Quito Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

By Plane Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre, {3}. Located around 8km from Quito's center and is the main, best and easiest way to get into the city. There are (almost) daily flights from Amsterdam, Madrid, Miami, New York with KLM, Continental Airlines, Iberia and American Airlines. Near the baggage area of the Quito airport, it is possible to buy vouchers that can be used for a tax ride. As of June 2005, the cost to go to the tourist hotel zone was $5. If you wish to try taking a bus instead of a taxi to the "gringo" section of Quito (it is not advisable if you have much luggage or are not familiar in Quito), which is often referred to as "gringolandia", you can exit the airport, cross the main street, and board any bus with "J.L. Mera" or "Juan L. Mera" on the sign. The cost is USD $0.25, but if you are a student under 18 or a senior citizen over 65 then it is USD $0.12 as of August 2004. By Bus The Terminal Terrestre is the bus terminal in Quito. This terminal is dark and dirty. If you arrive with a lot of luggage it's best to avoid the public transportation system in Quito and take taxi to your hotel. Ecuadorian long-distance busses will generally let passengers off anywhere along their route. If you are arriving in or departing Quito you can avoid the bus terminal altogether by simply getting off near your destination or by flagging down a bus marked for your destination along one of Quito's main arteries. There are frequent connections to all mayor destinations in the country, including Sto Domingo (3 hours and around $2.50), Guayaquil (8 hours), Baños, Otavalo.