To Quito Without Cuenca


Trip Highlights & What’s Included

Trip Highlights

  • Spend some time exploring Cerro Santa Ana and the Las Peñas neighborhood, one of Ecuador’s most picturesque and culturally-rich areas –Guayaquil
  • Take in views of the extraordinary Chimborazo Volcano, the highest mountain in Ecuador and the point on Earth closest to space (due to the bulge of the equator) – Riobamba
  • Catch the famous Devil’s Nose Train, considered one of the most scenic train routes in the worlds – Alausí
  • Ride the “Swing at the End of the World” where you can look out at the epic Mt. Tungurahua Volcano and the vast Ecuadorian wilderness below – Baños
  • Visit a lookout point for the incredible Quilotoa Lagoon, located inside the crater of an active volcano – Quilotoa
  • Toachi Canyon is a small, gorgeous canyon that is missed by many travelers. We’ll get off the beaten track and make a brief stop here to take some photos and appreciate an exquisite view of the Ecuadorian countryside – Toachi Canyon
  • See the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, one of Ecuador’s most famous sights and one of the highest volcanoes in the world – Cotopaxi

What’s Included

  • 7 stop Hop-on, Hop-off pass allowing you to stay as long at each stop as you like, or follow our recommended plan to do everything at a perfect pace! (still not sure how Ecuador Hop works? Click here to learn more)
  • On board local Ecuadorian expert who will give tips, advice, and can help book tours, accommodation and more
  • All local taxes, fees and service charges – no hidden fees or tipping requests like other companies
  • Local customer service team accessible via email and phone for any issue

Book With Confidence

You are able to change your departure dates at no extra cost if you were to change your plans.

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Stop By Stop Information

The To Quito Without Cuenca pass is broken down to 3 Hopstages:

Below you’ll see each of those hopstages individually, where you’ll know what to do, recommended number of nights and more!

Hopstage 1 : Montañita to Guayaquil

Bus Details

Departures are every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Pick up from all hotels and hostels in central Montañita.

Bus starts pickups between 2:30pm – 3:00pm. Your pick up time will be on your confirmation once you put your hotel/hostel.

Top Things To Do In Guayaquil

  • Visit Guayaquil’s famous boardwalk, the Malecón 2000, which runs past some of the city’s most famous sites as well as many restaurants and stores.
  • Walk through the Guayaquil Historic Park, where you can see relics from the city’s history as well as some of the area’s native wildlife.
  • Explore Cerro Santa Ana and the Las Peñas neighborhood, whose scenic views and colorful buildings make it one of the city’s most impressive areas.
  • Take the opportunity to visit some of the city’s many museums.
  • Tour the nearby Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco, a large protected natural area of tropical dry forest where you can spot many types of exotic wildlife.

Recommended Number Of Nights In Guayaquil

We recommend spending at least 2 nights in Guayaquil. For travelers who are planning to visit the Galapagos Islands while in Ecuador, Guayaquil is the best place to catch a flight. For help on planning the Galapagos Islands tour, which is easily incorporated into your Ecuador Hop itinerary, make sure to check out our Galapagos Islands guide.

As always, if you love Guayaquil, you can hop off and stay as long as you want! You can decide this up to 12 hours before the next bus!

Hopstage 2 : Guayaquil to Baños

Bus Details

Departures are every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Primax Terminal Terreste Gas Station: Just 1 minute walking distance to Guayaquil Bus Terminal and International Airport. Click here for directions to our meeting point.

Buses depart at 6pm sharp.

Top Things To Do In Baños

  • Wander around one of South America’s most beautiful cities and appreciate the lovely colonial architecture.
  • Take a hike in the incredible El Cajas National Park, a natural protected area home to cloud forest ecosystems and diverse flora and fauna.
  • Visit the Ingapirca Archaeological Complex and experience the largest Inca ruins in all of Ecuador.
  • Stroll through Cuenca’s colorful flower market, considered one of the best in the world.

Recommended Number Of Nights In Baños

We recommend spending at least 2 nights in Baños. Whether you prefer a canyoning expedition in the jungle or a day in the hot tub (or maybe both), Baños has something for everybody and that’s why it’s one of Ecuador’s best destinations.

As always, if you love Baños, you can hop off and stay as long as you want! You can decide this up to 12 hours before the next bus!

Hopstage 3 : Baños to Quilotoa to Cotopaxi to Quito

Bus Details

Departures are everyday.

Meeting point in Paracas is Library at Juan Montalvo Park (Located on Calle Juan Montalvo between 16 de Diciembre and 12 de Noviembre).

Buses depart at 1pm sharp.

Top Things To Do In Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, & Quito

  • Things to do in Cotopaxi:
  • See the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, one of Ecuador’s most famous sights and one of the highest volcanoes in the world
  • Things to do in Quilotoa:
  • Visit a lookout point for the incredible Quilotoa Lagoon, located inside the crater of an active volcano.
  • Things to do in Quito:
  • Buckle into one of the highest and longest cable cars on the planet.
  • Visit the National Museum of Ecuador which holds art, history and sculptures.
  • Stand right in the middle of the earth at the Mitad de Mundo monument. You can also get your passport stamped while you’re there, so don’t forget it!

Recommended Number Of Nights In Quito

We recommend spending at least 2 nights in Quito. You can spend some time exploring the city’s historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), visit the Mitad del Mundo monument marking the equator, or catch onward flights to the Galápagos and other destinations.

As always, if you love Guayaquil, you can hop off and stay as long as you want! You can decide this up to 12 hours before the next bus!

Book With Confidence

You are able to change your departure dates at no extra cost if you were to change your plans.

Book Now

Bus Timetable

Buses operate EVERYDAY in EVERY direction.

You can choose where our bus will pick you up in our booking system.

Follow our recommended plan here or hop on and hop off as much as you like

HOPSTAGE 1
Montañita to Guayaquil Wed/Fri/Sun
Montañita (Depart) 03:00 PM
Guayaquil (Arrive) 06:00 PM

Main activities in Guayaquil:
Exploring some of the city’s different neighborhoods and historic sights.

HOPSTAGE 2
Guayaquil to Baños Wed/Fri/Sun
Guayaquil (Depart) 06:00 PM
Baños (Arrive) 06:00 AM (next day)

Main activities in Baños:
Visiting the Swing at the End of the World, riding a cable car over the Pastaza River, enjoying the natural scenery, plus outdoor activities like zip-lining, cycling, or rafting.

HOPSTAGE 3
Baños to Quito Every day
Baños (Depart) 01:00 PM
Quilotoa Lagoon Viewpoint 04:00 PM
Quito (Arrive) 08:30 PM

Note about Quilotoa:
All buses visit a lookout point to observe the Quilotoa Lagoon before continuing on to Baños. Departures at Quilotoa are only for those who wish to take a full tour of the Quilotoa Lagoon.

Cotopaxi:
Departures at Cotopaxi are only for those planning to take a full tour of Cotopaxi National Park.

Book With Confidence

You are able to change your departure dates at no extra cost if you were to change your plans.

Book Now

Important Info & Notes

Who is this pass perfect for?

Departure Days

SUNDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY

Time of Departure

03:00 PM

Pick up Location

Any hotel/hostel in central Montañita.

Minimum Time Needed

4 Days / 3 Nights

Price

$119


24, 24 & 31 DEC + 1 JAN - CHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS BREAK

We will be taking a short break at the end of December for Christmas and New Year. We do this to give our bus drivers and guides time to spend with their families during these special holidays. As a business, we know this may disappoint some travelers, but we care about our employees the same way we care about our passengers and want to give them a well-deserved rest.

NO BUS ON: 24, 24 & 31 DEC & 1 JAN

IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure you check the bus timetables for each pass as not all routes have daily departures.

28 - 31 MARCH 2024: EASTER WEEKEND

Easter weekend holidays: Hostel and tour prices increase in this period. We will not be able to assist you with booking any accommodation during this period. Please book in advance.

9 & 10 AUGUST 2024: ECUADORIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

Biggest public holidays of the year. Hostel and tour prices increase in this period. We will not be able to assist you with booking any accommodation during this period. Please book in advance.

Book With Confidence

You are able to change your departure dates at no extra cost if you were to change your plans.

Book Now

Our Buses

Ecuador Hop – #1 Bus Company In Ecuador

As well as an unbeatable safety record, Ecuador Hop is also famous for its punctuality and comfort. In South America, where things often run later than scheduled, we are very proud to say we achieve a 98.5% on-time arrival for each trip.

If comparing Ecuador Hop to other bus companies, make sure you check their safety record, past accidents, as well as their Tripadvisor page (if they even bother to have one) as often you will find there is a reason why some bus companies have “cheaper” prices than Peru Hop.

Features Of Our Buses

Short Distance Buses

  • Modern bus models: We use only up-to-date, well-maintained and high-quality buses to ensure top safety standards and comfort (this is not always a guarantee in Ecuador).
  • Climate control: We make sure the temperature is comfortable for everyone on board.
  • Highest quality brake and suspension system: Our high-quality buses will get you to your destination as smoothly and comfortably as possible.
  • GPS monitoring system: We monitor location and vehicle speed from our headquarters, ensuring your safety.
  • USB ports available: Charge your mobile phone or tablet on board the bus!

Long Distance Buses

  • Modern bus models: We use brand new, state-of-the-art buses with all the latest technology.
  • Semi-bed reclining seats: All with sponge foam pads for added comfort.
  • Modern and clean toilet: Unlike public buses that often have dirty facilities or no bathroom at all, our buses all come with modern, regularly-cleaned toilets.
  • High-tech temperature-controlled air system: We make sure the temperature is never too hot or too cold.
  • LCD TV sets: Sit back and pass the long hours of travel watching some English-language movies
  • Highest quality brake and suspension system: Our high-quality vehicles will get you to your destination as smoothly and comfortably as possible.
  • Blankets for every passenger: Each seat comes with blankets, so you’ll be able to relax and get some sleep on longer journeys.
  • GPS monitoring system: We monitor location and vehicle speed from our headquarters, ensuring your safety.
  • USB ports on every seat: Don’t stress about charging your mobile phone or tablet. You’ll be able to charge all your devices right at your seat!

Bus Safety Controls

  • Large team of drivers: Our drivers are not overworked/tired as is often the case on other buses.
  • Tour guide onboard: Our tour guide does regular checks on the drivers.
  • Seatbelts: We have a seatbelt for every passenger and ask our passengers to wear them at all times.
  • 24 hour GPS monitoring: Every bus is monitored from a secure point via GPS…we always know where the bus is and if it is taking any unscheduled stops.
  • Constant contact: The drivers and the guide communicate continuously by telephone with the Peru Hop office.
  • No tight deadlines: Our drivers are under NO pressure to arrive at a certain time, no need for increased speed or unnecessary risks.

Book With Confidence

You are able to change your departure dates at no extra cost if you were to change your plans.

Book Now