Getting Around - Taxi, Car Rental or Trolley
If you're sure you know what you're doing, there are several rental car agencies. When I first arrived in Quito, I only rode taxis. Why not? For two dollars or less, I could explore wherever I wanted in my neighborhood and all the way to the shopping malls! From the airport to my bed and breakfast was quoted as $8.00. A van from the same place picked me up, luggage and all, at no cost. From my apartment to the airport is only $8.00, but I'd rather pay it to Angel who gives me extra special service, and, of course, I give him a very special tip. I quickly discovered that not all cabs are alike. Radio taxis and/or those with a meter are a must. A big number has to be visible to the outside on the windshield. The company name is on the side. There are over 8,800 registered, licensed taxicab companies competing. Those with no number are not registered or licensed and don't have a meter. Most places I've gone to, and that's a lot of places, cost me under $3.00. Ask the driver before you get in. He'll either give you a quote or tell you he has a meter. I once got in a cab without a meter without thinking. Not only was I left at the wrong place and had to walk a long way, but I was overcharged. No number on the windshield can be dangerous. There have been incidents of robbery in this scenario. I'm not brave enough, nor do I know the system well enough to drive a rental in the city. Drivers cut in all the time with a mere honk of the horn. They tell me the law is always on the side of the locals. Rush hour in the historic center is horrendous. Vehicles have the right of way, so pedestrians have expressed being afraid of being flattened! Drivers, though, are very courteous as a rule. They'll honk! That's why walking or the trole is how I scurry around except that the trole can be packed too tight for comfort, but the wait is short for the next one. I shared a cab with two other people from Otavalo to Quito, and the cost was about $8.00. Taxi Lago on Flores 9-24 y Sanchez y Cifuentes is the cab to take you out of the city. A regular city taxi will deliver you there. For getting around the countryside, you probably do need a car rental unless, of course, you take a group tour. With all there is to see and do in Ecuador, it's well worth it, and even renting a car, I strongly stress to opt for group travel. Car rentals online start at $150 a week for manual transmission. If you rent one at the airport, depending on availability, I recommend checking before you leave.
Personally, taxis or the trole serve me for short trips, but my preference is Huayras Expeditions tours for getting around, and I leave the driving to the angel of a guide, Angel Rea.
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