Airports

Major Internationals are in Quito or Guayaquil. From Guayaquil you will be routed thru Quito again!

From Cuenca you are routed thru Quito.

You can also fly from Quito into nearby Manta.*****A taxi from Manta airport takes about 1.5 hours at $45.

There are also car rentals at all the major airports and Manta. Recommended for seasoned traveller/drivers only.

The Manta route is the recommended route. Driving from here is also a little less hectic.

Bus Connections

There are numerous busing options from these centres. The best buses are designated as "Ejecutivo", as they don't stop everywhere and have some security. A bus from Guayaquil takes about 5 hours at $+/-$8.

A bus from Quito takes about 7 hours at +/- $10.

A local bus from Manta takes about 2 hours at $2.50.

Local Buses

Buses run approximately every 20 minutes to and from Playa Azul. Canoa is 3.5km north of Azul. San Vicente is 9.5km south of Azul. Bahia is 14km south from Playa Azul.

When catching buses from Azul, one must be on the appropriate side of the highway - either at the Playa Azul bus stand, or on the opposite side of the highway (watch the traffic!).

Buses must be flagged down. If they don't stop, it is usually a thru bus. Fee to Canoa & San Vicente is $0.50/ person or direct to Bahia is $1 from Azul (or vise-a-versa).

To get off the bus, move to the front of the bus and advise the conductor if getting off at an irregular stop (ie., returning to Playa Azul - “parar en Playa Azul, por favor!” and point for the sign at the side of the road.). It gets easier as you get used to it.

If going to Bahia, the bus will first go to the “depot” in San Vicente. After a few minutes, and some vendors trying to sell you mangos, etc., the bus will continue on to Bahia. If you are going to the new shopping centre, get up after the bus crosses the long bridge and advise the conductor you want to get off at “El Paseo commesariato” or just say "chopping!" (shopping). If you stay on, you will go further south from the Bahia centro/high rise area, to the Bahia bus depot with connections to Portoviejo, Manta and Guayaquil.

If returning by bus from the shopping centre you will want to be at the SW end of the shopping centre where the road turns to go up and onto the bridge, crossing the estuary. Any bus will take you to the San Vicente depot again. From there, be sure the bus continues to Canoa, rather than some other destination!

Taxis

Bahia to San Vicente~$2 - sometimes you can get them for $0.50 if they are returning to their “home base” side (ie., some taxis are based in Bahia, some in San Vicente - easier if you speak Spanish). Bahia to Playa Azul ~ $7 or $8.

Canoa to Playa Azul~$2 to 3 - Most taxis charge more at night - max.$10. Always ask "Cuanto Questa to ?? where ever you are going"

Playa Azul is at km 13, enroute Canoa.