Taking the bus is a really rewarding experience in Ecuador. The prices are very reasonable, roughly $1 per hour, and the views are almost always spectacular. Some people will tell you that you cannot get around without backtracking through Quito, but I had no problems at all.

Otavalo: There are frequent buses to and from Quito at $2 for about 2 hours.

Latacunga: There are frequent buses to and from Quito at $1.50 for about 2 hours. The bus terminal is within walking distance from the center, but around 600m or more. You can also take a taxi for $1.

How are we BOTH fitting on this road?

Chugchilan: There is only one bus a day from Latacunga, leaving at noon and taking around 4 hours ($2.25). It's not really that far, but the road is really bad. It's a gorgeous ride, though, and pretty damn scary.

Quilatoa: From Chugchilan, the bus leaves at 4am ($0.50). According to Lonely Planet, this take 2 hours, but it was only 1 hour when I took it. Be prepared for a very dark, very early arrival. To return to Chugchilan, wait for the bus in the other direction at 2pm or bargain for a camioneta. It's pricey, though, as I could only get them down to $12.

Saquisili: The bus from Chugchilan leaves at 3am. My hotel owner offered me a ride for a similar price ($2) to leave at 4am instead.

Saquisili to Latacunga: There are frequent buses for $0.30.

Banos: There is no direct bus from Latacunga. Take a bus to Ambato ($1) and then another bus to Banos ($0.80). You should arrive in Banos in less than 3 hours.

Cuenca: As far as I know, there is no direct route to Cuenca from Banos. I chose to go through Riobamba. You can take the famous Devil's Nose train from here to Alausi, and then a bus to Cuenca from there. It's an all-day trip. I chose to spend the night in Riobamba instead and take the direct bus to Cuenca. From Banos, take a bus to Ambato, then a bus to Riobamba. Buses from Riobamba to Cuenca leave several times per day at $6 for about 6 hours.

Ingapirca: Buses to Ingapirca leave twice a day, at 9am and sometime in the afternoon, and round-trip costs $5. It takes a little over 2 hours in each direction.

Cajas: Buses to Guayaquil go through Cajas, just ask to make sure. Should cost $2. There is no exact schedule for buses returning to Cuenca, so you will just have to wait on the road and flag one down...it may take a while.

Ayampe: This takes three different buses from Cuenca. Take a bus to Guayaquil, which is fairly pricey at $8 for 5 hours. At Guayaquil you can ask about getting to Ayampe, but most likely you will be taking a bus to Santa Elena ($3). At Santa Elena, you have to transfer to the bus to Ayampe ($3). There are several coastal buses, and some stop around Montañita, so you may be waiting a while for the correct one.

Quito from the coast: There is an 11-hour bus from Puerto Lopez, but I decided that wasn't for me. I flew from Manta at $55 for 45 minutes. It was a splurge, but so worth it.

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