Cars and Driving

Driving in Ecuador can be a challenge for visitors and is not necessarily recommended until one really knows the areas in which one will be driving very well. Road conditions vary and drivers tend to be fairly aggressive. For visitors, it is often better to get to know some local taxi drivers and become regular customers. After one has found a driver one knows and trusts, one can often negotiate hiring the driver even for full day trips.

There are both crosswalks and walk lights where pedestrians can cross. There are also overpasses for those who wish to cross over a highway. A pedestrian is cautioned to look carefully, even when technically having the right of way, and not expect drivers in the cities to stop. In the country, where the driving is more relaxed, one can perhaps be a little less vigilant and expect drivers to yield more readily.