arriving in ecuador

[deec]

hi mark,
i arrive in south america in 6 weeks and my first port of call is ecuador, i plan to spend around 3 or 4 weeks there but ive heard a few bad reports on the place in general concerning the dangers of travelling on the buses and around different towns , i was wondering if you had any opinions on the matter in relation to the safety of travelling around in the country?

[Mark]

Hi deec,

That's great news! You're going to have a wonderful time. Ecuador is a very beautiful country, the people very friendly.

The old town of Quito can be dangerous. I myself had an issue in Quito's old town but that was because I was traveling with a guy who looked like a mix of Indiana Jones and Hulk Hogan. He was calling way too much attention. Don't wear clothing with lots of pockets. Just a plain t-shirt and jeans will do just fine.

I spent 3 months in Ecuador and had a great time. I learned Spanish in Quito, climbed Cotopaxi and went to the Galapagos Island. Ecuador is breathtaking. I never had issues traveling around with public transport. Just keep an eye on your stuff but don't get too paranoid about it.

Enjoy your trip! Keep us posted!

[deec]

hi mark ,
me again sorry for all the questions just starting to get excited and plan my route. would you know the best way to cross the border from cuenca in ecuador into peru preferably on the coast ?

[Mark]

Keep on asking questions deec. I'll do my best to help you out.

After Cuenca I spent some days in Vilcabamba (trying the infamous San Pedro cactus). From there I traveled from Loja to Macara where I crossed the Peru border. It's just a short ride from the border to Piura in Peru. There is another border crossing in Huaquillas but this one seems to be very hectic. Always ask information at fellow backpackers, they're your best source of information on the road.