Quito to Lima By Bus - Breaking Up An Overland Journey

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richardmalpass
richardmalpass

My wife and I are looking to travel overland from Quito to Lima in December. There are a few other posts on this issue but they are either old or focus on the journey in the other direction. We know that there are no trains and so a bus is our chosen option (we do not want to fly). Time is not a huge issue and so we would rather break up our journey with some 1-2 day stops on the way. Does anyone have any recommendations about a gradual bus route to Lima with some pleasant stops on the way to break up the long journey? If you could also recommend bus companies or provide any information about websites (English or Spanish), phone numbers or prices then that would be great.

Thanks - Richard

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shoelace
shoelace

I'd suggest a stop for a day or two in Banos, for sure. Also, Cuenca is a charming city and well worth a visit. Both are really pleasant. Having said that, I've taken buses over most of central America and quite a bit of South America.....and the trip between Quito and Lima will absolutely wear you out unless things have drastically changed in the last 5 years.

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klaush
klaush

The obvious place to sleep for a night is the border town in Huaquillas.
Other cities that have large bus stations and many connecting buses to choose from, are
Guayaquil (Ecuador) and Chimbote (Peru).

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helpmeee
helpmeee
In response to #0

Time is not a huge issue and so we would rather break up our journey with some 1-2 day stops on the way. Does anyone have any recommendations about a gradual bus route to Lima with some pleasant stops on the way to break up the long journey?

Research Baños, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Mancora, Chiclayo, Trujillo to see if these cities on the bus route would interest you.

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helpmeee
helpmeee

Huaquillas / Aguas Verdes (Tumbes) had been reputed as the worst border crossing in South America before the new joint Immigration complex (both Ecuador & Peru passport controls are in the same office) was constructed at a different site some years ago. These border towns still are not pleasant, and rife in crime and scams that target tourists. I would not want to spend the night there, again.

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willemspie
willemspie

Chiclayo is a MUST stop for the fantastic museum in Lambayeque. Then Trujillo, for the ruins nearby.

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