Ecuador Forum

zootenval
Joined 2010
Posts: 148

13 years ago

Driving on the coast

13 years ago

Buenos Dias:

Long time reader of this forum, virgin poster. Great, useful, unfiltered info about Ecuador.

We are visiting Ecuador in December 2010/January 2011. This is our first recon mission to check out the coast, from Salinas to Cojimies. We plan to fly Quito to Manta, which will be our jump off point. We pla to rent a car via Avis and travel south first, to Salinas and stay a couple nights. Then north to Olon area for a couple nights. Then, north to Bahia for a couple nights. Then north to Cojimies for a night or 2. Then back to Manta, staying one night before flying back to Quito, where we will hang out for a couple days.

We are pretty adventurous travellers, but I must ask about road conditions between Salinas and Cojimies, especially north of Bahia.

How are the roads and traffic?
Paved or unpaved?
How easy to get gas or repairs if we have mechanical problems?
4WD vs compact car?

I believe it is less than 200 miles from Salinas to Cojimies, according to the research I have done. That being said, I'm sure those 200 miles are a fair bit different than zipping up the turnpike from Hollywood to Orlando, FL.

I know that there are many buses available, and we are not opposed to bus travel per se. For this visit, though, we think a car would provide the most freedom to explore and stop if we choose.

Thanks in advance for your advice. Any suggestions for lodging along the way would also be apopreciated. Nothing fancy, just basic clean accomodations for a 50 something couple.

Hasta Luego,

Andy Tomlin

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Ecuador Guide

Expats in Ecuador share some of the pros and cons of living in Ecuador. Topics covered include where to live, the bureaucracy, the people and more.

Ecuador Forum
Join our Ecuador forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Ecuador.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.

Best Places to Live in Ecuador

If you're dreaming about living in Ecuador, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Ecuador in 2023.

Healthcare in Ecuador

Expats in Ecuador share their experiences with healthcare and overseas medical insurance in Ecuador.

Cost of Living in Ecuador

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Ecuador.

Moving to Ecuador Guide

Expats in Ecuador offer advice to newcomers and people considering a move to Ecuador about clothing, sunscreen, renting before buying, gringo pricing, Ecuadorians politeness and much more.

Real Estate in Ecuador

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Ecuador.

Pros & Cons of Living in Ecuador

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Ecuador.

Retiring in Ecuador

Advice for people retiring in Ecuador.

10 Tips for Living in Ecuador

If you've recently arrived in Ecuador, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Ecuador.

Additional Information:

Visit our Ecuador Index for a Full List

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Ecuador by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.