the bus trip is not for cost savings even though that is a bonus - again it is for seeing the countryside between the 2 cities. So if the bus is not a good idea, what means of doing the trip from Quito to Cuenca by land would you recommend – car rental? Taxi?

Thank you
Jerry

Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Living in Ecuador Guide

Expats in Ecuador share some of the pros and cons of living in Ecuador. Topics covered include where to live, the bureaucracy, the people and more.

Ecuador Forum
Join our Ecuador forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Ecuador.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.

Best Places to Live in Ecuador

If you're dreaming about living in Ecuador, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Ecuador in 2023.

Healthcare in Ecuador

Expats in Ecuador share their experiences with healthcare and overseas medical insurance in Ecuador.

Cost of Living in Ecuador

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Ecuador.

Moving to Ecuador Guide

Expats in Ecuador offer advice to newcomers and people considering a move to Ecuador about clothing, sunscreen, renting before buying, gringo pricing, Ecuadorians politeness and much more.