BingoBill
8/21/2017 10:33 EST
We are coming to Ecuador in March. Looking for input about travel from Fort Lauderdale to there. Want to travel the coast. Is it better to fly direct to Guayaquil, rent car for drive to Salinas or fly to Quito then fly to Manta. In either, we want to drive coast. All flights look difficult to connect after first leg in either destination. Thanks for any info or experiences!
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FrankNichols
8/21/2017 11:38 EST
Either way you should plan a night at the end of the first leg. We went in through Quito spent the night at a motel just outside the airport (excellent breakfast and very inexpensive) and then flew to Cueca the next day.
From everything I could find, it is "intentional" that you have to do a layover either way.
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kmoriarty45
8/21/2017 11:45 EST
BingoBill, I've flown to Ecuador from FLL and MIA and in my experiences, when possible, I prefer to fly from Ft. Lauderdale. Having lived in Florida for many years, I found FLL a much easier airport to get in and out of and less hassle for parking, traffic, check in/out and everything else ! If you want to tour the coast then I'd suggest you fly to GYE ( Guayaquil ) and either rent a car or hire a driver & guide there and travel up the coast to through Salinas and all the other great coastal town to Manta.
You can always do a one-way from there to Quito or Cuenca ( the airport in Cuenca is reopened ) and then fly ( or bus from Cuenca ) back to Guayaquil for your return to the U.S.
It really depends on how much time you have and what your travel budget is like. You may decide to just see the coast on this trip and instead of trying to cram everything in one short time, postpone seeing the sierras ( Quito, Cuenca, Loja etc. ) for another visit.
Re: Airlines...my personal preferences are JetBlue for economy, and Avianca for ease of travel and amenities. TAME is also quite good, especially for flights within Ecuador and to the Galapagos. American Airlines and United have direct flights but nickle and dime you to death and kill you with baggage fees. I avoid both, when at all possible, but I will fly American over United, if necessary.
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BingoBill
8/21/2017 16:58 EST
Thanks to all for the great info. It does seem too, that the airline schedules really are geared toward spending a night after the 1st leg. Can't wait to go!!
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Penguin007
8/21/2017 21:06 EST
Good evening! So exciting for you. I first came to Ecuador in 2009 and did exactly what you are talking about doing. I flew in to Guayaquil and then drove to Manta, up to Bahia and then drove down to Salinas and then back to Guayaquil. I bought my condo in Salinas in 2009 and have lived in Salinas since 2010. If you have any other questions, I would be happy to help. My email is [email protected]. Have a great evening!
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LOTPOT
8/22/2017 16:20 EST
Frank: As we are traveling through Quito as well, was wondering if you recall the name of the hotel just outside of the airport. We will need to stay a night before connecting to Cuenca as well and I have not been able to locate it. Thanks, LOTPOT
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FrankNichols
8/22/2017 17:48 EST
Yup,
http://airporthotelquito.com
Highly recommend - it is NOT a 5 star place, it is a nice comfortable, clean inexpensive place close to the Airport. The staff is very friendly and the breakfast was very good and prepared to order.
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multiego
8/23/2017 02:29 EST
Also good with pickup and drop off is the Quito Airport Suites. Don runs it, he a gringo expat. A smooth operation. over the several stays I've had there in the past couple of years no problem.
sin ego
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LOTPOT
8/23/2017 08:25 EST
Thanks for the hotel recommendation in Quito, it's very helpful.
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LOTPOT
8/23/2017 08:26 EST
Thanks Frank, appreciate the information.
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OceanHideaway
8/24/2017 00:06 EST
Hey Penguin007!
Long time since you have been on the site
Yup remember you and Hector Quintana showing up in Salinas way back when.
Still doing real estate as well I see...
Always so special to hear from some of our Salinas gringos here on ExpatExchange.
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Penguin007
8/24/2017 19:32 EST
Hi Susan...yes it has been a long time. I don't always get the time to check out this forum anymore. Thankfully busy. Hope you are doing well up in the Montañita area. Have an awesome day!
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