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Traffic on Pan-Americana Highway after huge explosion, I wrote before, was restored and I decided not to go through the head hunters (head shrinkers) territory. They probably have never seen a folding bicyclist and may have a temptation to shrink my head as a souvenir. Instead I started long bus ride to Lima, Peru. However, before I will continue let me finish with Ecuador.

Travel to South America (part II)

Alex Mumzhiu
2006-03-22 14:07:41

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As a conclusion on Ecuador, I would like to tell you what is the most "useful" feature of that country for travelers, in my opinion. It is the closest to USA place where the high mountains are so easily approachable. There are about a half dozen of 5,000-6,000 m volcanos and highest is Cimborazo 6,310m. If you arrive at Quito airport in the morning, than you may be at the base camp, near the snow line, in the evening of the same day. Most of these base camps (refugio) have automobile access and sometimes public transportation. There are many companies which provide equipment and/or guides. Prices are very reasonable. Banos is in the center of that area and the most convenient place to start. It was a great temptation and if I had a good company I would probably try some mountain climbing in spite of my bad ankle. May be I will do it one day, if I convince somebody else.

It took five long bus rides to reach Lima. How long¿ About 9-10 hours each. Why did`not I fly? It is more expensive, and also I would miss some places which I wanted to visit. And it is against the rule of overland travel. I will not feel comfortable to say I went from Quito to Rio De Janeiro, if I fly part of the way.

I reached Peruvian border city of Tumbes with two day bus rides. I spent first night in city Cuenca which every tour book recommend to visit. It is really neat colonial city, but on bike I cross it in all direction before my 10 am bus ride to the Peruvian border.

Buses in Ecuador are OK, however they allow many peddlers to enter and they are going through the bus all the time and bother the passengers. Price is very cheap, 10 hour bus ride cost about $6.

From Peruvian border town Tumbes I took the King Service bus with Ormeno bus company to the next town Trujillo. It has reclining seats and food service. However it was 2.5 hours late and I arrived at Trujillo at 2:30am. What used to be spooky thing like arriving at unknown ...