The Ecuador Chronicles - 2010-10
A Trip to Banos;
Let's Take the Bus;
Quitumbe - A New, Modern Bus Terminal
During a recent stay in our Quito apartment Dalynda and I decided to make a trip to Banos for a few days. We have done a lot of traveling around Ecuador with a driver; this time we decided to take the bus. I had been reading in the newspaper about the design and construction of the new bus terminal at Quitumbe, South Quito. It has now been open for about nine months, but I had not been there. There was some controversy when it opened. First there were a couple of delays; then the terminal itself was ready, but the trolley line extension to Quitumbe was not ready - but they opened it anyway (and closed the old city center terminal - one of the goals is to reduce bus traffic in the city). It was difficult for people to get there until the trolley opened a few months later.
Dalynda and I took a taxi to Quitumbe - we were not sure about dragging our bags onto the trolley. The taxi was about $5 going - coming back the taxi driver took the bypass around South Quito, quicker but about $8.
Entrance to the Quitumbe Terminal - Drop off for Cars and Taxis
Trolley Arrival and Departure - We May Take the Trolley Next Time
Shopping in the Terminal
Quitumbe handles bus traffic to the central and southern sierra and the central and southern coastal areas - a sister terminal in North Quito handles bus service to the northern parts of Ecuador. The terminal almost has an airport feel to it - but without having to go through the security mess. You walk up to the ticketing area; from there out through covered walkways to your bus at a numbered parking spot. There are many bus companies covering routes all over Ecuador. There is a separate arrivals area at a lower level - avoids the confusion of people coming and going through the same space.
Up to the Ticketing Area - The Whole Terminal has an Open Feel
Ticket Windows for Many Bus Companies - Take Your Pick
Out to Your Bus; Numbered Slots, Digital Signs - Check Your Ticket
Inside Our Bus
They said we would be on an express bus, but it made a lot of stops; cost - $3.50. The trip to Banos was just under four hours; I'm sure you could drive it in less than three hours. Still, the bus was relatively new and comfortable - and we got to watch an old Rambo movie dubbed over in Spanish! I think Rambo may be very popular on Ecuador buses.
Next Week - On to Banos!
Would you like to visit Ecuador and See Rambo on a Bus -
Find out how at Live Well Ecuador: