Transportation between the airport and Quito:

The company Aeroservicios S.A. (www.aeroservicios.com.ec) runs WiFi equipped buses 24/7, leaving every 15 minutes at rush hour (7-10a.m., 4-7p.m.), or every 30 minutes during normal hours. Buses depart from the old airport to the new one at a rate of $8 per passenger, taking about one hour to an hour-and-a-half in getting there. Tickets can be bought online or before boarding.

Alternatively, public transit will provide buses departing from the Rio Coca terminal to the new airport every 15 minutes for $2. The catch is that you’ll have to patiently wait through 5 brief stops before finally getting there. Estimated transport time between the two points will be at least an hour-and-a-half to two-hours until traffic conditions improve - specifically once the bypasses are constructed (the main Collas-Tababela highway that is being built from the city to the airport is not expected to be completed until April of 2014)

The third option is to take a Taxi, which will cost an estimated $25 to get to the airport from most places in Quito (and vice-versa). To consult the chart of fixed taxi rates, divided up by neighborhood, click here.

Instead of one, centrally-located bus station, Quito has two terminals located at the north and south ends of Quito. These newer stations are intended to make travel more efficient and cost-effective, as well as reduce the number of long-distance buses passing through the city.

In the far north is Carcelén (Av. Eloy Alfaro and Av. Galo Plaza Lasso). At the southern tip is the brand new Quitumbe station (Av. Cóndor �'an and Av. Mariscal Sucre). Below are links to some useful maps outlining the new bus terminals, as well as the various bus routes to/from them:

Map of the two new terminus stations and how the various buses/vehicles enter and exit the stations

Trole - The best way of getting to the Quitumbe station via public transit.

Metrobus - The best way of getting closest to the Carcelen station via public transit.

The following is a list of bus companies, their destinations and contact information. The price for these companies varies between $12-20, one-way.

2013/05/31 20:33

http://www.vivatravelguides.com/south-america/ecuador/quito/quito-overview/getting-around/

http://www.ecuadorexplorer.com/html/about_ecuador/getting-around/buses.html

Quito is very easy to get around, and orientation is always easy because the massive 15,000 foot Pichincha Volcanos is always to the West of the city.

How the street numbering system works:

All streets north of the colonial center are lettered “N” and numbered in sequence. Streets running south of this divide are lettered “S”. The systems east-west axis is La Avenida 10 de Agosto. Streets running east of the axis are lettered “E” and streets running west are lettered “O” (for oeste). Street numbers are followed by a dash and then the house or building number, e.g., N17-31 or E22-77.

Transportation

Once you know where you are going, Quito’s tremendous transportation system makes the city easy to navigate. Buses and taxis are abundant, and the recent addition of the pedestrian and environment friendly Trolebús, Metrobús and EcoVia, the transportation system has been even further improved. Buses and taxis can take you just about anywhere, while the Trolebús and EcoVia run north-south and serve the west and east sides of Quito respectively. The Trolebús has its northern terminus station located at La “Y” (where 10 de Agosto and America unite), and southern terminus station located at Quitumbe (where the new inter-provincial bus terminal is located and has buses departing to several different areas around country) passing by the El Recreo shopping mall along the way.

The EcoVia stretches north-south on Avenida 6 de Diciembre, with it’s northern terminus station being Rio Coca and southern terminus station being La Marin in the Old Town. Some of the EcoVia buses head past the La Marin terminal and go all the way to the Quitumbe bus terminal, passing El Recreo along the way like the Trolebús.

The Metrobúus moves down América, which to the north of La “Y” becomes La Prensa and then – passing the Del Maestro stop – becomes Diego Vásquez de Cepeda Ave. and takes you all the way to the northern terminus station known as La Ofelia. From here, it’s possible to take any one of several feeder buses that shuttle you to the northern Inter-provincial bus terminal in Carcelén. Once there, you can take any one of several buses that head to the northern areas of the country.

Buses

Quito’s buses are almost always jammed packed and commonly spew black diesel smoke that leaks into the cabin. Furthermore, watch your stuff when riding popular buses, wandering hands frequently probe your belongings. That said, you can get to just about anywhere in Quito cheaply (USD 0.25) via a bus.

The blue buses of Quito crisscross the city in every conceivable direction and, like other forms of public transportation, cost $0.25 cents (non-transferable). Easiest to navigate are the Trolebus, Ecovia and Metrobus, each of which run from north to south (and vice versa) across Quito on a dedicated pair of lanes that are sandwiched between the major avenues: 10 de Agosto, 6 de Diciembre, and La Prensa. Each trip costs $0.25 like the blue buses, regardless of the length of the journey. These three tend to be much more crowded than the blue buses due to their popularity.

Blue Bus

To figure out where a particular blue bus is headed, you’ll have to quickly read the long, multi-colored destination list that’s posted on the front window (as the bus is barreling toward you). If the bus is the one you want, simply wave it down and jump aboard. If you’re not able to read the sign in time, or catch the tout’s (the driver’s partner who shouts out destinations and collects money) attention, don’t worry - another bus will come along shortly.

Some buses have cashiers (behind a wooden desk to the left of the door) or touts who will take your 25 cents as you get on. Should you need a little more time to gather your payment, all operators will accept the fare as you leave or come to collect them during the trip. Make sure you have small change when you take the bus. Most operators are unable or unwilling to give change for currency larger than $5.

To get off the bus, stand up, walk to the front and indicate to the tout that you want to disembark. The bus should pause long enough for you to step off quickly to the curb.

Bus routes are so numerous and so varied that not all of them can be detailed here. but it's safe to say: if there's a part of the city you’d like to get to, then there's probably a bus that will take you there. Ask a local (most quiteños are very helpful) what bus you need to take to get to where you want to go. Intercity buses typically stop operating shortly after 8.

Trolebus [VIEW TRANSIT MAP]

The Trole system runs down 6 de Agosto from the southern Terminal Quitumbe station to the northern Estación La “Y” (Tel: 593-2-243-4975). Along its trajectory, and worth noting, are three stops: Colón (outskirts of La Mariscal neighborhood), Plaza del Teatro and Plaza Santo Domingo (in the Old Town).

Troles have dedicated lanes and green, glass booths as their stops. Like the Metrobus and Ecovia, the ride to any point along the Trole route costs $0.25 cents in exact change. If need be, you can get change for small bills or coins at the attendant’s kiosk at any stop. Troles are handicap accessible, but the doors usually open and close quickly, so be prepared. Also, watch your valuables carefully, particularly if the popular Trole buses are jammed with people. If any one Trole seems too full, just wait for the next one.

Serving the city everyday is the Trole that runs from the northern terminal La “Y” to the southern station El Recreo. The schedule for getting from these two places, and vice-versa is:

Monday-Friday: 5 a.m.-Midnight (every 8-15 minutes) Weekends & Holidays: 6 a.m -10 p.m. (every 10-15 minutes)

Note: After midnight on any day of week, the buses still continue to run once every thirty minutes; however, they do so with limited service, stopping only at every other (second or third) stop along the line. Starting at two, they run once every hour. On weekends the same applies after 10 p.m, but only running once every hour.

To see a street map of each station, click here.

For a more detailed look at times and farther destinations, click here.

At three of the following main stations, the Trole splits off into a number of supplemental bus routes.

• At Marán Valverde you can continue on along Camal Metropolitano, Cdla. Ejército, Guamaní and San Martin de Porras.
• El Recreo serves Solanda, Chillogallo, Lucha de los Pobres, Oriente Quiteño (ending at Vilcabamba) and Ferroviaria.
• La “Y” connects to Cotocollao, Rumiñahui, Carapungo, Kennedy, Comité del Publo (ending in Jiménez) and Los Laureles (to Rio Coca and Eloy Alfaro).

If need be, many Trole stations have route maps posted to help you find your destination. If you're still unsure, ask at one of the main stations for directions and a “mapa de rutas y paradas del Trole” (map of Trole routes and stops).

Ecovia [VIEW TRANSIT MAP]

The Ecovías are a series of very popular, articulated buses that operate along Av. 6 de Diciembre. The Ecovía is one part of Quito’s North-South public transportation triumvirate, and runs between Rio Coca to the north, and La Marin to the south. Like the Trolebús and Metrobus, the Ecovías have dedicated lanes, covered stops and always cost 25 cents (no matter your destination). Conductors usually call out the next point along the line, but each Ecovía parada (or stop) is also indicated by a large, brown marker and pictographic signs. To use the Ecovía, walk into any of the stops along 6 de Deciembre. Each stop is a glass, rectangular booth. You will need to insert correct change into a machine to pass through the turnstile. If you don’t have 25 cents, the booth attendants can convert coins and small bills for you. (Just don’t ask them to change anything larger than $5.) Ecovias pass by very regularly during their operating hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. weekends and holidays. Outside of those hours (midnight-dawn), the Ecovía runs hourly Monday-Friday, and half-hourly Friday-Saturday.

Be sure to get on quickly, as the doors don’t stay open for long. If you are confronted with an Ecovía that appears extremely full (which happens often), wait for the next one. Once you're on, make sure you grab one or two of the many handholds, since Ecovías stop abruptly. Food and uncovered drinks are not allowed on the Ecovias. Keep an eye and hand on your valuables at all times; if you're using a backpack or large bag, shift it to your front when you get on. Pickpockets have been known to target Ecovía passengers, particularly on crowded buses.

Metrobus [VIEW TRANSIT MAP]

Of all three lines (Trole and Ecovia being the other two), Quito’s Metrobus line is the one that reaches farthest north. Barreling down America & La Prensa, the metrobus makes several stops within walking distance of several areas such as: Mañosca St., La Gasca, Iñaquito Alto, Urb. Granda Centeno, Quito Tennis, El Bosque, Pinar Bajo, Pinar Alto, and La Concepción. Terminus station to the south is Estacion Varela, and to the north is Estacion La Ofelia. The cost is $0.25.

In addition to taking you farther north, the Metrobus is actually your first step in getting from Quito all the way to Mitad del Mundo via public transit. Transfer at the final stop up north in Estación La Ofelia, making sure to check (by asking) which buses are leaving to Mitad del Mundo from there.

The Trole, Ecovia and Metrobus offices are located at Av. Vicente Maldonado y Miguel Carrión sector El Recreo in Quito. To reach the main line, call: 593-2-266-5023; fax: 593-2 266-5019; email: info@trolebus.gov.ec; or visit www.trolebus.gov.ec.

Getting Around Quito by Taxi

If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive, safe and convenient way to travel, tapping into Quito's extensive taxi network is a good way to get around the city.

During the day, taxi drivers are required to use a taximetro (or meter) when they drive you around. When you climb in, the initial rate should be 35 cents. Always ask for the taximetro, which is typically located just in front of the emergency brake, between the driver and front passenger seats. You should always be able to easily see the meter and should check the amount as you arrive at your destination (before the taxista turns it off).

Some drivers have been known to tell passengers that their meter is broken or that they don't have one, particularly around large hubs such as Terminal Terrestre. Taxis are plentiful enough that, if your driver won't use his meter (or has a meter that seems to be going extraordinarily fast), tell him to stop, get out and hail a more honest cabbie.

Most daytime trips around the city cost between $1.50 and $3. Given the distance, trips to the airport cost a lot more. The price of taxis to the airport are calculated by a fixed price chart (not a taximetro) which is based on the neighborhood you are departing to/from. For the most part, a trip to the airport will cost around $25-30 from most places in Quito (and vice versa). To consult the chart of fixed taxi rates, divided by neighborhood, click here. At night, within the city itself, rates increase by $1 (since few other public transportation services are available) and taxi drivers do not use their meters. Make sure to negotiate a price before you get into a cab. If the price is too steep, ask for a more reasonable rate or hail a different taxi. Drivers charge per ride, not per person. Make sure when you're taking a taxi that you have roughly the correct fare in small change. Most cab drivers won't have much money on hand and will not be able to handle large bills. Tips are also accepted but usually not expected

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120 KM about 2 hours away

In Quito Visit 5 city parks

   El Ejido
   Itchimbia
   La Carolina
   Metropolitano

Attend 3 futbol games Visit 5 markets in the city

   Itchimbia Craft Fair
   Iñaquito
   Mercado Artesanal
   El Ejido Art Market
   Plaza Foch Market

Participate in Ciclopaseo 3 times See both a live music show and live dance event

   Teatro Sucre Opera
   Damiana Levy Recital 
  Manu Chao/Calle 13 Concert 

Visit a comic book shop

   Turns out there isn't one!!

Visit a record store

   Turns out there isn't one!! 

Find a kickass tattoo parlor Attend a wine tasting

Personal Practice Spanish every week See a Spanish movie

   Con Mi Corazon en Yambo

Read a book once a month Skype with someone back home once a week Blog once a week Watch 5 documentaries

   Last Train Home
   The Cove
   Forks Over Knives
   Project Nim

Watch 5 foreign films

   El Secreto de Sus Ojos
   Incendies
   Let The Right One In
   Con Mi Corazon en Yambo

Give someone flowers

   Passed out flowers to strangers in Cuenca

Splurge on one or two new items from Anthropologie Listen to Rolling Stone’s ‘Top 10 Albums’ Watch all of both Six Feet Under and The Sopranos Watch Empire’s ‘Top 10 Films’ Solve the Al Escargot Sudoku puzzle

Health Wear sunscreen every day Get an inhaler Exercise every week Be in bed before 10:30 on school nights Drink more water every day Avoid McDonalds for a year

Travel Go to 10 cities in Ecuador

   Papallacta
   Otavalo
   Montañita
   Canoa
   Baños
   Guayaquil
   Cotocachi
   Mindo
   Cuenca 
   Tena 

Go bridge jumping Travel to at least one other South American country

   Colombia

Go white water rafting

   Tena River People

Visit the Amazon Rainforest Find one geocache Spend a weekend in Cuenca

Food Try cuy Learn to cook 3 Ecuadorian dishes

   Patacones

Find tofu in Quito Host a vegetarian dinner party Eat at 2 vegetarian restaurants

   Ming Yuen
   El Maple

Try cooking 5 new vegan recipes

   Quinoa Stew
   Tofu Steak
   Vegetarian Meatballs

Attend a picnic

Involvement Attend an Internations event Attend a Couchsurfing event Host 5 Couchsurfers

   Bin
   Paco
   Richard
   Dustin
   Emily and Ryan

Reconnect with UBECI for volunteering Continue to sponsor a child through Children International

Environment Recycle all plastic bottles Return all glass bottles to the tienda Unplug computer every night before bed Bring cloth bags to the grocery store

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2013/05/06 10:54

[ ] Buy Alertex in Peru
[ ] mail letter to Bureau of Iinvestigators
[ ] get box to mail Nexus
[ ] buy number 44 tennis shoes
[ X] up date cristine document

2013/05/06 14:44

Changed Travelguard to Oct 15, 2013

Request to change return date

2013/04/23 14:19

not making much progress towards my papers

thinking more and more VB as base

[ ] RIcc

[ ] medical records
[ ] seeds for mario
[ ] SSN letter from Ecuadorian Consulate
[ ] state of CA criminal record

[ ] Loja

[ ] fingerprints
[ ] Dentist appt

[ ] Peru

[ ] Bluetooth mouse
[ ] Router that runs dd-wrt or Tomato
[ ] Check out Alertex purchase

[ ] Rx

[ ] call Dr. Paz -  fax letter re prescription

[ ] Change Amex card [ ] Pay PI License fee NOW