Jessa & Jonathan
FAQs/Answers/Tips
Question
Where should we fly into and how to get to Cuenca?
Answer
Depends what you want to do in Ecuador! If the wedding is the whole shabang, your options are Cuenca (more expensive because not international) or Guayaquil (GYE). In GYE the cheap option is to take the bus ($10) from the bus terminal 5 minutes from the airport. Alianza has several buses leaving every 40 minutes. Make sure the route is via Cajas! If you don't want the bus, you can get a mini van or car that is shared at OperAzuay Tours. Take a taxi from GYU and you can get a shared car or pay more for private. Shared is around $12 per person and you might be with some other people. This ride is from sea level to 8,000+ feet so if you get car sick bring some meds to help. Also, the car DOES NOT STOP. So go to the bathroom! The bus has one for emergencies. Check out this forum for more info on the trip from GYE to Cuenca https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g303845-i3099-k10465555-Need_new_info_on_the_Guayaquil_to_Cuenca_transport_question-Guayaquil_Guayas_Province.html
Question
Is the wedding in Cuenca?
Answer
No. It's in Yungilla, a valley about an hour outside of Cuenca on the way to the coast.
Question
Is Ecuador safe?
Answer
Short answer... yes! It's advisable to not flash iPhones, gold jewelry, or other symbols of having something worth stealing. And of course be very aware of your surroundings especially at night. If you do that, you'll be good! And if you don't, you'll probably be fine as well. Cuenca is very safe aside the random pickpocket, or grab and run.
Question
What's the weather like in Cuenca?
Answer
All the seasons in a single day! Temps can range from upper 40s to 70s in a few hours with some rain and sun in between. We always have a jacket with us, and one that can withstand a lil rain too.
Question
What should we pack?
Answer
Cuenca is a very walkable city so comfortable shoes are a must. It's normal to walk 2 miles a day just getting from place to place! Clothing you can layer. Refillable water bottle (tap water in Cuenca is safe to drink). Swimsuit (dark colored so it doesn't get stained in red mud).
Question
What's the money situation in Ecuador?
Answer
They use the US dollar which makes it easy! Cash Rules Everything Around Me. Dolla dolla bills ya'll. Most businesses use cash only so it's a good idea to always carry cash in small denominations (most people will not accept 50 or 100 dollar bills). Make sure to already have cash with you when you arrive so you can pay for taxis etc. Some places take credit card, but the vast majority of transactions are cash based so plan on that. Also for joint activities, they will not split checks and it makes it much simpler if everyone has cash.