Arriving to Quito almost at midnight but wouldn't be by my own :)
August 13, 2009
We landed and I turned on my cellphone with the Ecuadorian number. Right after I turned it on, I got a phone call. It was Shawn. He was already at the airport, yay! I was making fun of the fact, sometimes he got lost in the city, so it was a relief listening to him saying he already arrived, hehe.
They gave us a form for the Swine flue. I filled it, but they never collected it. Maybe in my way out of the country, they will be looking for me, hahaha. I think we were the only flight arriving, since it was really fast to go through customs. The agent asked me if it was my 1st time in the country. I told no. And then he asked when was my last time. "Well, a couple of weeks ago..." He just smiled and stamped my passport.
Said goodbye to Fabian, gave him my phone number and saw Shawn waiting for me, yay!!! Accommodation was already ready, so we just drove back to La Mariscal. I was so happy to see him again, but also tired. It has been a long day :)
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Airport in Quito - Mariscal Sucre (UIO)
Right now there's just one airport in Quito, not only for domestic but also for international flights.
It's located in the north of the city. There are 2 buildings, one for domestic and the other for international traffic. Airport is not very big or busy, so it's easy when you are arriving, but if you are leaving early in the morning Customs are full, so better arrive with some time.
There are some stores before clearing customs and a duty free area after customs, but they don't have a large stock. Regarding the organization of the airport is ok. When I was there the custom lines were really large and didn't think if was very well organized.
Why did I say it's expensive? Well, it's cheaper to arrive to Guayaquil if you are going to Ecuador and also here the airport fee is expensive US$40. It's one of the most expensive in South America.
Well, at least they are doing something with that money. They are building a new airport, which should be ready the 2010.
It's located in the north of the city. There are 2 buildings, one for domestic and the other for international traffic. Airport is not very big or busy, so it's easy when you are arriving, but if you are leaving early in the morning Customs are full, so better arrive with some time.
There are some stores before clearing customs and a duty free area after customs, but they don't have a large stock. Regarding the organization of the airport is ok. When I was there the custom lines were really large and didn't think if was very well organized.
Why did I say it's expensive? Well, it's cheaper to arrive to Guayaquil if you are going to Ecuador and also here the airport fee is expensive US$40. It's one of the most expensive in South America.
Well, at least they are doing something with that money. They are building a new airport, which should be ready the 2010.
inside the airport
lines for check in
airport fee
Public Transportation in Quito
First time in Quito I was impressed by the well organized public transportation of the city. Although the traffic can be bad, the public transportation is good.
Trolley: They don't have a metro but have trolleys called Metrobus and the 3 lines would take you mostly everywhere. It's cheap, they have stops and a special line in the streets, so they won't stopped by the traffic. The only think is that they get crowded often, so you have to be aware of your belongings. There are no fix schedules, but they come and go very often.
Bus: there are different bus lines, but they are well organized, new buses and painted same color. They are cheap and there are no bus stops - like in Lima - they will stop where the passenger asks, hehehe. They have signs saying where they drive
Taxi: they all are yellow and have a taximeter. Just make sure they are using it. If it's late at night or they are going to a far place, you'd have to arrange the fee.
My recommendation is not renting a car in town, just if you are going to the surroundings. Driving around the city can be frustrating and public transportation works good.
Trolley: They don't have a metro but have trolleys called Metrobus and the 3 lines would take you mostly everywhere. It's cheap, they have stops and a special line in the streets, so they won't stopped by the traffic. The only think is that they get crowded often, so you have to be aware of your belongings. There are no fix schedules, but they come and go very often.
Bus: there are different bus lines, but they are well organized, new buses and painted same color. They are cheap and there are no bus stops - like in Lima - they will stop where the passenger asks, hehehe. They have signs saying where they drive
Taxi: they all are yellow and have a taximeter. Just make sure they are using it. If it's late at night or they are going to a far place, you'd have to arrange the fee.
My recommendation is not renting a car in town, just if you are going to the surroundings. Driving around the city can be frustrating and public transportation works good.
inside the bus
a station for the metro bus
