The myriads of bus lines in...
The myriads of bus lines in Ecuador are the most convenient way of travelling across the country. For the longest journeys, like Quito to Guayaquil (over 10 hours in bus), I recommend taking a TAME flight, which costs around US$45. TAME operates mostly Boeing 727 but they seem in good condition. In any case, nothing is more dangerous than taking the bus! Some drivers are complete lunatics! Our first trip from Quito to Ambato finished abruptly when the bus smashed into a jeep that was pulling out of a restaurant. No serious injuries but some pretty frightened passengers and a useless bus. These vehicles also have a tendency to break down at the most horrid places and times, like in the middle of nowhere between Alausi and Cuenca, surrounded by the mist just before a bend in the road! The driver (bless him) fixed the engine in two hours of highly folkloric work under the rain! Another good...
