Ecuador Car Rental

Ecuador car rental is available and becoming more and more popular. Major cities like Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca have several options. You can also find options in smaller cities or get a car delivered from the nearest big city.

Driving in Ecuador

Driving in Ecuador can be an experience in itself. Alert driving is a must at all times. Inexperienced drivers are everywhere!

There are numerous driving schools and it is a mandatory part of getting a driver's license to attend one of these schools. A big step up from what it had been...

When my dad got his Ecuadorian driver's license back in 1998, he walked into the transportation office and asked what he needed to do. They handed him a test that included crazy questions about Ecuador. Stuff like what's the national bird... I don't know if that exact question was on there, but you get the point. The test had nothing to do with driving. Since he didn't have a clue about these things, they handed him a test that was already filled out. They gave him his license and that was that.

It's not that way anymore. You actually have to learn how to drive before you get on the road. They even give psychiatric evaluations before they will give you a license. So hopefully with time the driving situation will improve.

I recently read a post on a forum about driving in Ecuador. The man was saying how calm and patient the people of Ecuador are...until they get behind the wheel of a car. It is so true! Think you get cut off a lot now? Well you're in for an experience.

With a level head and a healthy dose of confidence, you can drive safely in Ecuador. Keep alert; be overly cautious.

Read my dad's most recent experience driving in Ecuador.

Driving through Guaranda Ecuador

Why Rent a Car?

Ecuador car rental may be a good option if you plan to visit lots of out of the way places. Or if you plan quite a few long haul road trips. The bus system is great, but you can get to where you're going faster in a car.

We recently drove from Ambato to Tena. My husband took the bus with some cargo that wouldn't fit in the car. He left two hours before we did. We got to Tena within a few minutes of each other. A four hour car drive versus six hours on the bus can make having a car worth your time.

Rental Agencies

There are dozens of car rental companies functioning in Ecuador. They offer airport pickup in most cases. You can find lots of info online. We have come to prefer smaller, local companies as you can usually get a good deal.

Simon Car Rental has some great reviews from customers, including us. My dad has rented from several different agencies, but Simon Car Rental was by far the cheapest. Their website is easy to use and gives some good information.

When making an Ecuador car rental inside the country, we make a direct deposit into the company's bank account to secure the reservation. Paying the remainder in cash gets you the best possible price. Credit card payments come with a steep surcharge.

If you're looking for a well known company try Avis, Hertz or Budget.

Ecuador Car Rental Requirements

You must be 25 to rent a car in Ecuador and have a credit card and valid drivers license. Rates range from $30 (US) dollars a day to over $100 a day, depending on the vehicle you choose. Ask about insurance and unlimited kilometers. Check for any damage before leaving with the car and make sure the car comes with an aired up spare tire and jack.

In most cases you are not permitted to drive a rental car outside of Ecuador.

Avoid parking your car with any baggage in sight. If at all possible park in guarded lots.

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