Driving in Ecuador

March 12, 2016 6:32 PM

I am considering a trip that involves renting a car and driving from Quito to Cuenca (and back possibly) OR flying all the way to Cuenca and driving around the area.

I am an American just starting to plan for my next trip abroad (at least a year away). I am on a quest to get to know Latin America (Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica so far) for both general edification and for potential expatriation.

Driving Quito > Cuenca. the most direct route is E35. Another, longer, route goes on E45 in the Amazon. What can you tell me about driving in Ecuador? About these routes in particular? Internetting gives the whole gamut of responses, from driving is just dandy to you will be kidnapped and murdered.

I've driven in Costa Rica, in which you have to up your game somewhat, but I never feared for my safety from bandits, or had to bribe anyone as may happen in Mexico. Hablo español bastante bien.

posted by falsedmitri to Travel & Transportation around Ecuador (2 answers total)

Do not do this. I wouldn't worry about being kidnapped and murdered, and you will not need to bribe anyone. But I would worry about a head-on collision on a mountain road or driving off a road all together in the fog. Fly. It's a ~12 hour drive or a 30 minute flight and the flight will cost you under $100.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 6:44 PM on March 12, 2016 [1 favorite]

My wife and I made this round trip together several years ago. We rented a Jeep and had a blast. The biggest problem we ran into was the traffic in Quito. We'd do it again in a heart beat.
posted by txmon at 7:45 AM on March 13, 2016