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CAR RENTAL Renting a car and driving yourself should be only for the adventurous and experienced who have some extra money to spend. Expect to spend at least $80 per day. Driving in developing countries can be barbaric at times. If you do rent, check the contract well and make sure you understand all charges and check the car well, for spare tires, jacks, and working windshield wipers. You should choose hotels that have secure garages as you can't leave the car on the street at night! Avoid driving at night! And drive defensively! Bring a valid driver's license with photo, and if possible, an international driver's license, easily obtained through Triple A in the U.S. You will be expected to present it at the many roadblocks in Ecuador. Don't be afraid or intimidated by the routine police checks in Ecuador; they only wish to see your documents. Always be friendly; a smile will get you all the cooperation you need. While you are driving, ignore anyone on the highway who tries to motion you over to stop. This is a dangerous scam to extort money from you or rob you. Quito has a number of car rental agencies, including the three international companies, Avis, Budget and Hertz. The procedures for reporting an accident are somewhat hazy, but everyone agrees that you must report to the nearest police station as soon as possible. The police will try to decide and divide the fault, but almost always, the foreigner will end up paying. BUSES Buses are an excellent way to "see the country" and can be considered an "anthropological experience." They will always take longer but cost practically nothing. It's not a good idea to put your bags in the back luggage compartment of the bus. There have been many cases of people getting robbed of their bags this way. And at the least, they will slide around and get filthy dirty. Most of the time, there is space on the bus for you to tuck your bags in somewhere, such as leaving them in the front, but keeping an eye. Or consider buying an extra seat on the bus for your suitcases or packs. Be especially careful in the bus terminal in Quito. Always keep an eye on your belongings. The bus terminal in the old city can be avoided when coming to Otavalo, by taking a taxi in the new city to the top of Avenida Mariana de Jesus, where all the buses can be hailed by simply putting out your arm and yelling Otavalo. This saves over an hour and is much safer. Always try to hail a newer bus and if you don't like the looks of the bus that stops, or if it is too full, you are not obligated to get on. Wait for the next one. If you are taking a bus to the south, Banos, Riobamba, Cuenca, or the Coast, you will have to go to the bus terminal. If you plan to sleep on the bus, make sure you are connected to your belongings. |
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Welcome to the Ali Shungu MOUNTAINTOP LODGE, Otavalo, Ecuador |
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Ali Shungu MOUNTAINTOP LODGE E-MAIL MSN MESSENGER Ali Shungu PHONE: 01159362920750 |