Once again we find ourselves in Quito, because all roads in this country lead to Quito, for the arrival of our friend Jessica. We arrived a day early and stayed at Hostal Chicago. Located between the historic district and la Mariscal, the hostel boasts a roof terrace with a commanding view of the city, rooms with private bathrooms, and a pool table in the lobby. We were excited about the hostel until they hit us up with a 22% tax/service fee. We vacated back to the comforts of Posada del Maple in the Mariscal.
Jess didn't get in until midnight so the plan was to bus there to greet her. We were told that the Airport bus departs from Rio Coca for 2 bucks, but they failed to mention that the last bus of the night was 9 pm. We arrived at 920pm to find the only option available for us was to take a green bus to Pifo (.50) and hail a cab the rest of the way ($8.00) or to take a cab from the station for a ghastly $25.00.
We took the very full bus about an hour to Pifo where they dropped us at the side of the road in what was probably not the best part of town. We waved at every car approaching because taxis do not have the roof light we're accustomed to in the states. Finally, one stopped and took us the remaining fifteen minutes to the airport.
We hit the town for some sightseeing. The highlight of the day was the statue of the Virgin Mary on a hill located in the center of Quito. Completed in the 1970s, the Paneciello Virgen watches over Quito standing on a chained serpent. The Virgen is special because she is one of the only depictions of her with wings.
We took a cab up to the statue because guidebooks say the neighborhood on the way up was unsafe, however, we took the stairs back down through what appeared to be an unremarkable, same as anywhere, town. The stairs would be difficult to find if you chose to walk up. They are actually a number of staircases and paths winding through parks and past the beautiful technology college.
QUITO TRANSPORT NOTES:
The airport is 35 km outside of Quito and takes a very long time to get to no matter how you travel. Cabs are 25.00 to and from the airport from La Mariscal or the historical center. The cabs take about 45min without traffic.
For the bus, exit the Rio Coca station to the east. (Not the main exit). Buy airport tickets at silver ticket booth at the end of the platform.The buses are green. After 9pm take bus to Pifo (.50) and hale a cab the rest of the way (8.00).
There are three major terminals in the north and one in the south.
Rio Coca only serves the Quito region.
Terminal Terrestre (north Quito) services most of the northern routes including arrival and departure to Colombia.
Quitombe (south Quito) is the biggest, most modern and best terminal in Quito. It services all of south Ecuador and also has limited routes going north to major destinations.
