Transportation in Esmeraldas is very well developed. Transportes Esmeraldas and Transportes Occidentales operate regular bus services between Quito (Terminal Terrestre bus station) and Esmeraldas (main plaza downtown). Pan Americana does the same 5-hour trip in luxury buses but charges a few dollars more. As the transportation in Esmeraldas is not a problem, like many other African cities you can be assured of a comfortable holiday in this Ecuador town.
Taxis and buses ply in large numbers from Atacames. If you take a taxi from the bus stations in downtown Esmeraldas you can reach Atacames in half an hour. Atacames beach has a very popular nightlife and at the same time a perfect place to rest on a peaceful beach. Foreigners flock to the place April to October, when things are quieter.
The Taxi ride to Atacames is comfortable and faster. During times of high demand, there are often direct buses to Quito from Atacames, but it is advisable to buy your ticket well in advance because the buses get too crowded. Simple accommodations are available right on the ocean front. You can enjoy the glory of the majestic ocean during your stay here.
The Costenita and Del Pacífico local bus lines travel from the market below the main square in Esmeraldas to towns along the coastal roads, Borbon, Atacames, Sua, Same and Muisne. You can plan for a day's trip to any of these cities while enjoying your vacation in Esmeraldas. These buses are cheap, crowded and not so comfortable.They operate at least every half hour until 10pm. Lots of people in Esmeraldas prefer riding on the roof of the buses.Roof riding is a fun way to travel from one destination to the other, but you have to be careful about the scorching equatorial sun and have to keep a watch on your belongings.
TAME Airlines operates daily flights to Esmeraldas from Quito.The flights are comfortable and reasonably charged. You can avail of the boat services from San Lorenzo. Boat services are available by the normal hourly service from the main docks. Boat hiring should be done through Cidesa in Limones or with Manuel in San Lorenzo.
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