Getting there & away

There are three main ways to get around Ecuador:

• Flights leave daily out of Quito to all large major cities in Ecuador (Manta, Guayaquil, Cuenca, and Coca).
• Private transport arranged by your friendly local tour operator is the most direct way to get from point to point over land.
• For those on a tighter budget, the local bus system in Ecuador is efficient and surprisingly easy to use.

Getting to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, is very easy

By Air: There are over 25 flights to Guayaquil leaving daily from Quito during the week. Costs range from 80 to 130 dollars round trip. There are 3 major airlines to choose from: Aerogal, TAME, and LAN. LAN is the cheapest and has the highest quality airplanes. American Airlines, LAN, and other carriers also offer international arrivals directly into Guayaquil. Guayaquil’s airport was voted best in Latin America. From there, you can find taxis and shuttles to the city center.

By Land: There are two main ways to get to Guayaquil by land. Private transport will take you directly where you are going in the city, and is a very easy way to get around. This type of transport is usually arranged for tourists that are traveling with an operator. Buses drive to Guayaquil from nearly any town or city in Ecuador. It is a less expensive alternative to private transport. Coming from Quito, there are two bus options: First class buses are air-conditioned and more comfortable but cost about 30% more than the common buses leaving from the main terminal. The first class services can be found in the Mariscal area of Quito. Consult your travel guide for more information.

Getting around Guayaquil:

Guayaquil is a very large city but has a great taxi system, and the main center can be explored very easily on foot. Consult your hotel or hostel for the best transportation options for your needs in Guayaquil.

Getting to Manglares Churute:

If you are on an arranged tour group with an operator that sells the tour, you will not have to worry about transportation. Otherwise, choose one of:

Taxis: can be arranged to give you a private transport to the reserve. They usually will cost $60 round trip not including the driver’s lunch. 

Bus: This is the most adventurous way to get to the Reserve. At the main bus terminal in Guayaquil, look for buses going towards Naranjal. Ask the driver to stop in “La Reserva Ecologica de Manglares Churute”. The best bus service is called “Transporte SAN”; they are orange buses departing hourly from the terminal.

Package Tours: If you are on an arranged tour package with an operator that sells the tour, confirm the details regarding transportation to Manglares Churute Reserve with them directly.