Quito & Vicinity - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 74

By Bus
The Terminal Terrestre , in the Old City at Maldonado
and Cumandá, offers connections to just about every-
where in Ecuador. Dozens of bus companies, as well as
their offices, plus shops and restaurants, are located here.
There is also an information booth ( 2-2570-529). Buses are readily

available to all major destinations throughout the day, particularly
in the morning. Expect to pay the equivalent of about $1 per hour of
driving time.

Getting Around

By Taxi
Outside of Quito's comprehensive public transportation
network, the easiest way to get around the city itself is by
taxi - they're convenient and relatively inexpensive. You
can taxi virtually anywhere in the city for just a few dol-
lars. Here, as in many places throughout the world, taxis are yellow
and obvious.

Drivers at the airport will try to overcharge,
especially to incoming and confused gringos. In
fact, the amount they charge seems to correlate
with how late at night it is, how disoriented you
appear, and how much Spanish you speak. Do
not pay more than $3-$4 for a trip from the
airport to downtownmodernQuito (NewCity).

Any time you take a taxi in Quito, ask your driver what the price will
be before you leave, ormake sure the taximeter ( taximétro ) is on. Late
at night, calling a taxi is safer and more reliable. Try City Taxi at

2-2222-222/2333-333. Tipping
drivers in Ecuador is not normal etiquette, at least not with Europe-
ans; for me, however, it is a habit. I tip if the driver is honest with the
price and offers exceptional service.

2-2633-333 or Taxi Amigo at

If you have the money and would like to check out the city this way, it
is possible to hire a taxi for a few hours. Expect to pay up to $10 per
hour. It may not be worth your time or money, however, if you're al-
ready planning to take an organized city tour.