Most travelers head directly south from Machala to the Peruvian border. The last Ecuadorian town is Huaquillas, 80 km [50 miles] south of Machala, an untidy, dismal place with a reputation for smuggling and pickpockets. But inexpensive Ecuadorian goods have made it a shopping center for Peruvians who nip across the border for cut-price shopping.

General information. Money. The easiest way to exchange from dollars to soles if you're crossing the border to Peru, is through street money changers [they usually wear a black briefcase and calculators]. But, before check on the rate with other travelers and try with several of these street money changers for a better rate. The other and most secure option is to try with the banks along the main street, but is more difficult.

Getting there. Frequent buses leave from Huaquillas to the following destinations: To Machala [CIFA & Ecuatoriana Pullman], 1 hour, US$1.50*. To Guayaquil, 5 hours, US$4.00*. To Cuenca, 6 hours, US$5.00*. To Quito [Panamericana], 12 hours, US$11.00*. To Tulcan [the Colombian border], 16 hours, US$14.00*. To Loja, [Transportes Loja], 7 hours, US$5.00*.

Note: Always keep your passport to hand due to checkpoints along the road.


Going to Peru. Travelers leaving Ecuador must get an exit stamp before crossing the International Bridge at the border. The immigration office is annoyingly located two kilometers [just over a mile] back up the road to Machala, open daily from 8 am to noon and 2 pm to 6 pm.
Getting there. If you’re coming by bus, ask to be dropped off here, then take a taxi to the border bridge [bargain hard, because they’ll try and rip you off]. The Peruvian immigration office is just over the bridge. It’s all pretty hectic and stressful, and keep your eyes on your belongings. Change little money here, since rates are far better in the first Peruvian town of Tumbes, 27 km [17 miles] south.

*The prices are approximately

|Article contributed by Dominic Hamilton|||

|^|to top|